The Job Is Finding Jobs

By Karen Tina Harrison

Human Resources Recruiter

The Field: Human Resources (HR) recruiters find suitable employees for jobs in corporations, hospitals, government, universities, hotels, retailers, nonprofits, ect. Some recruiters specialize in one area. They usually work either in-house for a company or for a recruitment or employment agency. Entry-level HR assistants handle paperwork and administrative support, but have some contact with job candidates.

The Job: An HR recruiter solicits job openings, places want ads, reads and verifies resumes, interviews selected candidates and refers qualified prospects to the department with the available job. Recruiters also handle unemployment issues and exit counseling.

"Recruiters do a lot of follow-up, and may work with certain professionals throughout their careers," says Barbara Davis, president of Barbara Davis Employment Services in Red Bank, N.J. (She is also Diversity Director of the Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources, a chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management). "Recruiters cast a wide net into the applicant pool," Davis says. "They are out there advising and finding talent on campuses and at job fairs and industry events."

Training: A bachelor's degree in HR management or the social sciences is preferred. "A college internship with an HR firm or department is a plus," notes Davis.

Skills: "HR recruiters need outstanding verbal and written skills and a comfortable manner with everyone from CEOs to support and warehousing personnel," says Davis. "Good recruiters are team players, creative thinkers and problem-solvers."

Salary: HR assistants begin at around $25-$30K; salary rises substantially with promotion to recruiter. Recruitment agency salaries combine base pay with commission on job placements. Top recruiters earn six figures.

Upside: "The HR field is growing, and meaningful jobs are out there for the right people," says Davis. Recruiters can rise into company management, become consultants or start their own firms. "HR work is rewarding because it's about making matches," Davis says. "You feel appreciated and satisfied."