Recruitment consultants are responsible for attracting candidates for vacancies that are best suited to their abilities in temporary or permanent positions.

N Written by Navdeep

Find out more

FAQs

FAQs

What does a Recruitment consultant do?

The role involves:

Using sales, business development, marketing strategies and networking to attract business from client companies
Visiting clients to build and develop positive relationships with them
Developing a good understanding of client companies, e.g. their industry, their function, work culture and environment
Advertising vacancies by drafting and placing adverts in a range of media, e.g. newspapers, websites and magazines
Using social media to advertise positions and attract candidates
Headhunting
Using candidate databases to match candidates to appropriate jobs
Receiving and reviewing applications, running interviews and tests
Requesting references
Briefing candidates about the responsibilities of the role, salary and benefits
Preparing CVs and correspondence ready to forward on to clients
Organising interviews
Providing unsuccessful candidates with feedback via telephone.
Negotiating pay and salary between clients and candidates
Working towards and exceeding targets
Reviewing recruitment policies to ensure that you are attracting the correct candidates using a selection of techniques and recruitment programmes

What skills and interests should an Recruitment consultant have?

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Great sales and negotiation skills
Goal and target driven
An ability to multitask
Problem-solving abilities
The ability to meet tight deadlines
Determination
Confidence and self-motivation
Great time management skills
Creativity

What hours does a Recruitment consultant typically do?

Typical work hours are 9am to 5pm, but early starts and evenings can be expected.

What environment is a Recruitment consultant based in?

Typically you will work in an office.

How much does a Recruitment consultant travel?

Travel within the working day is not uncommon as you may be required to meet with clients.

How much does a Recruitment consultant get paid?

Trainee recruitment consultants typically start on an annual salary of £15,000 to £20,000. The average salary for a recruitment consultant is around £22,000 to £28,000, with senior consultants earning between £28,000 and £35,000.

Managers with 10 to 15 years experience can earn £40,000+.

With bonuses and commission included, the total average salary can increase to £38,000 for consultants and £60,000+ for managers.

Perks & benefits

Bonuses or commission
Training
A company car
Mobile phones
Laptops
Pension schemes
Team drinks
Social functions
End-of-year rewards

What qualifications does a Recruitment consultant need?

A degree of any discipline is the minimum requirement for a recruitment consultants roles.

Useful subjects to study at school & university

English
Business
Business Management
Media
Communications