Recruitment Researcher
What is a recruitment researcher?
A recruitment researcher is someone who helps companies find suitable candidates for job vacancies by conducting research and gathering information about potential candidates.
What does a recruitment researcher do?
Usually, a recruitment researcher does the following:
- Assists in creating job descriptions and specifications for various roles
- Conducts research to identify potential candidates using online job boards, social media, and other sources
- Reviews resumes and job applications to shortlist qualified candidates
- Conducts preliminary phone interviews with candidates to assess their suitability for the role
- Collaborates with recruiters and hiring managers to provide them with a shortlist of potential candidates
- Maintains candidate databases and applicant tracking systems
What does the day-to-day life of a recruitment researcher look like?
A recruitment researcher usually works between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Their tasks may include:
- Reviewing job specifications and requirements provided by recruiters or hiring managers
- Searching for potential candidates using online job platforms, professional social media platforms, and other sources
- Screening resumes and job applications to identify qualified candidates
- Conducting phone interviews to assess candidates' skills, qualifications, and suitability for specific roles
- Documenting candidate information and maintaining databases or applicant tracking systems
- Collaborating with recruiters and hiring managers to discuss potential candidates and shortlisting them for further consideration.
Where does a recruitment researcher work?
Recruitment researchers can work in various settings, including:
- Staffing agencies or recruitment firms: Many companies outsource their recruitment needs to specialized agencies, where recruitment researchers work alongside recruiters to support the hiring process.
- In-house HR departments: Larger companies often have their own HR departments with dedicated recruitment teams that include researchers.
- Job boards or recruitment platforms: Some recruitment researchers work directly for online job platforms, where they help match job seekers with suitable job opportunities.
What tools/software/hardware does a recruitment researcher use?
A recruitment researcher uses a variety of tools and software, including:
- Job boards: Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster, where they search and identify potential candidates
- Applicant tracking systems (ATS): Software that helps manage and track job applications and candidate information
- Professional networking sites: Platforms like LinkedIn, where researchers can find and connect with potential candidates
- Communication tools: Email, phone, and video conferencing software for communicating with candidates and team members
- Microsoft Office or Google Suite: To create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations related to recruitment research.
What do I need to become a recruitment researcher?
There are a few paths you can take to become a recruitment researcher, including:
- Bachelor's degree: While not always required, a degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Business, or a related field can be beneficial.
- Experience in recruitment or HR: Gaining some experience in recruitment, HR, or a related field can help you understand the hiring process and develop relevant skills.
- Strong research and communication skills: Being able to conduct thorough research and effectively communicate findings is essential in this role.
What career paths are available?
There are several career paths available to you as a recruitment researcher, including:
- Recruitment Consultant: This role involves taking on more responsibility for the entire recruitment process, including candidate sourcing, interviewing, and client management.
- HR Specialist: Moving into a broader HR role with a focus on employee relations, performance management, and training and development.
- Talent Acquisition Manager: Leading and managing a team of recruiters and researchers within an organization.
What jobs are similar to a recruitment researcher?
- Recruiter: A recruiter's role also involves finding and assessing candidates for job vacancies but may have a broader range of responsibilities, including conducting interviews and negotiating job offers.
- HR Assistant: Assisting with various HR tasks, including recruitment, employee onboarding, and administrative support.
- Sourcing Specialist: Focusing on identifying and attracting top talent for an organization by utilizing various sourcing techniques and strategies.