Organizations aim to recruit and hire the most qualified people, and try to ensure the best possible fit between the employee and the job. Job recruiters perform the function of recruiting suitable employees, handling employee benefits and interviewing and hiring new staff in accordance with policies determined by top management. They also consult with top executives regarding strategic planning. Recruiters maintain contacts with the community and visit various places to search for promising job applicants. Their job includes screening, interviewing and occasionally testing applicants. They also have to check references and extend job offers. Job recruiters should be thoroughly familiar with the organization and its human resource policies since they have to discuss wages, working conditions and promotional opportunities with the prospective employees.
Job Recruiters Schools and Degrees
The educational backgrounds of job recruiters vary considerably, reflecting the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility. Many colleges and universities offer programs leading to a degree in personnel, human resources or labor relations. Depending on the school, courses leading to a career in job recruitment are offered by the departments of business administration, education, instructional technology, organizational development, human services, communication or public administration. There might also be a separate human resources institution or department.
Since an interdisciplinary background is appropriate in this field, a combination of courses in the social sciences, business and behavioral sciences is helpful. The Society for Human Resource Management offers two levels of certification, a Professional certificate in Human Resources and a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Most organizations specializing in human resources offer classes intended to enhance the skills of their members. Some organizations offer certification programs, which indicate the competency and credibility level of an individual, and can enhance one's career opportunities.
Job Requirements
Prior experience is a benefit for job recruiters and is essential for advanced positions. Entry-level workers who have gained some experience through an internship or work-study program in school are also preferred by many employers. The ability to work with individuals as well as a commitment to organizational goals are also required for job recruiters. Skills like using computers, selling, teaching and supervising are also valuable.
Other requisites for job recruiters are effective speaking and writing skills, and the ability to supervise people with various cultural backgrounds, levels of education and experience. They should be able to cope with conflicting points of view, function under pressure and demonstrate discretion, integrity, fair-mindedness and a persuasive, congenial personality.
Nature of Work
Job recruiters mostly work in clean, pleasant and comfortable office settings. Those working as arbitrators and mediators may work out of their homes. Job recruiters might have to attend professional meetings and visit colleges to interview prospective employees. Recruiters generally work for 35 to 40 hours a week. However, longer hours might be needed under certain circumstances.
Job Recruiters Jobs and Outlook
According to research, job recruiters held about 868,000 jobs in the US in 2006. Overall employment is projected to grow by 17 percent during the next ten years. Employment is the highest in the following industries:
Employment Services
Local Government
Management of Companies and Enterprises
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services
State Government
The mean hourly wage for job recruiters in the US is about $25.34, while mean annual wages are around $52,710.
Job Numbers and Growth
About 197,000 job recruiters are employed nationally. Workers can expect a low level of unemployment, if history can be used as a guide. In 2008, 3% of employees could not find jobs.
Area Job Conditions
Popular locations for job recruiters include Omaha (Nebraska), Portsmouth (New Hampshire), and Battle Creek (Michigan). Fewer are found in Waco (Texas), Naples (Florida), and Salinas (California).
Workers looking for high salaries should look at Decatur (Illinois), Fort Walton Beach (Florida), and San Francisco (California), and should avoid Hot Springs (Arkansas), Lake Charles (Louisiana), and Coeur d'Alene (Idaho).
Training and Education
Employees often obtain a bachelor's degree before starting. The percentage of job recruiters with college degrees is 56%. Workers with some college (less than a bachelor's degree) represent about 30% of the total. Some employees, about 14%, had a high-school education. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.
Part-Time Work and Self-Employment
Part-time job recruiters are 8% of all surveyed. Some workers, about 2%, work for themselves.
Job Recruiters by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)
In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.
Schools recommended for people interested in this career. Request info with quick online forms. These particular schools are noted for getting back to people fast.