What is a recruiter?
In simple terms, a recruiter works with a range of candidates and matches them with relevant job vacancies in a variety of organisations. Usually, recruiters will specialise in a particular subject area. For instance, at HRS, we have specific recruiters for each life science sector, ranging from biotech to medical devices!
This is done to ensure that the recruiter has high-quality, specific expertise around the role(s) they're recruiting for.
What does a recruitment consultant do?
Correspond with Client Companies
Before a recruiter starts scouting out talent for a job role, they have to talk to the client company first! Usually, companies will get in touch with a recruitment consultancy to promote their current vacancy. It is the responsibility of the recruiter to understand what kind of candidate the client is looking for. A candidate brief is usually discussed between the client and recruiter through emails or over a few phone calls.
Post Job Listings
When the brief has been understood by the recruiter, they will then concisely write this into a job vacancy post. This will either be published on their recruitment website, on a variety of job-posting boards, or both!
Find, Screen & Attract Candidates
Once the recruiter has advertised the job description of the role, it's time to get searching! Recruiters are social wizards and have a range of networking abilities under their belts. From messaging on LinkedIn and other job boards, recruiters will build up a portfolio of candidates that are currently looking for a job, open to work, or qualified/experienced in the sector they're recruiting for.
Of course, candidates will also approach the recruiter for the role once it has been advertised. Once this process has begun, a recruiter will start screening candidates that best fit the brief of the client.
Analyse CVs and Shortlist
If the candidate is a good fit for the role, the recruiter will correspond with them and pass on any of their application material to the client, such as CVs, cover letters, portfolios or qualification certificates. The recruiter will also check over their application material to confirm that they are a good fit and qualified for the job role. If they do not meet the requirements, then the recruiter will let them know and explain why. At this point, they could also refer them to other recruiters in their team for a more suitable job role.
At this stage, the recruiter will also respond to any queries or worries that the candidate may have throughout the interview process.
Arrange Interviews
The bit we've all been waiting for! Once the client has looked over the shortlisted CVs, the recruiter will correspond between the candidate and the client to arrange a suitable interview date. Once the interview has been conducted, if successful, the recruiter will notify the candidate of the great news with any feedback given. Similarly, if the candidate is unsuccessful, the recruiter will give them feedback from the client.
This is also a very important part in the recruitment process, as the recruiter then has the opportunity to keep the client in their contacts for any future job posts if they wish to do so.
