How To Become A Recruiter (Consultant) In Australia?

Do you enjoy meeting people, solving their problems, and making a positive difference in their lives? If yes, you may want to become a recruiter or consultant.

Recruiters in Australia help businesses hire skilled people and assist job seekers in finding their dream job to become successful. They use data-driven recruitment processes to offer top-notch consultative services to business clients and candidates while meeting their sales targets.

You do not need formal qualifications to become a recruiter in Australia. However, most employers look to hire candidates with a certification or diploma in human resources for a recruitment role.

Follow this guide to learn how to become a recruitment consultant in Australia. From job descriptions and educational and personal requirements to career opportunities, job outlook, and salary, you will learn everything it takes to be a recruiter in Australia.

1. Who Is A Recruitment Consultant In Australia?

Recruiters work closely with HR professionals and clients to understand their employees and recruitment needs. They ensure that the employer hires the most deserving candidate on the market.

• A recruiter searches and shortlists job applicants based on their job requirements and arranges interviews to assist employers in finding the most suited staff. 

• Besides the right experience and skills, recruiters hire people who possess the right cultural fit and motivation to ensure they will stay and perform.

• Recruiters set up meetings with the best-matched applicants and the employer. They manage the candidate and employer to help them sign a job contract.

• Recruiters get a commission bonus based on the revenue they generate from the placement fees. 

• Recruiters generally work in private recruitment agencies and offices. A few larger organisations have an in-house team of recruitment specialists. After gaining experience, many recruiters gain an industry-level specialisation to work exclusively in specific industries like IT.

2. How Does A Recruitment Consultant Differ From An HR?

Sometimes, people use the terms HR and recruitment consultant interchangeably, but there are differences in these roles. Let us find out what they are:

• Most organisations require a human resource professional to manage the employee life cycle. A recruiter is only needed when a vacancy for a job position arises in a company.

• Human resource departments hire recruiters, and they work under the team.

• An HR resource is wholly engaged in aspects concerning recruitment, management, and staff welfare. The recruiter is only responsible for verifying documents and conducting interviews to select the fittest candidate for the job who is adaptable to the changing workplaces. 

• When an HR professional notices any job vacancy, he informs the recruiter about the job post and profile.

• The recruiter advertises the vacancy in social media, job portals, newspapers, and other channels to ensure that the news reaches the most job seekers in the market. 

• A recruitment consultant performs tasks to test the candidate's fit to take him to the next level of the hiring process. 

• On the other hand, HR assigns the recruiting resource to a job position and manages the job role during the employment period, such as discussing pay scales and appraisals, handling job queries, training, and more to make a candidate ready to work in the organisation.

• Being a consultant is a part-time profession in some organisations as the recruitment happens during a specific period in a year. However, the human resource job is a full-time profession that takes complete care of employees while on the job.

Hiring an employee for the organisation has always been a challenging job. It is a crucial task that determines the overall success of the organisation. Though an HR and a recruiter work as a separate unit, they are equally accountable for the growth and development of an employee and the organisation.

3. Reasons To Become A Recruiter In Australia

Recruitment is among the most preferred sector for undergraduates as it allows them to demonstrate the social skills and intelligence they have learned while studying at the University.

If you want to work in a sector that gives you a fast track to success, healthy competition, and excellent earning potential, this could be the one.

Here are the top reasons why becoming a recruiter could be the right career option for you:

Ability To Positively Impact The Lives of Others

By helping people get their dream jobs, recruiters try to improve the financial position of the job applicant and bring life-long changes in their professional life. This is among the most significant advantages of beginning a career in the recruitment sector.

Become A Part of Organisational Success

The selection of the candidate can make or break the project's execution and the company's reputation and impact their ability to gain further projects. It could affect the sales and bottom line of an organisation. 

A qualified recruiter chooses the most appropriate candidate who could use his experiences, expertise, and achievements to make the business successful.

Rewarding and Satisfying Profession

It is an ideal career path for people with a competitive streak and drives to perform exceptionally under challenging conditions. The contentment you gain by filling a job vacancy with a deserving candidate, achieving your targets, and beating your competitors is unexplainable.

High Earnings and Employment Opportunities

The profession is both emotionally and financially rewarding. In addition to attractive salaries, recruiters earn hefty bonuses and commissions throughout the recruitment season. With no limit on the commission, you can maximise your earnings based on your capabilities.

Furthermore, dedicated consultants in Australia enjoy opportunities for progression and recognition by becoming senior consultants, specialist consultants in a specific area, or a manager for an organisation.

Exciting Profession

Suppose you like to meet and interact with people of varying technical and cultural backgrounds. In that case, you will enjoy being a recruitment consultant.

Work-Life Balance

The profession provides you with the flexibility to effectively manage your work-life balance. You can easily adjust your work around your lifestyle and earn handsomely.

