Check your recruitment consultant CV against the job advert
Recruitment adverts are about targets. They want to see you find clients and candidates and get placements made. Show the activity and results you really had.
Start with your advert
Every recruitment consultant advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What recruitment consultant adverts usually ask for
Business development
Why they askWinning new clients is a big part of most 360 roles.
How to show itDescribe how you found new business and what you won.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Won [number] new clients in [sector] through [calls, networking, referrals].
Candidate sourcing and placements
Why they askAgencies want consultants who can find and place the right people.
How to show itGive the roles you recruited for and your placements.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Recruited [permanent / temporary] [types of roles], making [number] placements in [period].
KPIs and billing
Why they askMost adverts mention targets, billing or a commission structure.
How to show itUse real figures from your records if you have them; otherwise describe targets met.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Billed £[amount] in [period], [above / at] target.
CRM and sourcing tools
Why they askAgencies use recruitment CRMs and job boards daily.
How to show itName them.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Managed candidates and clients in [recruitment CRM]; sourced on [job boards and networks].
Sales experience from elsewhere
Why they askTrainee roles often hire from sales, retail or hospitality.
How to show itShow targets you met and the people skills you used.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Met [sales target type] in [retail or sales role], [how often].
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost recruitment consultant applications
- No numbers at all, in a job that's measured on them.
- Inflated billing figures. References and the interview will test them.
- Not naming your sector or desk.
Questions
How do I get into recruitment without experience?
Trainee roles look for drive and people skills. Show targets you hit in sales, retail or hospitality, and any time you persuaded or negotiated.