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Recruiter Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Recruiter, or HR Sourcing Specialist, is in charge of seeking out quality candidates, confirming their qualifications and placing them in open roles at a company. Their duties include researching job seekers and inviting them to apply to a job, screening candidates through phone interviews and filling out hiring paperwork.

Recruiter duties and responsibilities

The kind of company or agency the Recruiter works for will dictate their specific responsibilities. All Recruiters need to have strong people skills and the ability to synthesize information quickly and efficiently. They should foster good relationships with recruits and company staffing agents and be able to follow through on a project. Different types of 1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Recruiter responsibilities may include the following:

  • Staffing or Temp Agency: These agencies have a large talent pool who may have a more general skill set. The Recruiter knows who is available for immediate work to fill either temporary positions or jobs that may transition to full-time.
  • Contingency Recruiter: A Contingency Recruiter gets paid only when a candidate is hired by a company. They will get to know the clients’ needs and wants in detail, and develop a good relationship with the hiring managers. For the candidates, they may provide career guidance and resume advice.
  • Retained Search Firm Recruiter: This kind of agency typically specializes in matching executive-level talent with companies who need new leadership. Placing from the more specialized pool of candidates comes at a higher cost to the company.
  • Internal 1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05RecruiterSome companies employ a salaried internal Recruiter who can use current employee networks to find talent for open positions. They review resumes and arrange interviews while acting as a support system for before and after hiring.

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Recruiter Job Description Examples

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
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What does a 1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Recruiter do?

Recruiters work in the human resources department of a company or at third-party recruiting businesses that help connect qualified candidates with competitive employers. The role of a Recruiter is to act as a liaison between an employer and applicants for a job, especially for roles that are hard to fill and require a list of special qualifications. Recruiters use databases, advertising and their professional network to find people who could be a good match for a job, researching each candidate then talking to them about the opportunity.

Internally, Recruiters process applications, schedule interviews and manage new hire paperwork. They help onboard the candidate to their new employer’s team, assisting with all parts of their transition. Recruiters also help refine job descriptions to make sure they accurately reflect the needs of the company.

1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Recruiter skills and qualifications

A successful Recruiter will have a set of prerequisite skills to qualify them for the job. Duties always include effective communication and organization skills. Industry experience will prepare the recruiter for career advancement. Other attributes may include:

  • Positive attitude: People on both sides of a job-seeking relationship may encounter challenges and frustrations as they search for employment. A successful recruiter will be encouraging, positive and realistic about potential matches.
  • Good research techniques: A 1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05recruiter spends a significant portion of their time finding resumes from professional job search sites, networking and personal interaction. They accumulate a pool of candidates and keep that information organized.
  • Good interviewing skills: Whether the Recruiter speaks with a candidate or hiring manager in person, on the phone or electronically, it is important to know how to efficiently ask questions that help them understand the applicant’s skills or the company’s job requirements.
  • Advocacy: The 1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Recruiter will represent the applicant until it is time for an interview. They should accurately represent the candidate’s skills and qualifications and sell those criteria to the hiring manager.

Recruiter salary expectations

A Recruiter makes an average of $56,429 per year. Salary may depend on level of education, experience and geographical location.

Recruiter salary expectations

2025-10-0114000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 64793.43 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 14000.00 - 178000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Recruiter education and training requirements

Being hired as a Recruiter typically requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field such as business administration. Without a bachelor’s degree, years of on-the-job experience may suffice. Some employers may require professional certifications or periodic training for advances in the field. Professional organizations that provide certificates typically require some kind of education followed by a test.

Recruiter experience requirements

Experience in customer-service-related fields can be valuable training. Professions that focus on interpersonal skills, deft organization skills and proficient communication can prepare someone well for a career as a 1340377774recruiter18.46human resources10.02talent acquisition6.63recruiter or talent acquisition4.1talent acquisition specialist2.481310532140742514000.0064793.43178000.00YEARLY38271336272025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05recruiter. These kinds of careers can also provide networking opportunities that can provide recruiting mentors.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re recruiting for positions related to the Recruiter, see our job descriptions for similar roles:

Job Description Best Practices
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Frequently asked questions about Recruiters

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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