by Toni Foyer

Created on: January 25, 2010

During the time of growth and prosperity in the recruiting industry, seeking a position as a recruiter was fairly easy especially for recent college graduates.  As a matter of fact, my first professional job was with a small family owned employment firm.

My first piece of advice would be to develop a resume that includes work or college projects in which you had to multitask, experiences in which you had to communicate with difficult customers or clients and describe how well you can adapt to a fast paced environment. Also, if you have a job which requires selling, make sure you explain in detail how you maintain and exceed quotas and how your selling experience will help grow their organization. Now granted, my professional resume was lacking experience and my only sales background was at Sears. So, in order to get my foot in the door with this employment agency, I described in detail how my position as a credit rep at Sears enhanced my selling skills as well as my ability to communicate with a diverse customer base.

The next step is the interview with the agency.  Depending on whether the agency is a well-known firm or just a boutique shop that has a small candidate and client base, create a great image of yourself. Employment agencies want their recruiters to be outgoing, versatile and able to handle any crisis that comes up during the day. You need to convey to them that you are capable of handling challenges; you are willing to work late to fill orders and go that extra mile to please the client.  Also, let it be known you have developed strong communication skills. In this industry, you need to build trust with your candidates and clients. People will only work with recruiters they feel are honest and competent.

As an eager and inexperienced college grad, I expressed in my interview that I was open to working with a diverse group of people, I’d work hard and I love to sell.  Which leads me to another key point, the recruiting industry needs individuals that are successful on the phone. Many individuals that try to get into the industry are not aware of the amount of phone work that needs to be accomplished each day. This is a sales job! Although the position requires you to interview, source candidates, complete reference checks and many other human resource aspects, your ability to sell to candidates and clients is essential to your success.

The recruiting industry was a great experience and there will never be a shortage of firms to apply to for a position. With the economy slowly recovering, the industry will begin to seek out once again those strong and enthusiastic individuals that can build their business.

Learn more about this author, Toni Foyer.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.