What does a recruiter look for?

What does a recruiter do?

A recruiter helps companies find, assess and hire the right person for a role. The work covers the requirements profile, advertising, headhunting, screening, interviews, tests, reference checks and support with the offer. A recruiter can work in-house at a company or at a recruitment agency that serves several employers.

When assessing candidates, a recruiter mainly looks at three things:

• Skills: does the candidate have the experience and knowledge the role requires?
• Personality and motivation: does their way of working suit the team and the tasks?
• Culture fit: does the candidate share the values, and will they thrive?

Recruitment is a vital part of any organisation. It is about finding the right person who fits in and contributes to the company’s goals. But what are recruiters actually looking for when they search for talent? Here is a deep dive into the most valued qualities and skills. Of course, no single person has all of them, and not every point is necessary for every role. See them instead as guidelines to focus on when you write your CV or prepare for an interview.

How to impress the recruiter: the qualities that make you stand out

Skills
The most basic thing recruiters look at is whether the candidate has the right skills and qualifications for the role. That includes technical skills, education and previous work experience. Many recruiters use keywords from the job ad to scan CVs and see whether candidates match the required qualifications.

Flexibility and willingness to learn
In today’s fast-changing job market, the ability to adapt and learn new things is invaluable. Recruiters look for candidates who show that they have learned new things, adapted to change and overcome challenges. It is about being flexible and open to change.

Problem-solving
Identifying problems and finding solutions is another highly valued quality. Recruiters look for people who can think creatively to solve problems. It is important to be able to spot problems, act proactively and suggest solutions.

Communication skills
Communication is key in almost every role. Recruiters look for candidates who express themselves clearly, listen actively and collaborate effectively. Both written and spoken communication are valued, especially in roles that involve working with different departments or external partners.

Culture and values
A candidate’s ability to fit into the company culture is often as important as their skills. Recruiters assess whether candidates share the organisation’s values and whether they will thrive in the work environment. A person who fits the culture well is more likely to stay longer and contribute positively.

Commitment and motivation
Recruiters also look for candidates who show strong commitment to their work. A motivated employee is often more productive and enthusiastic. In the interview, recruiters may ask questions aimed at understanding what drives the candidate and how their goals fit with the company’s.

Results orientation
Being results-oriented and able to show concrete results from previous jobs is a big advantage. Recruiters like to see measurable achievements that show the candidate is goal-driven and can deliver. This could include reaching specific targets, improving processes or generating revenue.

Collaboration
The ability to collaborate is crucial, especially in organisations where teamwork is the norm. Recruiters want to see that candidates can not only work independently but also collaborate effectively, contribute to the team’s success and build good relationships.

Self-leadership
Self-leadership and initiative are valuable qualities that show a candidate does not just wait to be told what to do but actively looks for ways to contribute. Recruiters appreciate candidates who take ownership and can drive their work forward.

Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage your own and other people’s emotions. It is an important part of leadership and collaboration. Recruiters often look for candidates who can resolve conflicts and show empathy in working relationships.

Now you have a better understanding of what recruiters look for. Use these insights to highlight your strengths in your next recruitment process. Good luck!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about recruiters

What is a recruiter?

A person who finds and hires the right candidates for open roles, either in-house at a company or at a recruitment agency.

What is the difference between a recruiter and a headhunter?

A headhunter actively approaches candidates who are not looking for a job, often for leadership and key roles. A recruiter runs the whole process and can use both advertising and headhunting.

What do recruiters look for in a CV?

Relevant results rather than tasks, a clear thread and experience that matches the role. An up-to-date LinkedIn profile makes it easier to be found.

How does a recruitment process work?

Requirements profile, advertising and headhunting, screening and interviews, tests, presentation of candidates, references and offer. How Oddwork’s recruiters work.