Recruiting Coordinator Job Description and Salary

Recruiting Coordinator salaries are on the rise.  Over the past decade, they’ve grown 7%*, reaching an average of $45,459 annually. *Source – Zippia 

Written by Gem Siocon
Reviewed by Catherine Scott
9 minutes read

A Recruiting Coordinator supports the recruitment and talent acquisition efforts. Their job is to ensure the smooth and efficient coordination of various recruiting activities so that the entire recruitment team can effectively source, screen, and hire qualified candidates. 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of HR Specialists (including Recruiting Coordinators) is projected to grow 6% from 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. This means that about 78,700 HR Specialist job openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

Contents
What is a Recruiting Coordinator?
Recruiter Coordinator salary
Recruiter Coordinator job description
Recruiting Coordinator skills
Recruiting Coordinator career


What is a Recruiting Coordinator? 

A Recruiting Coordinator, sometimes referred to as a talent coordinator, plays an important role in streamlining the hiring process, improving candidate experience, and assisting the organization in meeting its overall hiring objectives. 

The Recruiting Coordinator provides administrative support, communicates with candidates, arranges job interviews and documents, updates candidate information, works with hiring managers, assists new employees in onboarding, and ensures hiring procedures comply with company policies and legal requirements. 

The role of a Recruiting Coordinator

A Human Resources Recruiting Coordinator is an entry-level HR position. Based on the organization’s size and structure, they may perform the following duties: 

  1. For small companies with less than 50 employees, a Recruiting Coordinator may support a single recruiter or a small recruitment team. They handle administrative activities, initial candidate screening, and communication with candidates. 
  2. For medium-sized companies with 50-250 employees, a Recruiting Coordinator may manage the entire recruitment cycle for specific roles while supporting the recruiters for complex positions. They may directly report to the Recruiting Manager. 
  3. For large companies with 250+ employees, a Recruiting Coordinator may play a specialized role, focusing on tasks like candidate sourcing, interviewing, scheduling, or onboarding, depending on the team’s needs. They may directly report to the Recruiting Manager or HR Business Partner, who works closely with specific departments on talent acquisition needs.

Recruiter Coordinator salary

The Recruiting Coordinator’s salary depends on years of experience, education, industry, and qualifications. Indeed estimates that the average salary in the United States is around $43,885 yearly, while Glassdoor states that the average total pay is around $53,178 annually across all industries. 

The average pay also varies per city and state. On average, Glassdoor states the annual salary of a Recruiting Coordinator in Chicago is just above $54,081, while the New York colleagues receive over $62,296 per year.

According to Zippia, the average Recruiting Coordinator salary in California, New York, and Connecticut is the highest in the U.S. At the same time, the states of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Iowa have the lowest average Recruiting Coordinator salary. 

The highest-paying industries for Recruiter Coordinators are finance, manufacturing, technology, professional services, healthcare, and education.

Recruiter Coordinator job description

1. Source candidates

Recruiting Coordinators post job ads on job boards, social media, and company career pages to target a broad pool of applicants, even passive candidates. They also tap alumni networks of universities and colleges when hiring for entry-level roles. They ask current employees to refer their friends and colleagues to work for the company. 

Recruiting Coordinators attend job fairs, career events, and industry meet-ups to connect with potential candidates directly and promote the company. They use ATS and social recruiting tools to search for candidates with specific skills and experience and match them with current job openings. 

2. Screen resumes and applications

Recruiting Coordinators collaborate with hiring managers to clarify the advertised position’s requirements, including essential skills, experience level, certifications, or specific software knowledge. 

Using an ATS, they scan resumes based on keywords that match the job description requirements. They also look for significant gaps in resumes, irrelevant experience, and a long history of short job stints to eliminate unqualified candidates. Candidates who pass the screening process are shortlisted for interviews with the hiring managers or recruiters.

3. Schedule interviews

Coordinators use online scheduling tools like Calendly or Doodle, allowing candidates and hiring managers to schedule job interviews. 

