Why Consider A Career Change To Recruitment? (With Tips)

Updated 5 March 2023

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A career in the recruitment industry can be a rewarding one, as this is a rapidly evolving field. It is possible to switch to a career in recruitment even if your educational background is in a different discipline. Learning more about how to change to a career in this field can help you find a role that better suits you and increase your job satisfaction. In this article, we outline some common reasons people make a career change to recruitment and offer tips for making the switch.

Why consider a career change to recruitment?

A career change to recruitment can be a worthwhile decision for several reasons. The following are key incentives that can persuade a professional to consider making the switch:

Motivation to help others

Recruiters are usually in the best position to identify an applicant's skills and talents to determine if they are a good fit for a company. They connect with candidates from different backgrounds and regions. If you have an intrinsic desire to help others, pursuing a career in recruitment can be a good decision. You can help improve others' lives by offering employment or guiding them towards jobs that fit their skills.

As a recruiter, you can do more than help applicants find suitable employment within the company you represent. You can also choose to work with third-party recruitment agencies and firms. This allows you to offer applicants one-on-one consultations to match them with companies offering suitable vacancies for their qualifications and requirements.

Growth opportunities

A career change to recruitment is also an effective choice because this is a growing field. A notable improvement in recruitment technology and methods makes this a rewarding opportunity if you enjoy building relationships and helping companies find the right talent. It is likely you start as an intern, but if you have the potential to grow and find talented employees, you can soon advance in this career.

Higher salary

If you want to maximise your earnings, a career as a recruiter can help you achieve this. Salaries in recruitment vary depending on your location, industry and experience, but there are certain positions that offer considerably higher pay. For instance, if you work with companies placing talented candidates in disciplines such as engineering, finance or technology, you can benefit from commissions and bonuses that come with these roles.

Flexibility

Recruitment professionals perform many tasks. Besides considering CVs and preparing shortlists, recruiters often conduct brief discussions and contact candidates to get a better understanding of their profiles. They also hold meetings with companies offering vacancies to gain a better understanding of their ideal candidate. Such a work schedule offers recruiters flexibility in organising their day, sometimes allowing them to decide their work hours. As they can conduct interviews online, they can often work remotely, too.

Varied job practices

A career in recruitment offers variety. There are always new people to meet and tasks to perform. If you have a sociable personality, this field offers a fitting career path. You meet many people with different skills and backgrounds, each offering unique insights from which you can learn. If you are looking for a career that offers excitement and the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, a role in recruitment is a good choice.

Networking opportunities

The nature of recruitment requires the ability to network, so this is a good career choice for individuals looking to build connections. Building networks is important in recruitment, as it can lead to further growth opportunities. As a recruiter, you are in a strong position to do this, as it is your job to liaise with interested candidates, which naturally allows for building and maintaining connections.

8 tips for switching to a career in recruitment

If you are planning to switch to a career in recruitment, here are some tips that can help:

1. Adjust your CV accordingly

The first step is to revise your CV and adjust it according to the requirements of your prospective job. In doing so, it is important to focus on transferrable skills that can be useful in the recruitment field. Similarly, if you are responsible for hiring in your current role or have experience working with a recruiter or holding interviews, this is also worth mentioning. It is also beneficial to highlight other relevant skills and experience that can help launch your career in recruitment.

2. Consider another degree or further education

Securing a degree relevant to the recruitment industry can improve your chances of finding employment. This is the case if the industry where you currently work differs from the recruitment industry. For example, if you have an engineering degree, consider pursuing a master's degree in human resources or a relevant field. If this proves too great a commitment, consider taking an online course that is relevant to recruitment.

These courses are an effective means of learning the basics of recruitment, including the main job responsibilities. Many institutions and organisations offer classes in areas like hiring practices, diversity and inclusion and data analytics for human resources.

3. Expand your network

An effective way of finding employment in the recruitment industry is to consult your network for information relating to job openings. If you have a small network and know few people in the industry, it is important that you build this up. You can use professional social media platforms to build connections and enquire about opportunities. You can also attend networking events or conferences to build connections rapidly with colleagues from different industries.

4. Be consistent with applications

Finding a job is about being consistent. This may involve submitting a specific number of applications on a regular basis. Allocate an hour from your day exclusively to send applications. This is important if you have a target date for switching to a job in recruitment.

5. Include a cover letter with your application

It is important to include a cover letter with each application you send. When a recruiter considers your CV, they may want to know why a career in recruitment interests you. Ensure your cover letter provides detailed information outlining your motivation to switch careers and the skills you can bring to the new role. You can also use your cover letter to explain how you can help with recruitment and highlight relevant events and experiences.

6. Be flexible with requirements

As you are switching to a new field, you may want to be flexible with your requirements. For instance, if an employer offers you an entry-level position with a reasonable salary, it is worth accepting it. Once you have started your career in recruitment, you can then focus on growth opportunities. Entry-level recruitment jobs are an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to understand the basics of recruitment, such as scheduling interviews, following up with candidates and reviewing CVs and cover letters. It is an effective method of understanding what employers want and learning from candidates' oversights.

7. Work on improving your existing skills

It may be beneficial to consider the skills you regularly use in your current job and focus on improving those that are transferrable. For instance, if you have interviewed candidates for vacant positions in your team, ask the relevant authorities if they can increase your responsibilities in those areas. Or, offer to write job posting letters and evaluate how they perform. This is an effective way to improve your current skills and demonstrate that you can excel in a recruitment position.

8. Consult a recruiter

Talking to a recruiter is an effective way to learn about job roles and responsibilities. It can also help you highlight the best skills that you need for this position. You can also contact recruitment agencies themselves and ask them to help you find employment in the recruitment sector.