Are you the next one ‘falling-into’ recruitment? Do not become a recruiter until you have read this.

No one would dream of being a recruiter, but they would have ‘fallen into’ it

I get phone calls every so often. This is how the conversation typically plays out.

‘Hi, how are you doing? It’s been a while!’  the other side asks.

‘Not bad, you?’ I reply.

‘I have been jobless for a while and wonder if I should be making a pivot into recruitment.’

No matter what industry they’re coming from, many individuals believe they can transition into recruiting at any given point in their career.

Why is recruitment so attractive?

It is true that the recruitment industry has a very low entry barrier. While you won’t require any formal qualifications to become a recruiter, the earning potential is massive. Recruitment agencies take a cut of 18-25% of the annual salary for successfully placing a candidate into the right company. As a recruiter, you get decent commissions and there is no ceiling as to how much you can earn.

The industry also offers the opportunity to peek into various industries and engage with top talents. The flexible and independent work style promises no two days are the same.

Recruitment is also one of the few industries that can find a way out of the industries cycles. As some industries dwindle, recruitment industries can tap into emerging high-growth industries with relatively low transition cost.

While all these sounding very positive, recruitment is one of the industries having the highest turnover rate. A latest figure in the UK shows an average turnover rate of 45% which I think the Hong Kong figure shouldn’t be too far off.

Why is recruitment so challenging?

Many recruiters have experienced burnout. The mental and emotional exhaustion comes from the following:

1. Recruiters are taking roller coaster rides everyday as their income is dependent not only on the whims of hiring decisions but also on the unpredictable nature of human candidates, whose minds can sway easily. Factors beyond their control outweighs those within it, rendering invested efforts no guarantee of success.

2. Acquiring top candidates  is challenging but the real test is to acquire new clients, where the money lies.

3. Like salespersons, recruiters face rejections on a daily basis. Whether it is a straightforward ‘No!’, a gentler ‘Thanks but no thanks’, or even silent ghosting, rejection is rejection. It has a toll on recruiters’ emotional well-being.

In 2024, the Hong Kong market faced another arduous year.  Waves of emigration have exacerbated talent shortage. While candidates were expecting more from the job offers, companies’ resources were strained by the economic slowdown.

What it (really) takes to become a recruiter?

If you are still reading this article, you should read on to understand if you have what it takes to become a recruiter.

To become a recruiter, you will have these qualities:

1. Emotional stability

A successful recruiter will have to stay composed dealing with rejections, managing multiple stakeholders, and accepting a sudden change of the course of events. A high emotional quotient will be needed to sail through the recruitment process.

2. Self-discipline and time management skills

Recruiters are required to work autonomously with high degree of self-discipline. Working multiple cases at a time, they rely on robust time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet respective deadlines. Frequently, recruiters are required field calls outside work hours and on weekends to accommodate candidates’ schedules.

3. Negotiation skills

Recruiters need excellent negotiation skills to facilitate a deal that is a win-win for both the clients and candidates while maintaining positive relationship with both parties.

4. Presentation skills

Recruiters who are usually laymen to the employer’s industry, will need to grasp the industry structure, development and trends and present the opportunities to the candidates in a clear and persuasive manner.

5. Interpersonal skills

Building and maintaining relationship is at the core of recruitment. Recruiters must keep both their clients and candidates engaged throughout the recruitment journey.  Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening and empathy, are paramount for establishing trust and understanding needs.

After over 9 years in the recruitment industry, I can confidently say that joining the recruitment industry has been one of the best decisions of my life.  Despite the challenges, the joy of forging relationships and finding the perfect candidates for the companies are deeply fulfilling.  To anyone considering a career in recruitment, I encourage you to embrace the journey with enthusiasm, resilience and commitment to excellence. The journey may be demanding, but the opportunities for personal and professional growth are endless!