Recruitment and HR

Human resources (HR) is at the centre of business performance with HR professionals driving decisions that enable their organisations to perform at their best. HR professionals aim to make the most effective use of the people within an organisation. Given that anyone working in an HR department will deal with a wide range of people on a day-to-day basis, an approachable, calm and professional attitude is key.

Recruitment is a major function within HR, and roles in this area may be based either in-house (managing the recruitment needs of an organisation) or in a consultancy (handling recruitment for a range of different clients).

Typical graduate-level jobs in this sector include:

  • human resources officer
  • recruitment consultant
  • training and development officer.

Key skills that are useful in this sector include: 

  • excellent interpersonal skills (for example, empathy, sensitivity, tact and discretion)
  • the ability to work well in a team and to interact with people at all levels
  • ability to meet targets and deadlines
  • negotiation skills
  • decisive thinking
  • strong organisational and administrative skills.

For job profiles and detailed information on pursuing a career in the recruitment and HR sector, see the Prospects website:

Recruitment and HR profile

Contents

How to get a job

To prepare for a graduate-level career in recruitment and HR, you should research the sector carefully. You should also talk with people who are in the sector already.

Although not essential, HR work experience can often be an advantage when applying for a graduate job. You can get this through internships, part-time work, and placements.

Make a connection

To connect with people already working in the sector, consider joining Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.

See more ideas for making a connection.

Work experience

Any job can give you useful experience, particularly if you use the opportunity to observe people’s interactions, as an understanding of human behaviour is essential for HR roles.

To find work experience vacancies in the St Andrews area, search for relevant roles on the job listings page as well as on Indeed. 

Voluntary organisations sometimes have opportunities in their HR department, which can provide useful experience.

Try to arrange work shadowing by adopting a speculative approach - see networking and speculative applications for more advice. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has a searchable member directory useful for speculative applications.

Internships

Summer internships are an excellent way of gaining relevant experience in this field. These are highly competitive, but a good range of internships is available across a variety of sectors.

The St Andrews Summer Internship Scheme offers paid internships within different units of the University of St Andrews (HR vacancies often included).

Many large graduate employers offer structured internships in HR, some with application deadlines in the autumn or winter. Examples include:

Find internships (Careers Centre)

Attend events

The Careers Centre often puts on events where you can talk to employers visiting St Andrews. Visit the events page for more information.

Further study

While a postgraduate qualification is not needed, it may help you gain an advantage when competing for jobs. You should research the role you are interested in to see what qualifications you might need.

Employers offering HR graduate training schemes will often support you to study part-time towards a CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualification.

If you are interested in recruitment consultancy, the Institute of Recruitment Professionals offers training courses which may help build your skills and knowledge.

For more information about postgraduate study or professional qualifications, see the further study pages.

Finding a job

Check out our job listings for vacancies or see the resources below for jobs in the recruitment and HR sector.

Find jobs (Careers Centre)

Jobs in the UK

Graduate training schemes

A graduate training scheme is a paid, entry-level job that also acts as a training programme. Graduate training schemes are common in this sector and are one way of acquiring a graduate-level position.

Many large employers offer graduate training programmes in recruitment and HR. A 2.1 or above in any degree discipline is usually preferred, although some companies may accept a 2.2.

To find out more about recruitment and HR graduate training schemes, see:

Jobs outside the UK

Applying for a job

The recruitment process for HR graduate training schemes may vary from company to company, but is likely to consist of one or more of the following:

Check employer websites as many provide details on their own individual recruitment and selection processes. Smaller organisations may be happy to accept a CV and covering letter and will have a less formal approach to the selection process.

If you would like personalised help on any aspect of applying for a job, you can book an appointment with a careers adviser.  

Applying for a job

Additional resources