Recruitment Consultant
What does a Recruitment Consultant do?
The role of a recruitment consultant is primarily placing the right professional into the right job, winning new business, and ensuring long-term working relationships with existing clients and candidates. To achive that, a recruitment consultant receives details of vacancies from the client and advertises to attract a pool of applicants.
The job includes making cold calls to get new business from client companies, building a detailed knowledge of the characteristics and specific needs of their clients and meeting targets set by their consultancy of vacancies taken on and vacancies filled successfully.
What qualifications do I need?
A recruitment agency welcomes candidates from a range of backgrounds and there are no qualifications that are essential to becoming a recruitment consultant. However, a bachelor’s degree in human resources, marketing or a related field will give you an advantage over other candidates. Personal attributes required for the job are knowledge of the recruiting and sourcing techniques, how to serve customers and sell products well. In addition, a Certificate in HR Administration is a useful qualification to work towards.
What subjects do I need?
English
Additional Official Language
Economics
Mathematics
Consumer Studies
Where can I study?
UNISA
Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management
University of Johannesburg
Bachelor of Human Resource Management
MANCOSA
Certificate in Human Resource Management
Where can I get more info?
Human Resource Development Council of South Africa (HRDC) - www.hrdcsa.org.za
South African Board for Personnel Practice (SABPP) - www.sabpp.co.za
South African Collieries Human Resources Association (SACHRA) - www.sachra.org.za
Interview with a Recruitment Consultant
Pinky Mgobhozi | RECRUITER | Fempower Personnel
Why did you choose this profession?
Every day, I engage with different candidates, and some of them leave a lasting impact on me. It is truly heartwarming when, even after two years of placing a candidate, they reach out to express their gratitude for the positive changes my assistance has brought to their lives. Being part of such transformative experiences bring me immense pleasure.
What training did you do?
I am currently enrolled in the CAPES Wits Business Management Programme, which provides comprehensive knowledge on recruitment and administrative processes related to employment.
Describe a typical day
I start the day by reviewing the responses to the job advertisements I am currently handling. I carefully prepare the CVs that I screened the previous day, ensuring they are ready to be sent out to potential employers. I conduct telephonic and face-to-face interviews with candidates, assessing their suitability for the positions. I refer the CVs of qualified candidates to the respective employers. I also dedicate time to sourcing candidates for the job openings that have not been covered yet.
What do you enjoy most?
The aspect I find most enjoyable is when my candidates receive interview invitations. Witnessing the positive outcome of my efforts and knowing that I have successfully matched candidates with potential employment opportunities brings me great satisfaction.
What don’t you like?
It can be quite frustrating when there are delays in finding suitable candidates – I feel that the day has been wasted. Promptly sourcing CVs is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient recruitment process, and when obstacles hinder this process, it can be disheartening.
What’s been the highlight of your career?
One of the most significant milestones in my career was when I had the opportunity to work with my first government account a few years ago. Despite it being a fixed-term contract, I successfully placed numerous candidates within that organisation. It was truly a remarkable year for me, filled with professional growth and accomplishment.
What are your future goals?
I would like to further my studies within HR. And continue to “bite the bullet” and learn more.
Are there certain traits one should have (or not have) to do this work?
Traits that are highly beneficial in this line of work include being hardworking, driven, having excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to multitask, and openness to criticism.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your career?
My advice would be to approach this career with a calm mindset and not perceive every office interaction as a threat. Understand that colleagues are there to support your professional growth.
Describe your job in three words
Challenging. Rewarding. Dynamic.
Interview date: May 2023