How to Become a Recruiter in Canada 2024: Skills, Wages, Job Outlook, and Career Path

Unlocking the World of a Recruiter

Are you a people person with a good sense of talent? Do you thrive in dynamic settings where no two days are the same? If so, a career as a Recruiter might be the perfect job for you. In this blog, we will go over the ins and outs of being a Recruiter.

Quick Facts

(From the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Website)

• Job Outlook: Good
• Median Income: $68,000
• Top Location: Toronto (58%)

Job Description

Recruiters play an important role in discovering top talent, easing the recruiting process, and ensuring that new workers are seamlessly integrated into the company. With a sharp eye for potential and a commitment to developing an exceptional culture, the Recruiter is a critical partner in driving a company's continuing success and growth.

What Would I Do?

As a Recruiter, you would spend your days doing a variety of duties such as:

• Identify Staff Needs: Work with department managers and stakeholders to determine existing and future staff requirements, taking into consideration the company's objectives and strategic goals.
• Job Announcements: Prepare and post job announcements and adverts on multiple venues, such as online job boards, social media channels, and industry-specific forums, to attract a diverse pool of suitable candidates.
• Candidate Screening: Collect and screen applications, resumes, and portfolios to determine candidates' credentials and appropriateness for vacant positions using established criteria and best practices.
• Interview Coordination: Plan and arrange interviews for applicants, providing logistical assistance and direction throughout the process, and coordinating with recruiting managers and interview panels as needed.
• Employee Support: Provide support and help to employees throughout their job lifetime, such as scheduling staff training, supporting employee assistance programs, and implementing recognition and incentive initiatives.
• Administrative Responsibilities: Manage administrative responsibilities linked to recruiting and employment, such as keeping correct records, generating job offers and contracts, and monitoring documents to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Policy Guidance: Advise managers and employees on staffing policies and processes, assuring compliance with applicable legislation and standards, and giving best practices for recruiting and selection.

Am I Suited For This Job?

SkillsDescriptionCommunication SkillsAbility to effectively communicate to multiple colleagues and potential applicants, both verbally and in writing.Interpersonal SkillsAbility to develop rapport and genuine connections with applicants and colleagues.Organizational SkillsAbility to multitask, prioritize tasks, and manage time efficiently.Attention to DetailCommitment to thoroughness and accuracy while evaluating applications and handling applicant information.Problem-Solving SkillsAbility to recognize issues in the recruitment process and propose innovative solutions.AdaptabilityWillingness to accept change and overcome uncertainty in a dynamic workplace.ConfidentialityDedication to maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information related to candidates and staff.

If you have these skills and love working in a fast-paced, people-oriented environment, you might be a good fit for this position. You are usually sitting and making repetitive motions, so if you like a position where it is not physically demanding on your feet and you like repetitive things then this might be for you!

A Typical Day

In a normal workplace setting, recruiters work mostly in indoor, environmentally controlled areas like offices. The establishment might be throughout the private and public sector. They frequently work in close proximity to coworkers, sharing office settings that promote collaboration and teamwork. Remote work options are becoming increasingly common, which might be an option depending on the establishment. Working remotely will allow individuals to connect with clients via phone, email, or video call.

Recruiters often work normal business hours such as 8 to 4 or 9 to 5, Monday to Friday averaging 35 to 40 hours per week, with some flexibility necessary to fulfill interviews or urgent recruiting requirements. There might be occasions where you might work in the evening or on the weekends but that depends on the organization and industry.

A typical day for recruiters involves a mix of administrative tasks, client interactions, and strategic planning. Mornings and afternoons might include screening applicants, conducting phone, video, or in-person interviews, collaborating with hiring managers to discuss hiring needs, and managing administrative tasks associated with recruitment activities like updating applicant records. Throughout the day, recruiters may also need to stay updated on industry trends and participate in training sessions. Occasionally, some establishments require you to travel to attend job fairs or networking events to source talent or meet with hiring managers in person.