4. Duties Of A Recruiter In Australia

The primary responsibility of a recruitment consultant in Australia is to build potential job matches by selecting and filtering the right candidate for individual divisions of the industry.

To do this, recruiters advertise job openings on media and create a database of the received job applications of candidates that meet the job requirements.

They thoroughly scan their resume and portfolio to find the most capable candidate for a specific job post. A recruiter sorts the candidate application manually or using an automated applicant tracker. Later, he performs background checks and arranges initial interviews with the employers.

Here is a detailed list of duties and tasks that forms part of a recruiter's job:

• Create advertising material to promote job openings on various media channels 

• Find job seekers using strategies such as their agency database, online databases, job portals like Linked In, social media, referrals, email and SMS marketing, and networking.

• Find employers via cold calling, email marketing, referrals, job boards, their marketing team, and networking events.

• Attend meetings with employers to develop a good understanding of their businesses, work culture, workforce, and environment.

• Attend meetings with potential job seekers to learn about their domain expertise, qualification, experience, and job needs.

• Search candidates that fit recruitment requirements using networking, CV tracking apps, and headhunting. Evaluate CVs, check references, and submit them to clients.

• Meet shortlisted candidates to discuss the job post, responsibilities, and pay package.

• Analyse a candidate's capability by conducting different types of tests such as personality tests, aptitude tests, and technical tests.

• Arrange an interview for shortlisted candidates and check their backgrounds.

• Negotiate salary rates and terms and conditions of employment and finalise employment contracts between employers and job applicants.

• Maintain and update the database of candidates and clients regularly.

5. Required Skills To Become A Recruiter In Australia

A recruiter's job doesn't require formal education and technical knowledge. However, they should possess specific skills to hire the most suitable candidates.

• Clear, precise, and professional communication skills

• Eloquent

• Positive attitude

• Emotional Control

• Great team working skills

• Like to praise people

• Good listening ability

• Likes to be a Learner

• Good at decision-making 

• Self-motivated

• Self-Confident

• Good Interpersonal skills

• Impressive personality 

• Able to handle pressure and meet targets

• Persistence

• Competitiveness

• Good relationship-building and negotiating skills

• Good understanding of people's talents and abilities

• Good analytical skills

• Diplomatic while dealing with people

• Ambitious and goal-oriented 

• Enjoy networking

• Multi-tasking ability

Knowledge and experience in sales, marketing, or any other customer-facing role is desirable for those who plan to switch from their profession to recruitment.

6. Qualifications To Become A Recruitment Consultant In Australia

Certain recruitment agencies hire applicants without any formal human resource qualifications. Still, employers usually look for consultants with relevant qualifications or training when hiring.

• Must be 18 years and more

• Should hold a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education

• Should have a good knowledge of English and mathematics

• A VET course in recruitment and related field will help increase your chances of pursuing an entry-level job

• A university degree or certification in human resource management, psychology, or behavioural science is beneficial

7. Steps To Become A Recruitment Consultant In Australia

There is no standard requirement to work as a recruiter in Australia, as most agencies provide on-the-job training to their candidates.

However, some employers prefer hiring candidates with a background in human resources and related fields. 

So, here are the steps on how you can get your first job as a recruiter in the industry:

• Step 1: Gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English and mathematics as compulsory subjects

• Step 2: Complete a Vocational Education and Training in recruitment and related fields that will give you introductory knowledge about recruitment and prepare you for the role.

• Step 3: You can also consider completing a bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Communications, Psychology, Behavioural Science, and Business Management at a nationally accredited university. The degree will make you a qualified recruiter and improve your chances of getting a quick start in the recruitment industry.

• Step 4: Complete training courses organised by the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association Australia & New Zealand. RCSA is the peak body responsible for the recruitment and staffing industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Visit their website to learn about the RCSA recruitment consulting certificate. Trained and experienced graduates can also obtain their membership.

8. Courses And Certification To Become A Recruiter In Australia

Several Australian institutes like TAFE offer nationally recognised recruitment qualifications in Australia to help students gain the knowledge and practical exposure to launch an exciting career in recruitment.

Those who want to know how to become a recruiter from home can choose from online recruitment certificate courses.

These professionally designed courses help students discover innovative techniques to source, recruit and retain the most capable individuals for a broad array of industry roles.

We have listed the most desirable learning pathways to commence your journey of becoming a recruiter in Australia:

Certificate Of Recruitment Consulting

Candidates who want to boost their skill set further can complete the following courses.

Certificate IV in Human Resource Management

This certification prepares the student to take on various roles that require a sound understanding of human resources. 

Some of these positions include a recruitment assistant, a Human Resource Officer, a Human Resource Administrator, a Human Resources Coordinator, a Payroll Officer, or other jobs.

