Recruitment Consultant
Kaitohutohu Whiwhi Kaimahi
This job is sometimes referred to by alternative titles
Recruitment consultants help match people with jobs. They work with candidates (people looking for work) and clients (employers looking for people to work for them).
Pay
Recruitment consultants with one to five years’ experience usually earn
$50K-$90K per year
Recruitment managers usually earn
$80K-$130K a year
Source: Hudson, 'Hudson Salary Guides 2015'; Robert Walters, 'Salary Survey 2017'.
Job opportunities
Vocational pathwaysPay
Pay for recruitment consultants is a combination of a base salary and commission.
- Recruitment consultants' base salaries are usually between $50,000 and $90,000 a year.
- Recruitment managers' base salaries are usually between $80,000 and $130,000 a year.
Base salaries for recruitment consultants and recruitment managers may be higher in some regions.
The amount of commission earned depends on the company worked for and individual performance.
(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the figures and diagrams in our job information)
Sources: Hudson, 'Hudson Salary Guides 2015'; Robert Walters, 'Salary Survey 2017'.
What you will do
Recruitment consultants may do some or all of the following:
- establish and build relationships with business clients
- help job candidates to identify job vacancies that match their skills
- advertise job vacancies in newspapers and on internet sites
- find potential candidates for jobs
- interview, screen (sometimes researching candidates on the internet or social media) and test candidates
- help candidates to update their CVs and prepare for interviews
- shortlist candidates for job vacancies and present them to clients
- negotiate salaries and contracts for candidates
- advise clients and candidates on labour market trends and salaries.
Skills and knowledge
Recruitment consultants need to have:
- the ability to understand the needs of a range of businesses and industries, and how they work
- sales and marketing skills, and the ability to create work for their agency
- a good understanding of the economy and employment legislation
- good writing skills for updating CVs and completing reports about candidates.
Working conditions
Recruitment consultants:
- usually work regular office hours, but may also work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines
- work in offices
- may travel locally to clients' workplaces, or nationally if part of a large agency.
What's the job really like?
Sophie Te Huia
Recruitment Consultant
Sales, cold-calling and HR good experience
I started in a call centre learning sales and customer service. Then I worked in a big company recruiting staff and interviewing. I began recruitment consulting as a candidate manager, screening candidates and finding the right match by interviewing and getting to know people – a great entry-level job where I had good support and exposure.
Relationship building required
I enjoy building relationships with businesses, understanding how they work and finding the right match for them. I co-ordinate the recruitment and interviewing process for clients. By understanding the employer, I can give applicants insights into the company and coach them for the role.
Challenging, rewarding, varied work
My role has commission involved so I have to work hard to make the money I want. It takes a few years to learn about recruitment so it’s important to be prepared for the sales aspect and not be discouraged when it doesn’t go well. When you place someone in a job it’s a great feeling.
Some consultants work in specialist areas so it’s a good idea to research companies and ask questions before applying for a job. Recruitment is exciting work with great career prospects.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements to become a recruitment consultant, but previous work experience in human resources, sales, marketing, retail or customer service is preferred.
Secondary education
No specific secondary education is required for this job, but maths and English to at least NCEA Level 2 are useful.
Personal requirements
Recruitment consultants need to be:
- skilled at communicating with and relating to people
- skilled at networking and relationship management
- skilled at organising and managing their time
- confident and diplomatic
- quick and efficient, with an eye for detail
- results-focused and goal-oriented
- able to work well under pressure and unsupervised
- friendly, with a positive attitude.
You have to be ethical and sensitive about people's information. You are often dealing with personal and work-related information that people expect you to keep private.
Marcus Morrison - Recruitment Consultant
Useful experience
Useful experience for recruitment consultants includes any work dealing with people, such as sales or human resources.
Find out more about training
- Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RSCA)
- (09) 813 9926 - www.rcsa.com.au
What are the chances of getting a job?
Demand for recruitment consultants is average. Despite a slight increase in those employed, opportunities are limited by:
- some businesses and government departments cutting costs by hiring fewer staff
- recruitment agencies saving money by cutting back on staffing
- some businesses using in-house staff for recruitment.
More job opportunities in generalist recruitment
Generalist agencies that recruit for a range of industries, and provide permanent, contract and temporary staff are doing better than most specialist agencies. However, opportunities for consultants who recruit for growing industries, such as IT and building and construction, are increasing.
Types of employers varied
Recruitment consultants may work in small or large agencies or franchises. They may also work in-house for businesses or government departments.
Sources
- Hudson, 'Hudson Salary Guides 2015', (www.nz.hudson.com).
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, '2006-2014 Occupation Data' (prepared for Careers New Zealand), 2015.
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 'Occupation Outlook 2016', (www.mbie.govt.nz).
- Robert Walters, 'Salary Survey 2017', (www.robertwalters.co.nz).
- Trade Me, 'Salary Guide 2016', (www.trademe.co.nz).
Progression and specialisations
Recruitment consultants may progress into management positions, or set up their own business. They may go on to work in human resources or sales roles.
Recruitment consultants may specialise in recruiting people for a particular industry, such as construction, design or information technology.
Recruitment consultants meet with clients and help match them with jobs
Last updated 16 June 2017