It’s their job to keep candidates and interviewers informed about the confirmed interview dates, times, locations, and other interview materials, such as candidate packets and the interviewer’s agenda. They also handle last-minute rescheduling requests or changes. 

4. Provide support to recruiters and recruitment managers 

Recruiting Coordinators handle the administrative tasks related to candidate screening and interviewing scheduling, such as performing background checks, drafting job descriptions, preparing offer letters, and managing recruitment-related documentation. Doing this can help recruiters and managers focus on core activities like engaging high-potential candidates and conducting in-depth interviews. 

They provide timely updates and feedback to candidates during the initial stages of the recruitment process to ensure a good candidate experience. They may also track and report recruiting metrics like cost per hire and time to hire to improve recruitment and sourcing strategies and contribute to data-driven decision-making during the recruitment cycle.

5. Assist with the onboarding process

Recruiting Coordinators handle new employee welcome emails, which explain their first day of work and set expectations. They also prepare welcome packets for new hires with company information, benefits overviews, or team contact details.

They collect required paperwork from new hires, such as tax forms. Coordinators also schedule office tours, workstations, IT support, and team member introductions. In some companies, coordinators serve as the new hire’s point of contact during their first weeks at work, answering their questions about the onboarding process. 

6. Update and maintain the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Recruiting Coordinators collaborate with recruiters to ensure job descriptions and requirements are entered correctly into the ATS when creating new job postings. They may also add candidate details, including resumes, cover letters, and other applicant information. 

Throughout the recruitment process, they update applicant statuses to reflect their progress, categorizing them as applied, screened, interviewed, or offered. 

7. Stay updated on hiring best practices

By teaming up with Recruiters and Recruitment Managers, coordinators can stay updated with hiring best practices. They gain exposure and hands-on experience.

They also get informed on the latest recruitment trends and developments by reading industry news and publications, following thought leaders on LinkedIn, joining online communities, and engaging with fellow recruiting professionals. 

Example of a Recruiting Coordinator job description

Here’s what companies are listing in their job ads for a Recruiting Coordinator to give you an idea of the skills and expertise required:

1. Recruiting Coordinator – Tesla

Recruiting Coordinator job description from Tesla.
Recruiting Coordinator job at Tesla

2. Global Recruitment Coordinator (3rd Party Contractor) – TikTok

Global Recruitment Coordinator job description from a 3rd party contractor for TikTok.
Global Recruitment Coordinator job description from a 3rd party contractor for TikTok.
Global Recruitment Coordinator at TikTok

Recruiting Coordinator skills

To become a successful Recruiting Coordinator, you must have solid expertise in the following areas: 

Core skills: 

  • Communication skills: Coordinators speak with candidates, hiring managers, and other team members through various channels.
  • Interpersonal skills: Building professional relationships with all recruitment team members and job seekers 
  • Collaboration: Recruiting Coordinators work with hiring managers, HR teams, and candidates, so strong collaboration skills are essential to meet recruitment objectives.
  • Problem-solving: The recruitment process doesn’t always run smoothly. Resourcefulness and critical thinking skills help you overcome challenges and find creative solutions.
  • Active listening: Being attentive allows you to understand hiring managers’ needs and personalize your communication with candidates.
  • Data analysis: Analyze recruiting data can provide information for improving your hiring strategies and making data-driven decisions.

Recruiting skills: 

  • Employer branding: Coordinators may be involved in crafting a positive employer image to attract qualified candidates.
  • Project management: Recruiting involves several steps and interacting with multiple stakeholders. Understanding project management principles ensures you manage each hiring project smoothly. 
  • Sourcing strategies: Finding and attracting candidates through job boards, social media, and employee referrals. 
  • Screening and scheduling candidates: Screening resumes and organizing job interviews with candidates and hiring managers.
  • Knowledge of employment law: Awareness and understanding of basic employment laws and regulations to ensure recruitment practices remain compliant.
  • Understanding DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging): Building a diverse workforce is increasingly essential. Familiarity with DEI principles ensures fair and inclusive recruitment practices. 