Students gain skills in the following areas:

• Recruitment of staff 

• Development of staff potential

• Create presentations for groups

• Lead teams

• Ensure workplace health, hygiene, and safety

The following TAFE and government institutions in Australia offer this course:

• TAFE South Metropolitan

• TAFE NSW

• TAFE North Metropolitan

• TAFE South Metropolitan

• TAFE South Australia

• TAFE Tasmania

9. Working Conditions Of Recruiters In Australia

Work Hours

Based on JobOutlook data, 83% of professionals in this field usually work full-time, and only 17% work part-time. A full-time recruiter's average work hours is 43 hours per week.

Consultants in the private industry may need to work overtime to interview job seekers who aren't reachable during regular business hours.

Qualification

Around 52% of recruitment consultants in Australia hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Gender

68% of the total Australian recruiter population is female.

Age

The average age band of recruiters working in this profession is 36 years.

Work Demands

The job of recruiters is mostly a desk job. They write letters, emails, and memos, attend face-to-face or telephonic meetings, etc.

The workplace environment is quite comfortable, with access to air conditioning and heating systems.

Recruiters generally work in groups and have to work under strict timelines. Sometimes they have to face rude people and deal with disagreements. They typically have the flexibility and independence to decide priorities and goals.

10. Employment Opportunities Of A Recruiter In Australia

Recruitment Consultant is a vast sector in Australia. Around 26,800 recruiters are presently working in Australia. The industry sees moderate growth in the coming years.

Most of the recruitment consultants in Australia work in both the private and public sectors, such as Administrative and Support Services, Public Administration and Safety, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. Some experienced recruitment consultants work as self-employed by setting up their recruitment agency.

Some of Australia's best-suited recruitment consultant jobs include recruitment assistants, human resources assistants, human resources administrators, payroll officers, and human resources coordinators.

After gaining experience, a recruitment consultant can gain specialisation in the following fields:

• Recruitment Case Managers: They offer detailed support assistance to clients who couldn't find work for a long time.

• Recruitment Consultants: They interview job seekers to define their job requirements and appropriateness for specific roles, evaluate their training requirements and help employers locate a qualified workforce.

• Human Resources Officers: They support the development and execution of HR policies and systems and offer counselling on HR procedures.

• Management Consultants: They solve complicated issues and develop invaluable strategies to enhance the operational and financial performance of the business clients

11. How Much Do Recruitment Consultants Earn In Australia?

Recruiters in Australia earn 48,700 AUD (lowest) to 164,000 AUD (highest). Their average annual salary comes to 104,000 AUD.

The average hourly wage of a recruiter in Australia is 50 AUD. In addition to the salary, they also receive substantial commissions and bonuses.

Based On Location

A recruitment consultant in Brisbane earns 112,000 AUD per year, and a recruitment consultant's salary in Sydney is 107,000 AUD. 

Let's look at the average salary in other cities/states of Australia:

• Adelaide: 106,000 AUD

• Gosford: 88,200 AUD

• Sunshine Coast: 93,000 AUD

• Melbourne: 104,000 AUD

• Gold Coast-Tweed: 103,000 AUD

• Newcastle: 97,600 AUD

• Perth: 109,000 AUD

• Wollongong: 91,800 AUD

Based on Experience

• An entry-level recruitment consultant's salary with less than two years of experience is around 56,200 AUD per year.

• A mid-level Recruiter with 2 to 5 years of experience makes annual earnings of 77,500 AUD.

• An experience level Recruiter with 5 to 10 years of experience gets paid 110,000 AUD a year

• A Recruiter at the later stage of his career (10 to 15 years of experience) obtains an annual salary of 134,000 AUD.

Based on Qualification

The more qualified you get, the more money you earn. This is because higher-level degrees equip you with knowledge and expertise that make you more competent to take on senior roles in a company.

• A recruiter in Australia who holds a bachelor's degree earns an average salary of 77,500 AUD per year.

• On the other hand, postgraduates in recruitment and related fields draw a yearly salary of 142,000.

Based on Sector

Recruitment Consultants are in demand in both Government and Private Sectors in Australia. Here is a comparison that will tell you which sector is more lucrative for a recruiter.

The employment data shows that recruiters in public-sector organisations earn 5% more than their private-sector counterparts.

Where the average annual earnings of a recruiter in the private sector is 88,600 AUD, those employed in the public sector make 93,000 AUD.

Salary Increment

Recruiters can expect an 11% of salary increment every 17 months.

12. Pros And Cons Of Working As A Recruiter In Australia

A career in the recruitment sector can seem very enticing and lucrative. However, employee reviews show that this job is only for some. 

Let's look at the positive and negative aspects of working as a recruiter in Australia:

Pros

• A decent base salary and good commissions can help you make money fast.

• There is no need for formal qualifications.

