HR Recruiter Job Description
Last Updated December 28, 2011
Fulfilling the tactical objectives of a business through hiring and retaining employees is one job of an HR recruiter. HR professionals can succeed in this role by developing and implementing recruiting plans and strategies, striving to bring in the best people to fill company needs.
HR recruiters typically work with internal HR staff, hiring managers, college, and university placement officers, and use a network of established contacts to find the right people for a given position.
HR Recruiter Job Outlook and Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HR specialist jobs (which include recruiters) are predicted to grow 10% through 2030, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
In addition, the BLS reported that the annual salary of an HR specialist was $62,290 as of May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,680, while the highest 10% reported earning more than $108,160 annually.
HR Recruiter Education and Training
According to the BLS, a bachelor’s degree is often the minimum education requirement to enter into the HR profession. Some employers may require several years of work experience, although preference may be shown to candidates who hold professional HR certification or a master’s degree. Competition for these positions can be intense, so it may be beneficial to give yourself every possible advantage to help distinguish yourself from the crowd.
One way professionals can improve their prospects is by enrolling in HR training programs such as a Certificate in Human Resource Management.
Professionals who have earned advanced HR credentials can be prepared to:
- Demonstrate skills in budgeting and financial management
- Effectively develop, utilize and conserve human resources
- Make informed business decisions based on data and statistics
- Develop strong recruitment packages and measure their success
- Leverage advanced knowledge and skills to succeed as an HR recruiter
Human Resources Recruiter Duties
One of the responsibilities of the HR recruiter is to seek out professionals with the right combination of experience, education, and skills to fill a particular position. Employers typically depend on Human Resources recruiters to attract employees who fit a job description and have the potential to become valuable additions to the company. To achieve this objective, HR recruiters typically work with hiring managers to develop recruiting plans and write job descriptions. Then, they publicize openings by posting them in appropriate outlets and work toward developing a pool of qualified individuals.
HR professionals can identify recruiting opportunities by researching new sources for talent, cultivating relationships with industry professionals, and networking with college placement officers and staffing company personnel. HR recruiters often represent an employer at public events, such as community job outreach programs.
Additional HR recruiter duties are aligning the hiring process, beginning with screening applicants and interviewing potential hires, followed by making recommendations, writing offer letters, conducting reference checks, and negotiating contracts. According to the BLS, recruitment specialists should typically expect to travel frequently to job fairs, college campuses and meet with job applicants.
How to Become a Human Resources Recruiter?
HR recruiters can typically be relied upon to fill their role in building a strong workforce and adding to the bottom line. Professionals should have a variety of skills in this position such as knowledge of employment and labor law, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to discern between good and bad candidates. Additional attributes that may serve HR recruiters well include cultural sensitivity, confidentiality, and a strong sense of self-confidence.
A degree or professional certificate can help give professionals the comprehensive knowledge and human resources skills to prepare them for an HR recruiter role. For more information, visit our Certificate in Human Resource Management pages.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Specialists, on the internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm#tab-1 (visited June 6, 2022).
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.