Recruitment and strategic placement of qualified employees is important to the success of any organization. In smaller organizations, top managers often handle this function personally. In larger enterprises, this responsibility is usually delegated to recruitment personnel, who are responsible to search for promising job applicants and place them in positions that best maximize their skills.

To seek out qualified candidates, recruiters often network with other organizations in the community or travel to college and university campuses. After contacting a candidate, they handle everything from the screening and interviewing process to checking references and extending job offers.

Employment of recruitment personnel is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. New jobs will stem from the growing effort to recruit and retain quality employees. Job competition is likely to remain strong, however, due to an abundance of qualified college graduates and experienced workers.

Good judgment, listening skills, discernment, and tact are essential to success in this field. Recruitment specialists also need excellent written and verbal communication skills and a persuasive, friendly personality, Patience and flexibility are necessary to interact with people who have widely differing levels of intelligence, education, and ability.

Those desiring to work in recruitment must know and stay abreast of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act. They also need strong people skills and an ability to screen, interview, and test job applicants.

A bachelor’s degree in human resources, or in business administration with a concentration in human resources management, is the minimum requirement for most careers in recruitment. A master’s degree and previous experience is required for general and top management positions.

Although recruitment specialists generally work in comfortable offices, many also travel extensively to attend professional meetings and interview job candidates on post-secondary campuses.