• Training and support are provided to skill up and advance in your career.

• You get returning businesses as clients return based on your integrity and relationship.

• Sense of satisfaction and joy to place someone in a job position. The sight of a happy job seeker, an employer, management, and a good bonus makes it a rewarding job.

• The profession teaches you skills that help you throughout your career and life.

• Great diversity in work 

• Not a tedious desk job. You get to meet different types of people and keep challenging your limits.

Cons

• Not a 9-5 job. Sometimes you need to work for long hours

• Very competitive environment

• Difficult to survive in a highly fast-paced environment

• You need to work on multiple jobs at once to reach your targets. You might feel exhausted if you lose your focus

• Sometimes you have to deal with angry job seekers and the employer, which leads to an unpleasant experience.

• Constant emailing and phone calls can tire you a lot.

13. How To Become An Independent Recruiter In Australia?

A profession in recruitment gives you the freedom to be your boss. Many experienced recruiters in Australia are self-employed.

If you want to work independently, here is a guide to setting up your recruitment agency in Australia.

• Find a trustworthy accountant who can advise you on selecting the right firm.

• Get a license of popularly used accounting and invoicing software like Xero and payroll software like SmartPayroll.

• Choose an efficient cloud-based Recruitment software solution that helps lower hardware requirements and setup costs. The right software enables you to work quickly and efficiently.

• Choose your company or business domain name (.com.au). 

• Nowadays, having a website is inevitable to run a business anywhere in the world. Hire a designer/developer to build a unique website for your recruitment agency. You can get several free-to-use tools and Content management systems, such as WordPress, Template Monster, Sitebuilder, etc., to help you create one.

• Print your business cards

Once you have set up your recruitment agency, you visit your clients personally and introduce your business. Spend time advertising your business using social media channels and more.

Initially, share your knowledge with their clients for free or at a nominal cost. Benefits will follow once you develop your reputation in the market. Your main objective is to build trust and get your client to know about your expertise.

Spend much time networking with your potential clients (job seekers and employers). Use online channels like LinkedIn, attend industry events, meet face-to-face on coffee, etc., to let many people know about your business.

Work with companies you know to avoid any misunderstanding, disputes, and loss of reputation at the starting phase. Be creative and work with different arrangements such as fixed fee provisions, exclusivity, retainers, and exciting deals to provide a higher degree of customer service than your competitors.

14. How To Become A Recruiter On LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is among the best recruiting and networking platforms on the web. It can prove to be a precious resource to advertise your recruitment services to many people. Here are simple steps to get started:

• Identify and define your target niche 

• Connect with people who belong to that sector daily

• An excellent way to initiate a conversation is by sending a welcome message to them

• The next step is to brief them about your business over a telephone call

• Implement your Multi-Level Marketing Strategy to promote your services and bring on new hires into your business.

Tips to make a time-tested business-building MLM strategy:

• Study marketing, pick a specific lead generation strategy, and gain expertise. These strategies include pay-per-click advertising, blogging, podcasting, and video marketing. 

• Do at least 7 to 15 follow-ups to get them to buy your services. While you follow up, refrain from pressuring or selling your services to people.

• Gain expertise in closing the deal confidently. Help from e-guides, podcasts, and videos is needed to master closing a deal. 

• You need to understand that any business is a number game. To recruit a person, you need to approach three times more prospects. Learn to deal with No and stay motivated throughout the process.

• Use third party tools such as video, conference calls, webinars, or live events to convey a message to the end user. 

• And lastly, stay consistent and engage in regular follow-ups to succeed as a LinkedIn recruiter. 

15. How To Become A Recruitment Consultant With No Experience?

You don't need formal training or qualifications to be a recruitment consultant. Let us see how:

• Get knowledge about the field by reading e-books, searching on Google, and watching YouTube videos.

• Identify the skills that this industry demands and work on them.

• Linked In is one of the best platforms for established recruiters to find you. Create your profile on LinkedIn. Follow recruitment-related content present on the site to gain a good understanding of the industry. Connect with recruiters and introduce yourself to them.

• Make a list of recruitment agencies in your area. Do cold-calling to individual agencies to sell yourself and your handy skills. Ask to arrange a short meeting with the agency manager. 

• Do a lot of networking as it is the best method to get a job in any sector. You can network with recruitment agencies and corporate recruiters who can share their knowledge and land you an entry-level position.

16. Conclusion

Recruitment consultants form a part of the vast human resource industry. It is an exciting and fast-moving job where you grow and develop those latent talents and skills you are unaware of.

The growing recruitment sector in Australia brings plenty of jobs and growth opportunities for talented recruiters/consultants. Though the competition is high, the rewards for successful professionals are also high.

You need to skill up and acquire qualifications to achieve your set targets and make a satisfying and lucrative career in this field.

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