Industry Sectors

Recruitment

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Industry Summary

Working in recruitment is a lot like working in sales, but instead of selling a service or product, you’re matching candidates to positions within client companies. In the recruitment industry, you’ll get the chance to work closely clients, building relationships and gaining their trust. You’ll have to have a great understanding of a company’s needs and what they are looking for in a candidate to find the perfect match in an employee.

The role can be challenging, but definitely exciting. The recruitment sector is fast-paced and target driven, meaning you’ll be the subject of a lot of demands. Recruitment professionals have multi-faceted roles; they work as marketers, networkers, interviewers, negotiators and problem solvers. However, if you are able to remain calm under pressure and level-headed you will be perfect for a career in recruitment.

In 2018, a survey showed that the recruitment industry itself was worth a whooping £35.7 billion – it’s a truly booming sector. Of course, every industry relies on recruitment professionals, whether it’s a manager or human resources officer working in-house to locate the perfect fit to their team, or a specialist recruitment agency matching a candidate to a temporary position.

 

What options can I take for a career in recruitment?

 

Work Experience

Work experience in any customer-facing role is useful for starting a career in the recruitment industry – it will show that you are personable and motivated, two things that are crucial to a career in this sector. Most recruitment agencies will accept employees with no prior industry experience as long as they display excellent communication skills and personal drive.

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

 

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship in the recruitment industry could be an excellent path to your dream career. You’ll work with an employer, be paid a salary, and be handed proper responsibility from day one. This is an excellent way to get work experience, learn from experienced colleagues and gain contacts that may come in handy in your future role. At the same time, you’ll also be studying towards your qualification with the chance to put your theoretical knowledge to the test in a workplace environment. You’ll also have your own vacancies to manage and candidates to match to their dream roles – getting proper responsibility from the moment you start.

  • Level 2 – Recruitment Resource
  • Level 3 – Recruitment Consultant

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

 

University

Going to university is an excellent option if you’re considering a career in the recruitment industry. There are no university degrees that specifically focus on recruitment, but a majority involve transferable skills that can be applied onto your career once you graduate. Closely related degrees, such as marketing or business, will also be looked favourably on by employers who want to ensure their employees have the necessary skills to succeed.

  • Football Coaching & Player Recruitment BA (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

 

Graduate Jobs

Recruitment is a popular career choice for graduates. Your degree will give you a range of transferable skills that are highly desirable in this industry. There is the option to go straight into a role after you graduate, but many employers also offer graduate schemes which will give you the further training you’ll need to succeed in your role.

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

 

Other routes

There are many routes to enter the recruitment industry, you could go straight into the job straight from school or college and then work your way up through the organisation. You do not necessarily need a formal recruitment qualification to obtain in this industry. However, many employers do expect to see some formal qualifications, from either school, college or university as an indication that you have the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.

A career in recruitment may be perfect for you – check it out!

Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Work Description

Human resource managers and directors plan, organise and direct the personnel, training and industrial relations policies of organisations, advise on resource allocation and utilisation problems, measure the effectiveness of an organisation’s systems, methods and procedures and advise on, plan and implement procedures to improve utilisation of labour, equipment and materials.

Qualification

There are no pre-set entry standards, although entry is most common with a degree or equivalent qualification. Off- and on-the-job training is provided and professional qualifications are available. NVQs/SVQs in relevant subjects are available at levels 3, 4 and 5.

Job Tasks

determines staffing needs; oversees the preparation of job descriptions, drafts advertisements and interviews candidates; oversees the monitoring of employee performance and career development needs; provides or arranges for provision of training courses; undertakes industrial relations negotiations with employees’ representatives or trades unions; develops and administers salary, health and safety and promotion policies; examines and reports on company and departmental structures, chains of command, information flows, etc. and evaluates efficiency of existing operations; considers alternative work procedures to improve productivity; stays abreast of relevant legislation, considers its impact on the organisation’s HR strategy and recommends appropriate action.

