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How to become a recruiter?

Tell us everything we need to know to become a recruiter!

Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.

career human-resources recruiting recruiter
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Melissa’s Answer

Starting as a Recruiting Coordinator or in an entry-level HR or office manager position is a fantastic way to join a company and learn about becoming a Recruiter. Many of my friends began as Sourcers and then advanced to Recruiting roles.
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Yewon’s Answer

Becoming a recruiter can be an exciting career path for those who enjoy working with people and matching talent with organizational needs. Although a specific degree isn’t always required, having a bachelor’s degree in fields like human resources, business administration, or psychology is often beneficial. Starting with entry-level HR positions can provide foundational experience. Key skills for success include communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities, alongside organizational skills and attention to detail. Familiarity with recruiting tools like applicant tracking systems and job boards can be gained through courses or on-the-job training. Networking through industry events and platforms like LinkedIn is crucial, as is seeking recruiter-specific roles to specialize in recruiting practices. Pursuing certifications such as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) , SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP can further solidify your expertise. Staying updated on industry trends through ongoing learning will ensure long-term success in the ever-evolving field of recruitment. Good luck and wish you the very best for your future career!
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Bethany’s Answer

There are several ways to break into recruiting, but my own path started in retail. As a retail supervisor, I was responsible for interviewing candidates and making hiring decisions, which sparked my interest in talent acquisition. From there, I transitioned into a staffing role, which I believe is one of the more accessible entry points into recruiting. While staffing can be intense, it's a great way to learn the fundamentals quickly. Many larger staffing firms—like Kforce—offer robust training programs that set you up for success. That experience gave me the foundation to move into corporate recruiting.
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Lindsay’s Answer

Start by understanding what recruiters actually do, it's not just finding resumes. It’s about building relationships, understanding business needs, and matching the right people to the right roles. A good way to get into recruiting is to look for entry-level roles like recruiting coordinator, sourcing specialist, or even agency recruiter roles — those can be great training grounds! If you have experience in sales, customer service, or HR, you already have a lot of skills that can be transferable to the role!
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John’s Answer

If you have an outgoing personality and like to cold call candidates would start by looking for a Recruiter role that offers training. Training is crucial. Thick skin as well when you hear I am not interested. Usually working for a National Recruiting Agency is a good starting point. If you do not have a profile on Linkedin that is a great start. I have recruited throughout my career, and it is very satisfying knowing you helped someone land a job they are interested in!!
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Ingrid’s Answer

I became a recruiter by starting in a staffing agency, filling light industrial, hospitality, and construction roles, and that hands-on experience taught me the basics fast. But there are also very simple ways to get into recruiting if you’re just starting out. One easy path is becoming a recruiting coordinator, where your main job is scheduling interviews, talking to candidates, and keeping things organized. You can also look for entry-level recruiter roles that only require basic skills like good phone etiquette, communication, and being comfortable working with people. These beginner positions help you learn how hiring works and can quickly lead to more advanced recruiting roles. You don’t need a special degree to become a recruiter. You just need people skills, curiosity, and the willingness to start in an entry-level job and grow from there.
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Lindsay’s Answer

Improve your LinkedIn profile and expand your connections. Recruiters spend a lot of time in LinkedIn, so having a strong profile is essential. Connect with people you know in the field, as referrals are valuable.

Start with an entry-level position like Recruiting Coordinator or in a high-volume recruiting environment. Look for companies known for good training and clear career paths. Ask about these during your interview.

While a degree in Human Resources is helpful, it's not necessary. Great recruiters come from diverse backgrounds like hospitality, business development, or sports management.

Remember, recruiting involves more than just finding and interviewing candidates. You need to be organized, adaptable, friendly, and professional. Managing relationships and handling lots of administrative work are some of the toughest parts of the job.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day CVOH!

How to Become a Recruiter

Becoming a recruiter is an exciting career path that involves helping organizations find and hire the right talent. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pursue this profession, including necessary skills, education, and steps to enter the field.

1. Understand the Role of a Recruiter

Recruiters are responsible for identifying, attracting, and selecting candidates for job openings within organizations. They work closely with hiring managers to understand job requirements and company culture, develop job descriptions, source candidates through various channels (such as job boards, social media, and networking), conduct interviews, and facilitate the hiring process.

2. Educational Background

While there is no specific degree required to become a recruiter, having a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, psychology, or a related field can be beneficial. These programs often cover essential topics such as organizational behavior, employment law, and recruitment strategies.

3. Gain Relevant Experience

Experience in human resources or sales can provide valuable skills applicable to recruiting. Many recruiters start their careers in HR roles or as sales representatives where they develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Internships or entry-level positions in HR departments can also provide practical experience.