What Are the Wages and Benefits?

Recruiters are often paid competitively, with salaries varying depending on experience, location, and employer size. According to ZipRecruiter and JobBank Canada, here is a breakdown of typical yearly wages for recruiters at various stages of their career:

• Entry-Level Recruiters: $36,000 to $46,000 per year
• Mid-Level Recruiters: $46,000 to $70,000 per year
• Senior-Level Recruiters: $70,000 to $90,000 per year

In addition to competitive pay, recruiters frequently get a variety of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

What Is the Job Outlook in Ontario?

The predicted total number of new job seekers and job opportunities during the whole projection period (2022-2031) is examined with an assessment of labour market circumstances in recent years. The goal is to estimate if current labour market circumstances are likely to endure or change between 2022 and 2031.

For example, if an analysis of key labour market indicators indicates that the number of job seekers was insufficient to fill job openings in an occupational group in recent years, projections are used to determine whether this situation will persist over the projection period or if the occupation will shift toward balanced conditions. New job vacancies (arising from growth and replacement demands) are predicted to reach 11,900 between 2022 and 2031, with 14,300 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration, and mobility) available to fill them.

How Do I Become a Recruiter?

To pursue a job as a recruiter, individuals often require the following qualifications and traits:

• Education: A college diploma or a bachelor’s degree in an area relevant to personnel management, such as business administration, industrial relations, or commerce, or completion of a professional development program in personnel administration, is typically necessary. Certification as a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) may be necessary and can enhance your credentials.
• CHRP Certification: Durham College has a great part-time remote program for those looking to get the Certified Human Resources Professional Designation. Durham College - CHRP Program. Once you meet the 65% coursework requirement you can write the CHRP Knowledge Exam, CHRP Employment Law Exam, and an online Job Ready Program course designated to assist registrants with their transition into the workplace including training around professionalism and ethics. These steps will get you to becoming a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) in Ontario. HRPA - CHRP
• Related Programs:
• Algonquin College - Business Administration-Human Resources
• Humber College - Business Administration
• University of Toronto - Specialist Program in Management and Human Resources (Bachelor of Business Administration)
• Experience: Some experience in a clerical or administrative role involving personnel administration may be required.

Where Would I Work?

Recruiters are employed in a wide variety of businesses and sectors, including the private and public sectors, as well as non-profit organizations.

How Do I Find a Job?

Most individuals discover employment possibilities through a combination of networking, online job boards, recruiting firms, and professional HR associations. Generic job search options include using online platforms such as LinkedIn, Job Bank, Indeed, visiting job fairs, and using personal connections within the industry.

According to Job Bank Canada, here are some other job titles that are found in the same occupational category when applying for a job as well as a list of similar occupations:

• Human Resources Officer
• Personnel Officer
• Recruitment Specialist
• Staffing Analyst
• Staffing Coordinator

Applying for a Job

When applying for a recruiter position, your resume or CV should showcase relevant skills like communication, problem-solving abilities, experiences, education and coursework or internships/volunteer experiences, accomplishments in human resources and recruitment. Emphasize your communication abilities, interpersonal skills, and knowledge in recruitment tools and techniques. Be prepared for behavioural interview questions that will assess your problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

Where Can This Job Lead?

A career in recruiting can lead to a variety of opportunities in human resources management and other fields like HR managers, talent acquisition specialists, or organizational development consultants with experience and ongoing professional development. Furthermore, the skills and abilities developed as a recruiter are transferable to various industries and professions, providing opportunities for career diversification and advancement.

Having a career as a recruiter provides a dynamic and rewarding path for those who are enthusiastic about connecting individuals who are talented with opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in the field of human resources. This Recruiter blog is here to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t forget to check out the CAYOP website: CAYOP provides a number of resources to help you start your job search whether it is job opportunities or blog posts on information on other careers you may be interested in.