What does a Recruitment Specialist do?
Recruitment Specialists are responsible for finding suitable applicants for available jobs within a company. They do this by posting listings for open positions, attending local job fairs and visiting college campuses to recruit qualified talent. Once they find suitable applicants, they screen and interview them to determine if they are a good fit for the role and company. The screening process can include performing background checks, contacting the candidate’s references and reviewing their application materials.
The Recruitment Specialist is also responsible for extending a job offer once they find the applicant best suited to the position. They explain the parameters of the job, the company’s benefits package and help with the orientation process to get the new hire comfortable with the role.
Recruitment Specialist skills and qualifications
A successful Recruitment Specialist candidate will have several prerequisite skills and qualifications. Look for applicants who possess the following skills and/or qualifications:
- Interpersonal skills
- Decision-making abilities
- Communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- A degree in business, human resources, communications or a similar field of study
Recruitment Specialist experience requirements
Some companies looking for a Recruitment Specialist may require the candidate to have previous experience in similar roles. Relevant positions that can prepare an individual for the role of a Recruitment Specialist include information clerks, human resources assistants and customer service representatives.
Valuable areas of experience within such roles include staff training and personal development, employee relations and recruitment work. Even without formal job experience, candidates might have this experience on their resume through college programs, internships, co-op terms or volunteer work.
Recruitment Specialist education and training requirements
In most cases, you will require a Recruitment Specialist to have some formal education relating to the field of work. Most commonly, the job title demands a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business, human resources or communication studies. Beyond the education, there are no formal certifications or training that are mandatory for the role. However, additional certifications can demonstrate some candidates may have more training or knowledge than others.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) provides opportunities to become a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Some candidates may have certifications in human resources and talent acquisition through the HR Certification Institute.
Recruitment Specialist salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Recruitment Specialist is $57,976 per year in the United States. The annual salary for a Recruitment Specialist may vary depending on their experience level, the location of the company they work for and the typical pay range at that company.
Recruitment Specialist salary expectations
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Common salary:
21.90 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.35 -44.05 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Recruitment Specialist isn’t quite the job title you’re looking to write a description for, you can find samples of descriptions for similar roles here:
Recruitment Specialist job description FAQs
What makes a great Recruitment Specialist?
When hiring a Recruitment Specialist, the key qualities to look for include attention to detail and strong interpersonal communication. The individual should be able to remember the minute details of a conversation with various applicants to your company and have the communication skills to send polite, respectful rejections to those you choose not to bring on board.
What questions should I ask a Recruitment Specialist?
When writing the job description for a Recruitment Specialist, ask applicants if they are good at generating new business or interest and how they deal with setbacks. If they are outgoing, personable and organized, the job might be right for them.
Is a Talent Acquisition Specialist part of HR?
Yes, the Talent Acquisition Specialist or Recruitment Specialist is a key part of your company’s Human Resources department. The person in this role should have a firm grasp on all positions within the department so they can oversee other employees as part of their job duties.
Is there a difference between a Recruiter and a Talent Acquisition Specialist?
Yes. Although the roles are similar, there are nuanced differences between them that you should make clear in your job description posting. A Recruiter seeks applicants to fill specific vacancies within your company, typically roles that are hiring imminently. A Talent Acquisition Specialist works with a long-term mindset, cultivating internal and external talent for roles requiring a specific skill set.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.