Related Jobs

Director, development, management Director, personnel Director, recruitment Director, resources, human Director, training Director of communications Director of human resources Director of personnel Director of training Head of learning and development Head of personnel Manager, delivery, service, HR Manager, development, employee Manager, development, self Manager, development, training Manager, O&M Manager, organisation and efficiency Manager, organisation and methods Manager, personnel Manager, personnel and training Manager, planning, resource Manager, recruitment Manager, relations, employee Manager, relations, industrial Manager, research, operational Manager, resource, human Manager, resources, human Manager, services, management Manager, staff Manager, study, works Manager, unit, NVQ Manager, volunteer Manager Manager Partner, business, resources, human 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Human resources and industrial relations officers conduct research and advise on recruitment, training, staff appraisal and industrial relations policies and assist specialist managers with negotiations on behalf of a commercial enterprise, trade union or other organisation.

Qualification

There are no formal academic requirements although most entrants possess a degree or equivalent qualification and/or relevant experience. Many employers expect staff to gain membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development through study for professional qualifications. NVQs/SVQs in this area are available at Levels 3 and 4.

Job Tasks

undertakes research into pay differentials, productivity and efficiency bonuses and other payments; develops and recommends personnel and industrial relations policies, assists with their implementation and drafts staff handbooks; assists with negotiations between management and employees or trades unions concerning pay and conditions of employment; interviews candidates for jobs; advises on training and recruitment, negotiating procedures, salary agreements and other personnel and industrial relations issues; deals with grievance and disciplinary procedures, and with staff welfare and counselling provision.

Related Jobs

Adviser, diversity and equality Adviser, employment Adviser, equality Adviser, personnel Adviser, policy, equalities Adviser, recruitment Adviser, relations, industrial Adviser, resources, human Analyst, evaluation, job Analyst, HR Analyst, personnel Analyst, resources, human Analyst, reward Assistant, evaluation, job Assistant, personnel Assistant, relations, employee Assistant, resource, human Assistant, resources, human Assistant, staff Conciliator Consultant, acquisition, talent Consultant, attraction, talent Consultant, employment Consultant, personnel Consultant, recruitment Consultant, relations, employer Consultant, resource, human Consultant, resources, human Controller, staff Coordinator, recruitment Executive, development, client Executive, personnel Executive, recruitment Generalist, resources, human Headhunter Hunter, head Inspector, employment, railway Manager, account Officer, conciliation Officer, consultation Officer, development, career Officer, employment Officer, equalities Officer, equality Officer, establishment Officer, labour Officer, liaison, labour Officer, management, labour Officer, manpower Officer, opportunities, equal Officer, personnel Officer, recruiting Officer, recruitment Officer, relations, employee Officer, relations, industrial Officer, relations, labour Officer, resource, human Officer, resources, human Officer, services, personnel Officer, staff Officer, staff Officer, staff Officer, staffing Officer, vetting, positive Recruiter, staff Researcher Searcher, job Specialist, attraction, talent Superintendent, staff 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Vocational and industrial trainers provide instruction in manual, manipulative and other vocational skills and advise on, plan and organise vocational instruction within industrial, commercial and other establishments.

Qualification

No formal educational qualifications are required for entry, although most entrants have qualified in some other area of work and will require a Certificate in Training Practice. Professional qualifications are available from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. NVQs/SVQs in Training and Development are available at Levels 3, 4 and 5.

Job Tasks

assesses training requirements and prepares lectures, demonstrations and study aids; supervises trainee development, assists trainees with difficulties and prepares regular progress reports on each trainee for management; arranges work experience and instructional visits for trainees; plans curriculum and rota of staff duties and updates or amends them in light of developments; advises on training programmes and discusses progress or problems with staff and trainees; devises general and specialised training courses in response to particular needs.

