Graduate Recruiter

What is a graduate recruiter?

A graduate recruiter is someone who helps companies find and hire talented graduates for entry-level positions within their organization. They are responsible for attracting, evaluating, and selecting suitable candidates from a pool of recent graduates.

What does a graduate recruiter do?

Usually, a graduate recruiter does the following:

• Works closely with hiring managers and HR teams to understand the job requirements and hiring needs
• Creates and posts job advertisements on various platforms, such as job boards and university career portals, to attract potential candidates
• Reviews resumes and applications, conducts initial screenings, and shortlists candidates for further evaluation
• Conducts interviews, either in-person or over the phone, to assess candidates' skills, qualifications, and fit for the role
• Assists in coordinating assessment centres or other selection processes, such as group exercises or aptitude tests, to evaluate candidates' abilities
• Provides feedback to candidates on their application or interview performance
• Works with hiring managers to make final hiring decisions and extend job offers to successful candidates
• Maintains relationships with universities and colleges to promote the company's graduate opportunities and attend career fairs or recruitment events

What does the day-to-day life of a graduate recruiter look like?

A graduate recruiter usually works between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. However, some flexibility might be needed during peak hiring seasons or to attend recruitment events. Here are some tasks they might do during the day:

• Reviewing resumes and applications received from potential candidates
• Conducting phone screenings or interviews with shortlisted candidates
• Collaborating with hiring managers and HR teams to refine job descriptions and requirements
• Posting job advertisements on various platforms and monitoring candidate applications
• Attending recruitment events or career fairs to promote the company's opportunities to graduates
• Evaluating assessment exercises or reviewing interview feedback to make hiring decisions
• Providing updates and feedback to candidates throughout the recruitment process

Where does a graduate recruiter work?

Graduate recruiters are typically employed by companies across various industries. They can work in-house within the HR department of a company or be part of dedicated recruitment agencies or consultancy firms. Some recruiters may specialize in specific industries, while others may work across different sectors. The location of work can vary depending on the company, but it is common to find graduate recruiters in major cities where many businesses are located.

What tools/software/hardware does a graduate recruiter use?

A graduate recruiter uses a variety of tools and software including:

• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): These are software platforms used to manage the entire recruitment process, from posting job ads to tracking candidate applications and communicating with hiring managers. Popular ATSs include Workable, Greenhouse, and iCIMS.
• Job boards and career portals: These platforms allow recruiters to advertise job openings and attract potential candidates. Examples include Indeed, LinkedIn, and university career portals.
• Communication tools: Recruiters use email, phone calls, and video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to communicate with candidates, hiring managers, and other stakeholders involved in the hiring process.

What do I need to become a graduate recruiter?

To become a graduate recruiter, you can take one of the following paths:

• Bachelor's degree: Many companies prefer candidates with a degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Psychology, or a related field. A degree can provide you with theoretical knowledge and foundational skills in recruitment and HR principles.
• Internships or work experience: Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in HR or recruitment can be beneficial. This allows you to develop skills and knowledge specific to the recruiting process.
• Professional qualifications: There are professional certifications and qualifications available in recruitment and HR which can enhance your knowledge and credentials. Examples include the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to you as a graduate recruiter, including:

• Senior Recruiter/Recruitment Manager: With experience, you can progress to a senior role where you oversee the recruitment process for multiple departments or manage a team of recruiters.
• HR Generalist/HR Business Partner: Some recruiters choose to broaden their HR knowledge and transition into a more generalist HR role, managing various aspects of human resources within an organization.
• Talent Acquisition Specialist: This role focuses on strategic talent acquisition, including developing employer branding, implementing recruitment strategies, and ensuring the organization attracts top talent.
• HR Consultant: As an HR consultant, you can work independently or within consulting firms, providing recruitment and HR-related advice to clients across various industries.

What jobs are similar to a graduate recruiter?

• Recruitment Coordinator: Assisting recruiters in various aspects of the recruitment process, such as scheduling interviews, conducting background checks, and managing candidate relationships.
• HR Assistant/HR Coordinator: Providing general administrative support to the HR team, including assisting with recruitment activities, employee onboarding, and HR record management.
• Career Advisor/Career Consultant: Helping individuals plan and navigate their career paths by providing career coaching, resume writing, and job search guidance.