Recruitment Consultant

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings attending events or appointments

How To Become a Recruitment Consultant

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly

College / University

As a graduate it's possible to enter recruitment with any degree, although some employers may prefer a subject related to the industry, like:

human resources
marketing
public relations

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship as a recruitment consultant.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start as an office assistant in a recruitment agency and work your way up through on-the-job training and promotion.

You could apply directly to become a recruitment consultant as experience is highly valued by employers. With the right skills and attitude you could still enter this job without a degree.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of human resources and employment law
administration skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to work on your own
business management skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties might include:

‘cold calling’ companies to generate new business
interviewing and testing job seekers, to create a pool of people ready to fill vacancies
matching candidates to suitable jobs
screening and shortlisting candidates before employers interview them
meeting targets for the number of vacancies taken or the number of people placed into jobs
keeping records of clients, employers and vacancies
negotiating your agency’s fees
‘headhunting' – finding and approaching candidates for executive or specialist jobs

Working Environment

You could work in an office.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

You could develop your understanding of the recruitment industry by getting some experience. Whether you're studying or looking for work, you could try:

work experience
internships
temporary employment

Getting relevant work experience in areas like marketing, sales or public relations can also help you develop some of the skills needed for this role.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Whatever your qualifications, you'll be expected to have great sales skills and be able to communicate with people at many different levels.

You'll also need to have excellent customer service and teamworking skills.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Recruitment Professionals, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a recruitment consultant from the Institute of Recruitment Professionals and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.