Senior Recruiter Job Description
Senior Recruiters provide staffing services to businesses. They seek out talent, interview candidates and assist in the hiring process. They may also analyze the operations of a business to determine which departments would benefit from additional staff. They may work for themselves or recruiting firms, or work directly for a company.
The duties of a Senior Recruiter are generally performed with little supervision, however, they must work closely with senior management to ensure the company is satisfied with the candidates they produce. Some Senior Recruiters may also oversee a recruitment team when hiring large numbers of individuals or working for a particularly large company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resource Specialists, including Senior Recruiters, are expected to see a 5 percent job growth through 2024. This will add an estimated 22,000 careers to this industry. ‘
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Senior Recruiter Duties and Responsibilities
The specific duties of a Senior Recruiter are dependent on the company they work for and the needs of the company. There are, however, several core responsibilities Senior Recruiters perform. A review of current job listings identified the following primary tasks and responsibilities.
Locate Talent
A Senior Recruiter must be very skilled at finding talented individuals to meet a company’s needs. This will require Senior Recruiters to be active on social media forums, attend career fairs, make cold calls, visit local college campuses or universities and any other creative methods they can conceive of to locate qualified individuals. Recruiters are often competing for the same candidates so being charismatic and fostering a good relationship with these potential employees is very important.
Interview and Hire Talent
The ability to conduct interviews is essential for the Senior Recruiter. Some will be tasked with all interviewing responsibilities while others may do an informal interview session to decide whether or not senior management should proceed with a formal interview. Regardless of their role they must have knowledge of interview techniques and be good at reading people. They must also be able to perform the hiring process which may include collecting and filing paperwork, ordering background checks, salary negotiations and providing new employee orientation assistance.
Maintain Candidate Database
Senior Recruiters are tasked with maintaining a database of potential candidates. They document any phone calls, emails or other correspondence they may have with a possible employee and note which candidate would be best for a particular position. These databases provide large companies with a healthy pool of qualified applicants. Senior Recruiters may also have to keep reports and other paperwork on those they successfully hire.
Senior Recruiter Skills
Senior Recruiters must be exceptional communicators and great negotiators. They should be organized and have an eye for detail. A pleasant personality and being driven to succeed are also important factors. Employers look for candidates with all of these traits as well as the traits listed here.
Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Senior Recruiters with these core skills. If you want to work as a Senior Recruiter, focus on the following.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Knowledge of server-based applicant tracking systems
- Proficient with social media platforms
- Experience in recruiting or human resources
Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, multiple job listings included them as preferred. Broaden your career options by adding these to your skillset.
- Degree in Human Resources or related field
- Certifications such as, PHR or SPHR
- Ability to travel
Senior Recruiter Resources
The Internet is a great source for more useful information on becoming a Senior Recruiter. We compiled a list of sites that will inspire, inform and entertain you on your path to a career as a Senior Recruiter.
On the Web
Recruiting Trends – This weekly online newsletter is dedicated to bringing the latest news and events to those in the recruiting industry. Read timely articles and opinion pieces as well as find out about upcoming conferences and seminars.
Staffing Today – This online publication is produced by the American Staffing Association and is a wonderful resource for the latest in industry news and data.
From the Mind of Matt Charney – Matt Charney is a veteran recruiter, having worked for companies such as Walt Disney Company and Warner Brothers. He posts insightful and sometimes comical articles about his observations on the recruitment profession.
Senior Recruiter Books
Recruiters on Recruiting: Tell Me About Yourself: Conversations About Life, Love and Work – This inspirational book offers the perspectives and lessons from 12 leading recruiters in Silicon Valley. Learn more about a recruiters job as well as why so many in the field love doing what they do.
The Professional Recruiter’s Handbook: Delivering Excellence in Recruitment Practice – Designed for current recruiters and those interested in the profession, this book has all the details about the job as well as the best practices and methods for recruiting.
Successful Interviewing and Recruiting – This useful guide provides all the information one needs to learn the latest and best techniques in interviewing and hiring employees.
Industry Groups
American Staffing Association – ASA was established in 1966 and is today’s largest staffing industry association. They are dedicated to promoting and protecting staffing industry professionals and are leading advocates for the industry.
National Association of Executive Recruiters – Founded in 1985, NAER represents successful executive search firms who meet strict standards and guidelines set by the organization.
National Association of Personnel Services – Founded in 1961, NAPS is the staffing industry’s oldest association and offers some of the industry’s leading education and career development opportunities.
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