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How to Become a Recruiter: The Complete 5 Minute Guide

Thinking about becoming a recruiter? You're considering one of the most rewarding and lucrative career paths available today. The recruiting industry offers unlimited earning potential, flexible work arrangements, and the satisfaction of helping people find their dream jobs while helping companies build great teams.


Now, starting is easy, but being successful is hard. Especially if you are trying to do so solo. My goal here is to set the stage for you. I hope this helps you understand what it takes and allows you to make some educated decisions for yourself.


At the end of this blog, I will discuss what TPRG is all about if you are wondering.


*Referral links will be below to help you get started


1. What You Need to Know to Start


Industry Knowledge: Start by picking an industry you understand or are passionate about. Whether it's technology, healthcare, finance, or manufacturing, having industry knowledge gives you credibility with both clients and candidates.


Basic Skills You Need:


  • Strong communication and people skills

  • Comfort with technology and social media (especially LinkedIn)

  • Sales mindset and persistence

  • Ability to handle rejection and stay motivated

  • Basic understanding of employment law and hiring practices


The Process: Recruiting involves finding great candidates for open jobs. You'll source candidates through LinkedIn and other platforms, screen them through interviews, present the best ones to clients, and help negotiate offers when there's a match.


2. Tools of the Trade


Tools can add up quickly! I know this firsthand... As a new recruiter starting out, I recommend joining a company who will embrace your eagerness and motivation. Once you develop your skills and see some success, think about joining a company like TPRG or even going solo. See my outline of multiple tech stacks below. (Pricing below is just an estimation and may differ when you read this. Prices change all the time)


Minimum Setup (Under $200/month):


  • LinkedIn Premium or Recruiter Lite

  • Professional email and phone

  • Basic CRM (Google Sheets or HubSpot works)

  • Video conferencing (Meets, Zoom, Teams)

  • Reliable computer and internet


Moderate Setup ($300-500+/month):


  • All of the "minimum setup" shown above plus

  • Email marketing tools

  • Data subscriptions like apollo.io

  • Automation Tools like Dux-Soup


Full Setup ($800+/month):


  • All of the above plus

  • Advanced ATS platform

  • Advanced sourcing tools

  • Marketing automation

  • Multiple premium subscriptions


Hardware: A good laptop, dual monitors, quality headset, and reliable internet are essential. You'll be on video calls and managing multiple browser tabs constantly.


3. Training and Education


LinkedIn Learning is your best starting point:


  • "LinkedIn Recruiter and AI-Driven Talent Acquisition" certificate

  • "Build Skills as a Corporate Recruiter" learning path

  • "Recruiting Foundations" courses


Other Resources:


  • SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) courses

  • Industry conferences like SourceCon and Talent42

  • YouTube channels and recruiting blogs

  • Local recruiting meetups and networking events


Time Investment: Plan to spend 2-3 months learning the basics before you're productive and continue learning throughout your career as the industry evolves rapidly.


4. Getting Hired as a Recruiter


What Companies Want:


  • Sales or customer service background

  • Proven track record of hitting goals

  • Strong relationship-building skills

  • Persistence and resilience

  • Technology comfort


Resume Tips:


  • Highlight any sales, customer service, or relationship-building experience

  • Include specific numbers (sales targets met, customer satisfaction scores)

  • Show you can handle pressure and rejection

  • Emphasize communication and problem-solving skills


Interview Strategy:


  • Research the company thoroughly

  • Ask intelligent questions about their clients and processes

  • Demonstrate the same skills you'll use as a recruiter

  • Show enthusiasm for helping people and building relationships


5. Commission vs Salary: Why 100% Commission Wins


Most recruiting jobs offer three pay structures: (All are estimates as of June 2025)


Salary Only ($50K-120K): Predictable but limited earning potential. You'll never make more than your salary range regardless of performance typically. Safe but not lucrative.


Salary + Commission: Seems safe but usually means lower commission rates. You get security but sacrifice earning potential.


100% Commission: Unlimited earning potential. Top performers can earn $300K-500K+ annually. Typically, in 100% commission-based structures, you also are a contractor and that means you are a "business within a business". That means you are your own boss!


Why Commission is Better:


  • No income ceiling - your earnings match your performance

  • Faster career growth and skill development

  • More autonomy and flexibility

  • Builds entrepreneurial skills

  • Higher long-term wealth potential


The Reality: Yes, commission-only is riskier initially. You need 6 months of savings and strong motivation. But successful commission recruiters consistently out-earn salaried recruiters by 3-5x.


TPRG's Advantage: We offer up to 80% commission on full desk placements and up to 50% on half desk deals - among the highest rates in the industry. Ask for details anytime!


6. Half Desk vs Full Desk vs Talent Acquisition

Half Desk (Candidate Sourcing):


  • Focus only on finding and screening candidates

  • Work with business development team who handle clients

  • TPRG pays up to 50% commission

  • Good starting point, less pressure

  • May or may not have to handle the client and their needs


Full Desk (Complete Process):


  • Handle everything: find clients, source candidates, manage entire process

  • Highest earning potential

  • TPRG pays up to 80% commission

  • More challenging but most rewarding


Talent Acquisition (Corporate Internal):


  • Work as company employee with salary

  • Screen candidates who apply to your company

  • Limited earning potential ($50K-120K typically)

  • More security but much lower income ceiling


Earning Comparison:


  • Talent Acquisition: $50K-120K annually

  • Half Desk: $120K-250K+ potential

  • Full Desk: $200K-500K+ potential


7. Other Things You Need to Know


Market Cycles: Recruiting is cyclical. Economic downturns mean fewer jobs, but recessions end and hiring rebounds. Build savings for slow periods.


Networking is Everything: Your network becomes your net worth. Maintain relationships with everyone - candidates, clients, other recruiters.


Legal Basics: Understand employment law basics, especially around discrimination and privacy. When in doubt, ask for guidance.


Financial Planning: Commission income varies monthly. Budget conservatively, save aggressively during good months, and plan for taxes quarterly.


Burnout Prevention: Recruiting involves lots of rejection. Develop thick skin, maintain work-life balance, and celebrate small wins.


8. Your Next Steps

Ready to Start?


  1. Assess Yourself: Do you have sales/customer service experience? Can you handle rejection? Are you motivated by money and helping others?


  1. Get Training: Start with LinkedIn Learning courses while you job hunt.


  1. Build Your Network: Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn, attend local meetups.


  1. Apply Strategically: Target commission-based agencies, especially those with good training programs.


  1. Consider TPRG: We offer industry-leading commission rates, comprehensive training, and ongoing support.


The Bottom Line: Recruiting isn't for everyone, but for the right person, it offers unlimited earning potential, flexible work, and the satisfaction of changing lives. The key is choosing the right company with strong commission rates and good support.


Why Choose TPRG?


  • Up to 80% commission on full desk (industry-leading)

  • Up to 50% commission on half desk

  • Make up to 80% of what you can on your own, but no marketing expenses and you have a team to work alongside if you choose to

  • Established and growing base across multiple industries

  • Potential for huge income annually!


Ready to explore a recruiting career with unlimited earning potential? Contact TPRG Talent Solutions today and take the first step toward financial freedom and professional satisfaction.



Apollo.io Link coming soon



David Pellegrini is the founder of TPRG Talent Solutions, a leading executive search and talent acquisition firm based in Monson, Massachusetts. TPRG specializes in executive search, talent acquisition outsourcing, and providing comprehensive recruiting services with industry-leading guarantees and commission structures.


 
 
 

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