Technical skills: 

  • Proficient in Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Coordinators must be adept at using these tools to streamline recruitment.
  • Job boards and social media recruitment: Use online platforms to attract candidates.
  • Basic technical skills: Well-versed in using standard office software like MS Office or Google Workspace to perform administrative tasks.

Organizational skills:

  • Time management: Meeting hiring deadlines is essential, so they use software or create schedules to keep things on track.
  • Can multi-task: Recruiter Coordinators manage numerous tasks simultaneously, from screening resumes to scheduling interviews and updating hiring managers.
  • Attention to detail: Accurate data entry and record keeping of candidate information. 

Recruiting Coordinator career

Want to become a Recruiting Coordinator? Here’s how: 

1. Obtain the necessary credentials

A GED or HS diploma is enough to work as a Recruiting Coordinator. To advance in your career, a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is necessary. 

An alternative would be to get certifications in recruiting and HR to gain relevant knowledge and skills. Here are some of the recruiter courses available online: 

HR tip

Check out our helpful career map to help you learn about different HR professions and plot your career path. 

2. Gain relevant experience

There are different ways to enter the Recruiting Coordinator role from various HR or administrative roles. For example, by working in: 

  • Administrative Assistant positions or any other administrative role: Learn how to manage your time, stay organized, and oversee scheduling. 
  • HR Assistant, HR Specialist, or Talent Acquisition Specialist: Perform basic HR functions, including recruiting.

Additionally, you can learn valuable skills through:

  • Internships: Internships can offer hands-on experience and help you build your network. Consider HR or recruiting internships at companies where you’re interested in their specific recruiting practices. 
  • Volunteer for recruiting events to get hands-on experience and exposure to daily recruitment activities.
  • Mentors: Engage with Recruiting Coordinators or professionals to get guidance and advice to prepare you for this role.

3. Research and network

Attend industry events and career fairs to meet hiring managers and learn what skills they look for in candidates. You can also connect with Recruiting Coordinators on LinkedIn and join similar groups to learn about their hiring experiences and abilities. 

Also, join HR associations to learn about updates and trends in the industry: 

4. Tailor your job search 

Use a targeted approach when searching for your next opportunity. Here are some tips: 

  • Pick your niche: Consider the industry you are most interested in, such as healthcare, IT, or finance. For example, if you are interested in IT recruiting, you must be familiar with IT jargon, terminologies, and the latest technology and trends in the tech industry. 
  • Personalize your search: Target job boards, professional networks, and staffing agencies popular in your niche. Research companies that are known for their strong recruitment practices in that industry.
  • Company culture fit: Look for organizations aligning with your values and work preferences. Browse employee review websites and social media to find a good fit.
  • Growth potential: Look for opportunities for professional growth and development. Search for companies with structured learning and development programs or a clear path for advancement within the recruiting function. 
  • Use your network: Connect with recruiters who specialize in HR hiring. If you know someone from your target company, ask for a referral, which can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview. 

5. Apply and prepare for the Recruiting Coordinator role 

Once you have gained enough experience and knowledge, you are ready to take the Recruiting Coordinator job. Carefully review job descriptions and incorporate those keywords or terminology into your resume and cover letter. Document all appropriate skills in your resume. Highlight your certifications and other credentials that match the employer’s requirements.

Include relevant experiences, even if they are voluntary. For example, you can list your participation in your company’s recent recruitment drive that successfully hired 25 call center employees. 

Next, prepare for the Recruiter Coordinator job interview to increase your chances of getting selected. Research common Recruiting Coordinator interview questions and prepare the correct responses for each.


Key takeaway

A Recruiting Coordinator plays a key role in building a strong talent pipeline for companies and organizations. From sourcing top talent to streamlining the interview process and onboarding new employees, Recruiting Coordinators ensure a smooth and efficient hiring experience.

This might be your perfect career path if you’re organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy building relationships. It could lead to higher positions in HR, such as Recruitment Manager or HR Director. 

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Gem Siocon

Gem Siocon is a digital marketer and content writer, specializing in recruitment, recruitment marketing, and L&D.

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