What does a Recruitment Consultant do?
A Recruitment Consultant works in a recruitment agency to source appropriate candidates for vacant job positions that client companies and businesses need filling. Recruitment Consultants are responsible for shortlisting candidates with the right skills, qualifications and experience to be successful in the given role. They source candidates for casual, short term or long term employment across a range of industries, from permanent office jobs to temporary cover in warehouses and other industries. Recruitment Consultants strive to develop lasting relationships with their clients to ensure continued business opportunities.
Recruitment Consultant skills and qualifications
Recruitment Consultants require expert knowledge of recruitment processes with sales, communication and interpersonal skills. Recruitment Consultants need to be goal orientated and focused on targets to succeed in the role. A successful Recruitment Consultant candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that can include:
- Up to date knowledge of employment law, including discrimination and gender equality laws
- Up to date knowledge of employment documentation, including P45s and employment contracts
- Ability to negotiate favourable contracts between the recruitment agency, employers and employees
- Knowledge of job hunting websites and the best places to post job advertisements
- Ability to source new business leads before developing opportunities
- Ability to sell the benefits of a company or job to a potential applicant
- Ability to sell the skills and expertise of a candidate to a potential employer
- Ability to use databases, including spreadsheets
Recruitment Consultant experience requirements
Recruitment Consultants require at least two years of experience working in a sales or customer-facing role. Employers can prioritise candidates with proven experience exceeding sales targets and developing business relationships, even if it’s not directly related to recruitment. Employers can also prioritise candidates who have worked in human resources roles, such as Administrative Assistant or a Payroll Assistant. Senior Recruitment Consultants require at least three years of experience gained from working in the recruitment sector, ideally in a leadership role.
Recruitment Consultant education and training requirements
Recruitment Consultants need strong GCSE’s and A-level results in English and maths as an essential requirement. Usually, employers look for candidates with degree-level education. For general recruitment agencies, employers look for the candidate’s attitude and character instead of a degree. They also value strong results, which demonstrate an aptitude for hard work and learning. Employers can also consider applicants without formal education who have gained experience in sales through on the job training. Recruitment Consultants employed in specific niches, such as engineering recruitment or recruitment for pharmacies, often need a degree in that subject.
Recruitment Consultant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Recruitment Consultant is £24,047 per year. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
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