Recruiting careers are on the rise as the use of headhunters to provide staffing solutions gains momentum. With businesses constantly reviewing ways to trim payroll, corporate recruiters are a natural fit as the most expedient, cost effective method to fill vacant positions.

If you’re considering a career in recruiting, you’re on the right track. Recruiting positions are plentiful and headhunting experience is often transferable from industry to industry. Due to the high service demand and cost-saving nature, recruiting jobs are also resistant to market downturns. Recruiters save businesses money — making them a valuable asset.

To develop a career in recruiting, you’ll need to make some preparations:

1. Decide what type of employment recruiter to become. Will you work for a recruiting company or become an independent? Do you intend to work on contingency or retainer?

2. Choose a market segment in which to specialize. You’re likely to command higher rates as an industry specialist than someone working in the general market.

3. Get training within your chosen niche. Stay informed with industry news and make contacts among other headhunters. Informational exchange can be one of your most valuable assets.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get tools and industry news designed for career recruiters

To run an efficient business, you need the right tools for the job. You don't need to buy into expensive programs with features you'll never use. Your best resources are often as close as your keyboard.

I recommend: Join the Recruiters Network to access free tools, job resources and industry news. Take a virtual tour of Talent Trader, a web-based networking tool that enables recruiters to connect and share resources—you make the choice to join HireAbility.com’s network, or to create your own.

Look for recruiting positions that can jumpstart your business

If you choose to work as an independent, align yourself with an umbrella network. For a portion of each commission, you can enjoy the freedom of owning your own business while utilizing vast networking resources, corporate software and technical support.

I recommend: Submit an application to AgentRecruiting.com and RecruitersOnline.com, two of the industry’s most extensive networks for independent agents. With their user-friendly software and turnkey operations, your recruiting career can be up and running within days.

Consider recruiting jobs with a corporate employer

If independent careers in recruiting aren't your style and you prefer the security of hourly or salaried work, there are numerous corporate recruiter jobs available -- from temp agencies looking for recruiting staff to corporate headhunter agencies with their own staffing needs.

I recommend: Create an account with Kelly Services. After submitting a resume, set the job offer parameters to “employee-based HR recruiting.” You’ll receive offers for numerous recruiting jobs, including those available within Kelly Services. Another option is Staff Ready, which provides an excellent starting point for new recruiters by offering both traditional and independent recruiting positions. You can start with a traditional job and move into independent contractor status at a later date if you choose — seamless integration using the same corporate network.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't waste valuable time scrolling through recruiter jobs located across the country. Look for sites that offer maps of recruiting positions by pinpoint location.