So, What Does a Recruiter Do?

If you’ve never worked with a recruiter before, it may not be clear to you the role your recruiter plays in your hiring process. Recruiters are essential in the hiring process, acting as the bridge between job seekers and employers. Recruiters can work in-house, or for an outside recruitment agency. 

While responsibilities can vary, here is a breakdown of some key recruiter responsibilities and what their day-to-day looks like.

1. Understand Client Needs

Recruiters begin by working closely with hiring managers to understand the specific needs of the organization. This involves identifying the job requirements of the role, the “must-haves” of a new employee, and what the company might be willing to compromise on.

2. Sourcing Candidates

Sourcing takes up a lot of a recruiter's time. Once the requirements are clear, recruiters employ various strategies to source potential candidates. This may include job postings, LinkedIn searches, networking, or any other tool they can use to identify and connect with top talent for the position.

3. Screening Candidates

Recruiters filter through applications to find the best candidates based on the client's needs. This can involve resume review, screening questions, and initial interviews or screening calls. This typically happens before being presented directly to the hiring manager for the role.

4. Coordinating Interviews

Recruiters are happy to handle the logistics of the interview process. As long as all parties are responsive, your recruiter can easily schedule interviews and Zoom meetings.

5. Managing Offers 

After a candidate is selected, recruiters can assist in the offer process by managing expectations and creating an open channel of communication. At this point, recruiters should be able to provide details surrounding salary, start date, benefits etc. 

Recruiters play a crucial role in the hiring process, helping organizations find the right talent while guiding candidates through their job search. By understanding both the needs of employers and the aspirations of candidates, recruiters facilitate successful matches that benefit both parties. Recruiters' expertise and relationship-building skills are valuable for both a client's needs in filling a role, and for a candidate on the job market searching for their next great opportunity.


Written byEmily Onheiser, Senior Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC


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