Nature of work
It is essential for recruitment consultants to build good relationships with client companies in order to gain a better understanding of their recruitment needs, requirements and work culture. In doing so, they will be able to fulfill their tasks in using candidates’ database to find the right people and match them to the right positions (temporary/permanent). They receive and review applications and create a shortlist of candidates. Then they request references and check the suitability of applicants before submitting their details to the client. They also organize interviews for candidates as requested by clients, and then inform candidates about the results. Briefing the candidate about the responsibilities, salary and benefits of the job is the recruitment consultants’ duty. They advise both clients and candidates on pay rates, training and career progression. They also review recruitment policies to ensure effectiveness of selection techniques. Finally, using sales, business development and media/social media (newspapers, websites and magazines) greatly help recruitment consultants in advertising vacancies, attract candidates, attract business from client companies and build relationships with candidates and employers. Environment of work
Working as a recruitment consultant can be stressful as it is sales oriented, so targets have to be met. Therefore, He should expect to work long hours including evenings sometimes. Since meeting clients and interviewing candidates is part of his job, he has to leave office and travel within the working day. However, overseas travel is less common, unless he is working within a travel-related industry or for a niche market. Overseas work may be possible with large companies that have overseas branches.Unfortunately, it is very uncommon to have career breaks due to the dynamic nature of the sector. It is only possible in certain circumstances. When he become very-well-experienced consultant with expert knowledge of a specialist sector, it is possible to become self-employed and work freelance. It is highly important to have a smart personal appearance and professional behavior as his role involves lots of meetings with clients and conducting interviews. Generally speaking, the gender balance in the profession is fairly even, but varies from sector to sector.
Professional life
Progression in this job is mainly based on performance and achievements, as well as the size and structure of the company. Recruitment consultant will be given certain tasks and expected to achieve the required targets during a period of three months to a year. Typically, he starts work either as a trainee recruitment consultant or as a recruitment resourcer. Both roles are entry level and include on-the-job training.A trainee recruitment consultant is given a sales target in the first three months and he progress on the achievement of his target. A recruitment resourcer support recruitment consultants by sourcing new candidates for vacancies. He will be given a target for the number of new candidates he should find. After a minimum of three years, he can progress from consultant to senior consultant or account manager. Progression to team leader or managerial positions requires managerial/financial skills.
Recruitment consultancy is very demanding and requires long working hours. However, it can be the platform to build experience and contacts to move into other areas such as human resources and training new recruits.
He will start on a basic salary of 50000 SYP.
Getting the job
In this particular job, employers value experience, skills and abilities rather than specific academic qualifications. Therefore, this occupation is open to all graduates who have the required abilities and potentials regardless of degree subject.However, if candidate wants to stand out and duplicate his chances of getting the job, it would be a good idea to have both skills and a degree because, especially if he chooses to work for an agency that specializes in a market or industry related to his degree. Postgraduate study is not essential. Candidate may find that relevant experience and skills are more useful.
Work experience in sales, marketing or any customer-oriented role is useful for starting a career in the recruitment industry. Active membership of student societies may also help candidate provide evidence that he has the necessary skills.
Skills
Since abilities and skills have the priority in this job, here are some tips to help candidate reinforce his opportunities of getting this position. It is essential that he possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, customer service, telephone skills, as well as sales and negotiation skills. He should be able to handle multiple priorities and solve problems professionally. His work is mainly based on achieving targets on time, so he should have the ability to meet deadlines, cope with responsibilities and handle a high level of work pressure. Time management and organizational skills is the key to fulfill duties. In order to succeed and advance in this domain, he should be ambitious, determined and creative. He should also have a confident approach to work. Finally, He will be expected to work effectively in a team, so he should be a good team player. Sources and references
If you need any further information on what is included in this file, you can visit the following websites: www.hrdiscussion.com, human resource discussion
www.shrm.org, society of human resource management
www.ihrmsyria.org, Institute of human resource management
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.
Summary
Recruitment consultants are responsible for attracting candidates and matching them to temporary/permanent positions with client companies. They build good relations with client companies in order to gain a better understanding of their recruitment needs and requirements.They attract candidates by advertising vacancies in a wide range of media, as well as by networking and headhunting. They screen candidates, interview them, do background checks and match them to suitable positions.