Quarter 3 Overview
Following a rise in hiring during Q2, the recruitment market for graduates continued to show strong performance in Q3 2024. Recruitment firms are increasingly seeking top graduate talent across various sectors such as Finance, Construction, and Tech. A prominent trend this quarter has been the rapid pace of hiring processes driven by significant competition among recruitment companies eager to secure their preferred candidates. Many firms are also establishing academies, creating a surge in multiple hire strategies aimed at building strong teams of recruiters.
Salaries have generally stayed consistent, though slight increases have been observed in some cases. Contingent recruitment firms are frequently matching the salary levels of executive search firms, with typical salaries for graduate recruiters ranging between £25k and £32k. This approach helps firms stay competitive and prevents them from losing out on top-tier candidates who are increasingly in demand.
As well as 2024 graduates looking to secure their first role out of university, there is a strong supply of 2022/23 graduates with relevant corporate and sales experience who are eager to start their careers in recruitment, making them an attractive proposition for companies.
In-Demand Skill Sets
The most sought-after attributes for graduates have remained consistent, with drive, ambition, work ethic, and strong written and communication skills standing out. With the increased focus on securing 2024 graduates, firms are placing greater emphasis on candidates who have demonstrated extracurricular achievements during their studies, such as part-time jobs, internships, or involvement in high-level sports.
Language skills, particularly in German and French, continue to be highly desirable yet in short supply. Graduates with these language abilities are highly sought after by recruitment firms looking to expand their reach into new markets, and they are often off the market very quickly. Additionally, firms are favouring candidates with some client-facing or phone experience, as this can provide a head start in their recruitment roles.
Looking Ahead to Q4
The outlook for Q4 indicates continued growth in hiring activity, particularly as recruitment firms aim to onboard 2024 graduates directly from university. Graduates with distinctive achievements, such as excellence in sport, music, internships, or other extracurriculars, will stand out and be highly desirable in the market. Language skills and relevant client-facing experience will continue to be in demand as employers look for candidates who can adapt quickly to the fast-paced nature of recruitment roles.
Salaries for graduate recruiters are expected to remain stable or see slight increases, driven by competition among recruitment firms to retain their preferred candidates. Firms are keen to offer competitive packages to avoid losing top talent to competitors.
For candidates, the key challenge in Q4 will be the need to act swiftly. Opportunities in recruitment roles will appear and disappear quickly, leaving little time for candidates to weigh multiple offers. Employers likewise must streamline their recruitment processes to avoid missing out on the best graduates. Delays could result in losing top talent to faster-moving competitors.
In summary, speed and agility will be critical for both graduate candidates and recruitment firms in Q4 2024. Those who can move quickly and decisively will be best positioned to secure the top talent needed to excel in recruitment.
[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”1″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” column_spacing=”150″]Quarter 3 Overview
Following a rise in hiring during Q2, the recruitment market for graduates continued to show strong performance in Q3 2024. Recruitment firms are increasingly seeking top graduate talent across various sectors such as Finance, Construction, and Tech. A prominent trend this quarter has been the rapid pace of hiring processes driven by significant competition among recruitment companies eager to secure their preferred candidates. Many firms are also establishing academies, creating a surge in multiple hire strategies aimed at building strong teams of recruiters.
Salaries have generally stayed consistent, though slight increases have been observed in some cases. Contingent recruitment firms are frequently matching the salary levels of executive search firms, with typical salaries for graduate recruiters ranging between £25k and £32k. This approach helps firms stay competitive and prevents them from losing out on top-tier candidates who are increasingly in demand.
As well as 2024 graduates looking to secure their first role out of university, there is a strong supply of 2022/23 graduates with relevant corporate and sales experience who are eager to start their careers in recruitment, making them an attractive proposition for companies.
In-Demand Skill Sets
The most sought-after attributes for graduates have remained consistent, with drive, ambition, work ethic, and strong written and communication skills standing out. With the increased focus on securing 2024 graduates, firms are placing greater emphasis on candidates who have demonstrated extracurricular achievements during their studies, such as part-time jobs, internships, or involvement in high-level sports.
Language skills, particularly in German and French, continue to be highly desirable yet in short supply. Graduates with these language abilities are highly sought after by recruitment firms looking to expand their reach into new markets, and they are often off the market very quickly. Additionally, firms are favouring candidates with some client-facing or phone experience, as this can provide a head start in their recruitment roles.
Looking Ahead to Q4
The outlook for Q4 indicates continued growth in hiring activity, particularly as recruitment firms aim to onboard 2024 graduates directly from university. Graduates with distinctive achievements, such as excellence in sport, music, internships, or other extracurriculars, will stand out and be highly desirable in the market. Language skills and relevant client-facing experience will continue to be in demand as employers look for candidates who can adapt quickly to the fast-paced nature of recruitment roles.
Salaries for graduate recruiters are expected to remain stable or see slight increases, driven by competition among recruitment firms to retain their preferred candidates. Firms are keen to offer competitive packages to avoid losing top talent to competitors.
For candidates, the key challenge in Q4 will be the need to act swiftly. Opportunities in recruitment roles will appear and disappear quickly, leaving little time for candidates to weigh multiple offers. Employers likewise must streamline their recruitment processes to avoid missing out on the best graduates. Delays could result in losing top talent to faster-moving competitors.
In summary, speed and agility will be critical for both graduate candidates and recruitment firms in Q4 2024. Those who can move quickly and decisively will be best positioned to secure the top talent needed to excel in recruitment.
[/fusion_text][fusion_text animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ hide_on_mobile=”large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky”]Salaries – London
| Role | Experience | Basic | OTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruiter | 0 Years | £23k – £30k | £30k – £50k |
| Recruiter | 1 Year | £25+k | £40k – £60k |
| Recruiter | 2 Years | £35+k | £40k – £70k |
| Recruiter | 3 Years | £50+k | £50k – £150k |
| Recruiter | 4 Years | £50+k | £50k – £150k |
| Recruiter | 5 Years | £50+k | £50k – £150k |
| Recruiter | 6 Years | £50+k | £50k – £150k |
| Recruiter | 7 Years | £50+k | £50k – £150k |
| Recruiter | 8 Years | £50+k | £50k – £150k |
| Recruiter | 9 Years | £50+k | £50k – £150k |
| Recruiter | 10 Years | £50+k | £50k – £150k |