Recruiter job overview

A recruiter helps shape an organisation’s workforce by locating, attracting and hiring top talent. This position directly affects the calibre of new hires and, consequently, the company’s culture, performance and long-term success.

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Kickstart your hiring with our flexible recruiter job description template. Suitable for job boards or your careers page, it gives a clear starting point to list the main responsibilities and required skills for a recruiter. Customise it to suit your team’s specific needs and the opportunities available to the new hire.

About the company

[Company] is a leading [industry] firm focused on [goals/mission]. We are committed to [core values/culture] and aim to [impact/goals]. With a team of talented professionals, we are transforming the [industry] sector and advancing innovation in [specific area]. Join us and contribute to our success.

About the recruiter role

As a recruiter at [Your Company], you will play a central role in our success by sourcing, assessing and securing high-calibre candidates.

Recruiter responsibilities

• Design and execute recruitment strategies that attract a diverse pool of qualified and capable candidates for the organisation.
• Work closely with hiring managers to clarify job requirements and prepare detailed job descriptions.
• Review resumes and applications and conduct initial phone screens to assemble a shortlist of suitable candidates.
• Arrange and coordinate interviews with hiring managers and other relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain long-term relationships with former applicants and prospective candidates for future vacancies.
• Stay updated on trends and new recruitment techniques to remain competitive with current hiring practices.

Recruiter qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience as a recruiter, either in-house or at a staffing agency.
• Solid knowledge of recruitment processes and candidate selection methods.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to engage with a variety of stakeholders.
• Proven proficiency with HR software and candidate databases.
• Sound decision-making skills and the flexibility to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Recruiter skills

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Capacity to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Experience with multiple interview formats, including phone screens, in-person interviews and panel interviews.
• Proficiency using social media, resume databases and professional networks.

Recruiters are central to establishing the company’s foundation by bringing in the most suitable talent. Beyond filling roles, they help shape organisational culture and support business growth.

Pathways to become a recruiter 

Most people begin their career in human resources or related areas as HR assistants or coordinators. Gaining experience across various HR functions is important before specialising in recruitment. Typical progression includes roles such as HR generalist before moving into a recruiter position.

Career paths for a recruiter

• Senior recruiter: Oversees complex recruitment campaigns and strategies.
• Recruitment manager: Leads the recruitment team and shapes the organisation’s overall hiring strategies.
• Director of talent acquisition: Directs the organisation’s entire hiring strategy and enhances processes and systems across teams.

Other possible titles for a recruiter

• Talent acquisition specialist
• Hiring specialist
• Staffing coordinator