Job description: recruiter

A recruiter helps shape an organisation’s workforce by finding, attracting and appointing top talent. This position has a direct effect on the quality of hires, influencing company culture, performance and long-term success.

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Begin your hiring with our adaptable recruiter job description template. Suitable for job board adverts or your careers page, it offers a clear starting framework to set out the recruiter’s main duties and required skills. Personalise it to reflect your team’s needs and the opportunities available.

About the organisation

[Company] is a leading [industry] organisation dedicated to [goals/mission]. We are committed to [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 contribute to our success.

About the recruiter role

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

Main responsibilities for this recruiter role

• Design and implement recruiting strategies that attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates for the organisation.
• Work closely with hiring managers to define role requirements and produce accurate job descriptions.
• Assess CVs and applications and conduct initial telephone screenings to compile a shortlist of suitable candidates.
• Arrange and coordinate interviews with hiring managers and other stakeholders.
• Maintain relationships with former applicants and potential candidates for future vacancies.
• Stay informed about recruitment trends and adopt innovative sourcing techniques to keep practices competitive.

Essential qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience working as a recruiter, either in-house or at a staffing agency.
• A solid understanding of recruitment processes and candidate selection methods.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Proven experience using HR software and candidate database systems.
• Good decision-making skills and the ability to adapt and perform in a fast-paced environment.

Recruiter skills

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and effective time management.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Experience with a range of interview formats, including telephone screenings, in-person interviews and panel interviews.
• Skilled in using social media channels, CV databases and professional networks.

Recruiters play a central role in building the company’s foundation by bringing the right talent on board. They do more than fill vacancies; they help shape organisational culture and support business growth.

Paths to become a recruiter 

Most individuals begin their career in human resources or related areas as HR assistants or coordinators. Gaining broad HR experience is important before specialising in recruitment. A common progression is to move from an HR generalist role into a recruiter position.

Career paths for a recruiter

• Senior recruiter: Oversees complex hiring campaigns and recruitment strategy.
• Recruitment manager: Leads the recruitment team and shapes overall hiring strategy.
• Director of talent acquisition: Directs the organisation’s end-to-end hiring strategy, improving processes and systems across teams.

Other possible titles for a recruiter

• Talent acquisition specialist
• Hiring specialist
• Staffing coordinator