4. Develop Key Skills

Successful recruiters possess several key skills:

Communication Skills: Ability to clearly convey information and listen actively.
Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with candidates and hiring managers.
Organizational Skills: Managing multiple job openings and candidate pipelines efficiently.
Negotiation Skills: Facilitating offers between candidates and employers.
Analytical Skills: Assessing candidate qualifications against job requirements.

5. Networking

Building a professional network is crucial in recruiting. Attend industry events, join professional organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), or participate in online forums related to recruiting. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities and potential job leads.

6. Consider Certification

While not mandatory, obtaining certifications can enhance your credibility as a recruiter. Certifications such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Certified Recruitment Professional (CRP) demonstrate your commitment to the profession and knowledge of best practices.

7. Stay Updated on Industry Trends

The recruitment landscape is constantly evolving due to technology advancements and changing workforce dynamics. Staying informed about trends such as remote work policies, diversity hiring initiatives, and new recruitment technologies will help you remain competitive in the field.

8. Apply for Recruiting Positions

Once you feel prepared with education and experience, start applying for recruiting positions. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the roles you are targeting.

9. Continuous Learning

Recruiting is an ongoing learning process; consider taking courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera that focus on advanced recruiting techniques or specific tools used in applicant tracking systems (ATS).

By following these steps diligently while continuously improving your skills and expanding your network within the industry, you can successfully establish yourself as a competent recruiter.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): A leading organization providing resources for HR professionals including guidelines on best practices in recruitment.

LinkedIn Talent Solutions Blog: Offers insights into current trends in recruiting along with tips from industry experts on effective recruitment strategies.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides comprehensive data on job outlooks for recruiters along with educational requirements and salary information.

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Leigh’s Answer

Start your recruiting career at an agency or firm. Begin with an entry-level role as a recruiting coordinator, where you'll help with scheduling interviews and creating offers. Another option is to become a sourcer or researcher, where you'll find candidates and gather market data, possibly even screening candidates. Both roles are great for growth. Also, consider getting certifications to boost your job prospects. Good luck!
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John’s Answer

Hi there!

Writing here as a former recruiter for hospitals with multiple family members who are in the recruiting industry...

While a background in customer service or communications may help, there are lots of opportunities to become a recruiter with very little experience. Look for companies who are always recruiting and find out what agencies they use to fill positions. Reach out to those agencies and let them know you'd like to become a recruiter. Much of the time you'll be calling and emailing potential candidates looking for leads. You might also spend some time working with databases with lists of candidates.

If there's a particular company you'd like to work with, recruit for, or an industry you'd like to be involved with, look for job postings for recruiter roles and take a look at the qualifications or preferred experience listed there. This will give you an idea of the steps you can take to become a top candidate.

I hope this helps!
All the best,

-John
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Victoria’s Answer

I volunteered in a hospital's HR department, which taught me about various roles and their functions. I discovered a strong interest in recruiting. I began shadowing recruiters and later became a recruiter assistant, helping to schedule interviews. After a year of taking on more projects and gaining experience, I secured a position. If you're interested, consider volunteering or exploring staffing agencies. They often hire people with little experience if they have good soft skills. You'll gain valuable experience and learn a lot.
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Kayla’s Answer

I began my career in recruiting by working as a Recruiting Coordinator. This entry-level job involves helping to schedule interviews for recruiters. It's a common starting point for those aiming to become recruiters. Although it requires hard work, it's an excellent choice for recent college graduates who want to move into a recruiter role eventually.
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Dr’s Answer

Ah, the world of recruiting! 🌟 As a recruiter, you're basically the matchmaker of the job world. You find the perfect candidates for companies and help people land their dream roles. If you’re thinking about stepping into this field, here's everything you need to know to become a recruiter:

1. Understand the Basics: What Does a Recruiter Do?

At the heart of recruiting, your main job is to connect people with the right jobs. Here are your key tasks:

Sourcing candidates: You find and approach potential job seekers, usually through job boards, LinkedIn, networking, or even cold calls (yes, you get to be a bit of a detective).

Screening applicants: You’ll review resumes, conduct interviews, and assess whether a candidate is a good fit for a role.

Coordinating with hiring managers: You’re constantly in touch with companies to understand what they need and to match candidates accordingly.

Negotiating offers: Once you find the perfect fit, you’ll often be involved in negotiating the terms of the job offer. 💼


2. Skills You’ll Need:

To succeed as a recruiter, you’ll need a mix of people skills, organization, and persistence. Here's the breakdown:

Communication: You'll be speaking with lots of people, so you need to be clear, friendly, and persuasive. Can you keep a conversation going and build trust? Perfect! You’re halfway there. 💬

Active Listening: You need to hear what a candidate is really saying and understand their aspirations, not just their skills. 👂👂

Organizational Skills: Juggling multiple roles, candidates, and schedules? Oh, yeah, you’ll need to stay organized! 🗂️

Persuasion: As a recruiter, you need to sell candidates to employers and companies to candidates. Think of yourself as the ultimate pitch person. 🎤

Patience: Recruiting is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Be ready for some long searches before you land the right match. ⏳


3. Education:

While you don’t need a specific degree to be a recruiter, a background in business, human resources, psychology, or communication can definitely help. 🌱

Recommended Paths:

Bachelor's degree: A lot of recruiters have a degree in human resources or related fields, but it's not mandatory. It just gives you an advantage.

