Recruiter role overview

A recruiter helps to build an organisation’s workforce by identifying, attracting and appointing top talent. This post directly affects the quality of new hires, influencing company culture, performance and long-term success.

Hiring? Advertise this vacancy today!Searching? Discover your ideal role now.

Begin your recruitment with our adaptable recruiter job description template. Suitable for publishing on job boards or your careers page, it provides a straightforward foundation to set out the principal responsibilities and skills for your recruiter vacancy. Amend it to reflect your team’s particular requirements and the opportunities available to the successful applicant.

About your organisation

[Company] is a prominent [industry] organisation committed to [goals/mission]. We uphold [core values/culture] and aim to [impact/goals]. With a team of skilled professionals, we are transforming the [industry] sector and driving innovation in [specific area]. Join us and be part of our success.

Overview of the recruiter role

In the recruiter role at [Your Company], you will play a key part in driving our success by sourcing, assessing and securing high-calibre talent.

Core responsibilities for the recruiter

• Design and implement recruitment strategies that attract a diverse pool of qualified and capable candidates for the organisation.
• Work closely with hiring managers to define job requirements and prepare comprehensive job descriptions.
• Review CVs and applications and conduct initial telephone screenings to compile a shortlist of suitable candidates.
• Arrange and co‑ordinate interviews with hiring managers and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain long‑term relationships with former applicants and prospective candidates for future vacancies.
• Keep up to date with recruitment trends and new sourcing techniques to remain competitive in current hiring practices.

Qualifications for the recruiter

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience as a recruiter, either in‑house or within a recruitment agency.
• Thorough knowledge of recruitment processes and candidate selection techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and manage a variety of stakeholders.
• Proven experience using HR software and candidate databases.
• Sound decision‑making abilities and the flexibility to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

Skills for the recruiter

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Experience conducting a variety of interview formats, including telephone screenings, face‑to‑face interviews and panel interviews.
• Proficiency using social media, CV databases and professional networks.

Recruiters are central to establishing the company’s foundations by bringing the most suitable talent on board. They do more than fill vacancies; they help shape organisational culture and support business growth.

Typical routes to becoming 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. Common progression includes roles such as HR generalist followed by advancement into a recruiter position.

Career progression for a recruiter

• Senior recruiter: Oversees complex hiring campaigns and recruitment strategies.
• Recruitment manager: Leads the recruitment team and develops broader hiring strategy.
• Director of talent acquisition: Directs the organisation’s overall hiring strategy, enhancing processes and systems across departments.

Alternative job titles for a recruiter

• Talent acquisition specialist
• Hiring specialist
• Staffing coordinator