Related Jobs

Adviser, development, employee Adviser, development, training Adviser, training Advocate, learning Agent, training Analyst, training Assessor, competency Assessor, driving Assessor, NVQ Assessor, training Assessor Associate, training Coach, executive Coach, technical Consultant, development, training Consultant, scheme Consultant, training Coordinator, course, training Coordinator, e-learning Coordinator, TEC Coordinator, training Instructor, apprentice Instructor, civilian Instructor, computer Instructor, craft Instructor, craftsman, apprentice Instructor, cycling Instructor, handicraft Instructor, handicrafts Instructor, manual Instructor, prison Instructor, staff, school Instructor, supervising Instructor, technical Instructor, trainee Instructor, training Instructor Instructor Instructor Instructor Instructor Lecturer Manager, delivery, training Manager, e-learning Manager, learning, digital Manager, NVQ Manager, training Manager, training and development Officer, development, staff Officer, development, training Officer, development, youth Officer, instructional Officer, safety and training Officer, service, training Officer, support, web Officer, training, colliery Officer, training, sales Officer, training Officer, training and compliance Officer, training and development Officer, training and education Practitioner, NLP Provider, training Specialist, training Superintendent Supervisor, apprenticeship Supervisor, trainee Supervisor, training Supervisor Supervisor-instructor Teacher, sales Trainer, computer Trainer, industrial Trainer, IT Trainer, software Trainer, staff Trainer, technical Trainer, technology, information Trainer Trainer-assessor 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Job holders in this unit group give advice on careers or occupations, training courses and related matters, direct school leavers and other job seekers into employment and assess their progress.

Qualification

Entrants often possess a degree, an approved diploma or equivalent qualification. Professional training towards the Qualification in Careers Guidance consists of a one-year full-time course followed by a one-year probationary period of on-the-job training. NVQs/SVQs in Advice and Guidance at Levels 3 and 4 are available. Those working with young people or vulnerable adults will require CRB clearance.

Job Tasks

uses an interview, questionnaire and/or psychological or other test to determine the aptitude, preferences and temperament of the client; advises on appropriate courses of study or avenues into employment; visits educational and other establishments to give talks and distribute information regarding careers; liaises with employers to determine employment opportunities and advises schools, colleges or individuals accordingly; organises careers forums and exhibitions and establishes and maintains contact with local employers, colleges and training providers; monitors progress and welfare of young people in employment and advises them on any difficulties.

Related Jobs

Adviser, careers Adviser, personal Assistant, careers Broker, employment Coach, career Coach, employment Coach, job Consultant, careers Consultant, engagement, employer Consultant, outplacement Coordinator, education, careers Coordinator, placement Counsellor, outplacement Counsellor, redundancy Officer, abroad, year Officer, advisory, careers Officer, careers Officer, employment, youth Officer, employment Officer, placement Supervisor, placement Teacher, careers Tutor, guidance, graduate 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Job holders in this unit group provide administrative support for the human resources (HR) operations within organisations.

Qualification

No formal educational qualifications are required for entry, although most entrants will possess GCSE/S grades. Certification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development is available, along with relevant NVQs/SVQs at various levels.

Job Tasks

supports senior HR staff in the development and implementation of HR and industrial relations policies; arranges advertisements for jobs in the relevant media; provides practical support for recruitment and selection procedures such as checking application forms, arranging interviews of candidates and ensuring the interview panel receive all relevant documentation; provides administrative support for training courses, work placements etc.; implements and maintains HR records systems.

Related Jobs

Administrator, course Administrator, education Administrator, personnel Administrator, recruitment Administrator, resources, human Administrator, training Administrator Administrator Assistant, admin Assistant, admin Assistant, administration Assistant, administration Assistant, administrative Assistant, administrative Assistant, training Clerk, office, personnel Clerk, people Clerk, personnel Officer, admin Officer, admin Officer, administration, staff Officer, administration Officer, administration Officer, administrative Officer, administrative Organiser 

Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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