Job Description
Recruitment consultants help employers find suitable staff, and match people to permanent and temporary jobs.
Entry Requirements
You can get into this job through:
Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship as a recruitment consultant.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Click here to search for an apprenticeship.
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
Some recruitment agencies specialise in a sector of work so you may be expected to have a relevant degree or industry experience.
For example, a degree in pharmacy or a background in pharmaceutical sales could help you get into pharmaceutical recruitment.
You'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
Click here to search for a suitable course.
Work
You could start as an office assistant in a recruitment agency and work your way up through on-the-job training and promotion.
Direct Application
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.
Career tips
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 or 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.
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 team working skills.
You can find out more about becoming a recruitment consultant from the Institute of Recruitment Professionals and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Career Path and Progression
With experience you could move into business development or management, or set up your own agency
Related careers you may be interested in:
- Human Resource Manager
- Human Resource Assistant
Required Skills
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
Salary Range
£16,000 to £60,000
