Associate Recruiter vs. Recruiter: What Are the Differences?

A career in recruiting can be both challenging and rewarding. There are many different types of recruiters, each with their own set of responsibilities. Two common types of recruiters are associate recruiters and recruiters. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between these two types of recruiters and provide helpful tips for those interested in pursuing a career in recruiting.

What is an Associate Recruiter?

Associate Recruiters are responsible for supporting the recruiting process by sourcing, screening and scheduling candidates for interviews. They may also conduct initial phone screens with candidates to assess their qualifications. In some cases, Associate Recruiters may also be responsible for extending job offers to candidates. Associate Recruiters typically work in human resources departments or staffing agencies. They typically report to a Senior Recruiter or Recruiting Manager.

What is a Recruiter?

Recruiters are responsible for sourcing, screening and interviewing candidates for open positions within a company. They work with hiring managers to determine the specific qualifications and skills needed for each role. Recruiters post open positions on job boards and other online platforms, then review resumes and applications to identify potential candidates. They conduct initial phone screens or in-person interviews to get to know candidates and assess their fit for the open role. If a candidate appears to be a good match, the recruiter will pass their information along to the hiring manager for further consideration.

Associate Recruiter vs. Recruiter

Here are the main differences between an associate recruiter and a recruiter.

Job Duties

Recruiters and associate recruiters share many of the same job duties, such as contacting candidates, scheduling interviews and evaluating applications. However, an associate recruiter typically focuses on finding candidates for entry-level positions, while recruiters seek out professionals with a wide range of experience and education levels for a variety of available jobs.

Another key difference between these two roles is that associate recruiters primarily work within their own department to find replacement candidates if any current employees leave. In contrast, recruiters look for candidates across all departments to fill open positions throughout the entire company.

Job Requirements

Recruiters typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or another related field. Some recruiters also have a master’s degree in human resources or business administration. Additionally, many recruiters pursue certifications through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use recruiting software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Recruiters and associate recruiters may work in different environments depending on the company they’re working for. Associate recruiters typically work in an office setting, but some of them may travel to meet with clients or candidates. Recruiters usually work in an office environment, but they may also travel to meet with candidates or attend job fairs.

Skills

The main difference between an associate recruiter and a recruiter is experience. An associate recruiter typically has less experience than a recruiter, and may be working under the supervision of a more experienced recruiter. As a result, an associate recruiter may not have as much responsibility or autonomy as a recruiter.

Both associate recruiters and recruiters use similar skills, such as communication, customer service, and organizational skills. However, recruiters may need to use more advanced skills, such as negotiation and sales skills, to persuade candidates to accept job offers. Recruiters may also need to use more sophisticated research skills to find hard-to-reach candidates.

Salary

The average salary for an associate recruiter is $54,320 per year, while the average salary for a recruiter is $63,192 per year. The average salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the recruiter has.