Working in recruitment – What to expect
A career in recruitment can be both challenging and rewarding, offering personal satisfaction and financial benefits. However, it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering a career in recruitment, here’s what you should know:
The Role:
- Varied Responsibilities: Recruiters handle diverse tasks, such as interviewing and headhunting candidates, negotiating job offers, and managing the hiring process.
- Relationship Building: Success in recruitment relies on building strong relationships with candidates, clients, and hiring managers.
- Meeting Targets: Recruiters often have performance targets, like the number of job placements. These targets can be stressful but are also a source of motivation.
- Skill Development: Recruitment offers the chance to develop valuable skills, including guiding candidates through the job search process and balancing professionalism with relatability.
- Work Environments: Recruiters can work in various settings, such as corporate companies or recruitment agencies.
- Dynamic Workdays: No two days are alike; some days are fast paced, while others may be quieter.
- Rewards and Recognition: Recruiters can enjoy personal satisfaction, team rewards, recognition from colleagues, and financial bonuses.
Skills and Qualities You’ll Need:
- Excellent Communication Skills: Recruiters spend a lot of time on the phone, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. Confidence, politeness, and rapport-building are essential.
- Industry Knowledge: Recruiters need to understand the companies they represent and the specific qualifications and experience each role requires.
- Networking Ability: Building and maintaining connections with clients, candidates, and other recruiters can help uncover new talent and lead opportunities.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and empathizing with candidates allows recruiters to find the best job match for their unique needs and motivations.
- Time Management & Accountability: Effective recruiters stay organized, keep their schedules up to date, and follow up consistently with clients and candidates.
- Persistence: Recruitment can be a lengthy process. Staying focused, setting goals, and persevering is crucial for success.
- Ambition & Discipline: Motivation to meet targets and discipline to stick to the task at hand are essential for achieving success in recruitment.
- Adaptability: Being open to learning and trying new techniques can lead to better outcomes in finding suitable candidates.
Typical Day-to-Day Tasks:
- Arranging interviews
- Screening candidates
- Negotiating salaries and job benefits
- Building and maintaining client relationships
- Developing client and business relationships
- Matching candidates to suitable roles
- Productively headhunting candidates
- Conducting background checks
- Providing career advice
- Coaching candidates through interviews
- Offering CV and cover letter guidance
How to prepare for an interview
How to prepare for a job interview: A professional guide
The job market can be competitive, so it's important that you stand out and shine at your next interview, here are our top tips on how to prepare....
1. Look presentable
First impressions matter. It's crucial to present yourself in a professional, clean, and tidy manner to show that you've made an effort and are ready for the interview.
2. Know the company location
Make sure you have the company's address and understand how to get there. Plan your route in advance, factoring in travel time to ensure you arrive at the workplace on time.
3. Arrive early
Aim to arrive a little early. Being punctual reflects well on your organisational skills and shows the employer that you are prepared and dependable.
4. Research the company
Thoroughly research the company before your interview. Prepare 7-10 thoughtful questions about the company, its culture, and the role you're applying for. This not only demonstrates your interest but also shows that you've taken the time to understand how you might fit into the company.
5. Review the company’s online presence
Check the company’s website and social media platforms to get a sense of their tone, the content they produce, and their overall branding. This will help you gain insight into the company culture and what to expect.
6. Prepare to showcase your work
Be ready to present examples of your previous work, either through a portfolio or a slideshow, depending on the nature of the role. Practice presenting your work confidently, as you may need to explain your contributions in detail in front of the employer.
7. Be honest, confident, and enthusiastic
Whether you're discussing past experiences or applying for your first role, be honest about your background. Highlight how you've grown throughout your career, or if you're a newcomer, explain what draws you to the industry and the company.
8. Research the interviewer
Take the time to learn about the person who will be interviewing you. Understanding their role in the company and their professional background can provide useful context and make the conversation more engaging.
9. Review the job description
Revisit the job description carefully to ensure you understand the requirements of the role. This will help you tailor your responses to be more specific to the position and the skills needed.
By following these steps, you'll walk into your interview well-prepared, confident, and ready to make a great impression.