Certifications: Consider getting certified through organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). These certifications show you're serious about recruiting and help boost your credibility.


4. Types of Recruiting:

Recruiting isn't a one-size-fits-all type of job. There are several different types:

Corporate Recruiters: These work in-house at a company and handle the hiring process for that company. You’d be focusing on hiring for a specific organization.

Agency Recruiters: You work for a staffing agency and place candidates with various companies. You have a wider pool of clients to work with but also more pressure to fill roles quickly.

Executive Recruiters (Headhunters): These folks deal with high-level roles and usually work with senior-level executives. It’s a highly specialized and often more lucrative field.

Technical Recruiters: This is a subcategory where you focus on hiring engineers, IT professionals, and tech talent. 🚀


5. Gaining Experience:

To break into recruiting, you’ll want to start gaining experience early:

Start as a recruitment coordinator: You’ll be assisting experienced recruiters in screening candidates, scheduling interviews, and managing candidate pipelines.

Internships: A great way to get a foot in the door! Interning at a recruiting firm or in the HR department of a large company will give you first-hand experience.

Sales Experience: If you don’t have a recruiting background, sales experience can help. Recruiters often need to pitch candidates and sell job opportunities, so sales skills are incredibly valuable. 💼💪


6. Tools You’ll Use:

Recruiting is very much a tech-driven job nowadays. You’ll use various tools to find and communicate with candidates:

LinkedIn: The goldmine for finding potential candidates.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Software that helps manage job applicants and their information.

Job Boards: Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or specialized job boards help you find candidates.

CRM Software: Like Salesforce, which helps you manage your candidate and client relationships.


7. How to Break In:

If you're new to recruiting, here's a roadmap:

Network: Get yourself known in the industry. Attend recruiting or HR events, online webinars, or even LinkedIn groups related to recruiting. Networking is everything.

Start small: Begin with entry-level roles like Recruiting Assistant or Sourcing Specialist to get your foot in the door. From there, work your way up as you gain experience.

Join Recruiting Agencies: Many agencies offer training for aspiring recruiters. Plus, agencies often hire new recruiters and train them on the job.


8. Salary and Career Growth:

The salary for recruiters can vary depending on the type of recruiting and location:

Entry-level recruiters: $40K-$50K per year (depending on location and industry).

Experienced recruiters: $60K-$80K per year.

Top-tier recruiters (especially in executive recruiting): $100K+ with commissions.


And as for growth—recruiting can be highly lucrative with the right experience. You can become an HR Director or move into consulting, or even start your own recruitment firm if you’re entrepreneurial. 🚀


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Final Thoughts (With Fun!):

Becoming a recruiter is like playing matchmaker—but instead of finding someone the love of their life, you're finding people their dream jobs! 💖💼 If you're good at talking, a natural when it comes to connecting people, and have the ability to stay organized, then recruiting might be your perfect fit.

So, go ahead, make some matches, and let the career matchmaking magic begin! ✨💼
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Sasha’s Answer

A good place to start is with a recruiting agency. These jobs focus on metrics and results, so you'll quickly learn effective recruiting methods.

Since it's possible that you'll land in a more general HR role, as others have mentioned, you can focus on a wider certification, like Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Senior Certified Professional.

Another exciting role is Sourcing, where you actively find great candidates instead of waiting for them to apply. This entry-level position gives you experience in all parts of recruiting, from screening to hiring. To stand out, learn about using AI to identify the skills needed for various roles. This field is growing fast and will be important in future hiring. Using AI can make finding candidates quicker and more effective, but be mindful of bias in AI. For more information, check out the 2025 Axe-con agenda (https://www.deque.com/axe-con/schedule/), a free resource and this article (https://www.reuters.com/article/world/insight-amazon-scraps-secret-ai-recruiting-tool-that-showed-bias-against-women-idUSKCN1MK0AG/)

Recruiters use LinkedIn and various HR systems, so it's helpful to learn about these tools too (for example Greenhouse).

As you advance, think about specializing in a specific area like Tech recruiting, which can be more rewarding financially if you develop the applicable skills.
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Theresa’s Answer

There are a lot of recruiting agencies and that's a good place to start. They may have training programs available and also may have entry-level positions (such as recruiting assistant or some types of sourcing roles) so you can start off that way. You can reach out and connect to people in the role via LinkedIn and see if they have any guidance as well.
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