Recruitment Consultant – Job Description

Recruitment consultants are the matchmakers of the commercial world, marrying up employers and job seekers to the satisfaction of both.

Good people – and especially listening – skills are a major requirement as you’ll be talking to bosses of companies large and small, as well as any number of hungry jobseekers in a bid to find out exactly what all parties are looking for.

A typical day will involve testing, assessing and interviewing people, screening potential candidates, getting feedback from employers, keeping your records bang up to date and looking for new clients.

As well as great communication skills, you’ll need to be flexible, confident, organised, persuasive and mature and be able to deal with pressure.

Recruitment consultants don’t necessarily need bags of academic qualification, although executive recruitment firms often look for graduates. Typically, you’ll work your way up the ranks, starting as a trainee consultant and taking advantage of in-house training as you go.

However, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) does run two distance learning schemes leading to either The Foundation Award in Recruitment Practice or The Certificate in Recruitment Practice. The REC also offers a range of specific courses in areas such as law, finance and interview techniques.

An NVQ/SVQ in recruitment consultancy is also available.

Browse our current vacancies in:

Consulting and Corporate Strategy

Other recommended resources:

Recruitment and Employment Confederation
The UK professional body for the recruitment profession, offering a wide range of courses and training, access to networking events and the results of key industry research – all of which can be really useful in boosting your recruitment consultancy career. They also offer certification through the Institute of Recruitment Professionals.

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
A chartered mark for professionals at the height of their game, CIPD also run a professional development scheme to help boost your career whatever level you’re at. They also offer access to networking events which, in the world of recruitment consultancy, can really open doors.

Association of Recruitment Consultants
A trade association aimed at supporting and promoting the work of recruitment consultants in the UK. They host an ‘online resources’ section available to members which offers a wealth of information concerning the ins and outs of recruitment tactics and employment law.

The Recruitment Society
Established as enhance and advance recruitment advertising and consultancy through knowledge exchange, the Recruitment Society has grown to become a forum for ideas and information with many major UK players now involved. Memberships gets you in on the action.

Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo)
A trade association supporting the voice of the UK staffing industry, including the work of recruitment consultants. Membership to this organisation will get you support, information and discounts, as well as access to courses in recruitment to supplement your career development.

Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGP)
The AGP is a network of companies involved in graduate recruitment – so if you’re currently involved in, or want to get into, hiring graduates then this is the resource for you. They offer specific training and research publications to help you develop an eye for graduate talent as well as access to key events.

Recruiter
A digital magazine bringing you the latest on the world of recruitment, with analysis, opinion and expert advice to help brush up your skills and extend your repertoire.