When it comes to being successful in education recruitment, you must be able to adapt to new challenges. With schools increasingly relying on temporary placements, recruiters need more than just good instincts. Success now requires resilience, the ability to build genuine relationships, and strategic thinking to stay ahead. At Harrison Sands, we’ve tapped into the experience of top education recruiters to provide you with the tips you need to thrive in this fast-moving sector.
Understanding the unique challenges of education recruitment
The education sector stands apart from other recruitment industries due to its reliance on temporary staffing. To succeed, recruiters need to build, nurture, and maintain strong relationships with schools and candidates alike. Being able to bounce back from setbacks and make the most of every opportunity is key to staying ahead. Let’s look at some strategies for success in education recruitment.
1. Authenticity matters: build trust by being yourself
Expert tip: “Be yourself. If you’re not authentic, people will notice—so it’s best to be honest from the start!”
Authenticity is the foundation of trust in recruitment. Schools and candidates appreciate recruiters who are transparent and genuine. Presenting yourself honestly helps you build stronger, longer-lasting relationships that pay off in the long run.
2. Consistent client engagement is key
Industry insight: The best recruiters know that regular contact and persistence are crucial, even in the face of rejection.
- Keep in touch with clients regularly, even if they haven’t hired recently
- Don’t be discouraged by rejection—stay persistent, as today’s “no” can turn into tomorrow’s “yes”
- Each interaction is an opportunity to deepen your relationships and stay on their radar
Regular communication ensures you’re remembered when new vacancies arise, and clients value the continued effort.
3. Set clear goals and evaluate daily
Pro tip: Break down your tasks and set small, achievable goals to keep momentum throughout the day.
- Set clear, daily targets-whether that’s contacting a specific number of schools or arranging interviews, structure keeps you focused
- At the end of each day, reflect on your progress: What worked? What didn’t?
- This process of self-assessment will help you continually refine your approach and stay aligned with your objectives
4. Build resilience to navigate the highs and low
The education recruitment sector can feel unpredictable, but building resilience helps you stay steady.
- Consistency is key – keep up the hard work, even when things don’t go as planned
- Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, to maintain a positive mindset
- Learn from setbacks, but don’t dwell on them. Move forward quickly and use each challenge as a learning experience
Staying resilient helps you keep a level head and avoid burnout, which is essential in such a fast-paced environment.
5. Plan proactively and take initiative
Pro tip: “Pick up the phone – nothing happens if you don’t make the first move.”
- Plan your day strategically – tackle the most important tasks first and make sure you’re prepared for every call
- Be proactive in reaching out to both schools and candidates Waiting for opportunities to come to you can put you at a disadvantage
- Follow up regularly and always deliver on your promises – being reliable goes a long way in recruitment
Taking the initiative sets you apart from the competition and keeps your desk moving forward.
6. Innovate and personalise your approach
To truly stand out in education recruitment, you need to offer more than the basics.
- Think creatively and provide tailored solutions to schools and candidates
- Actively listen to understand their unique needs and always ask follow-up questions to gain deeper insight
- Don’t forget the importance of aftercare – following up with candidates after placement ensures a smoother transition and boosts retention, which can lead to more referrals
Providing personalised service will make you a go-to recruiter in an industry where trust and reliability are everything.
Building a successful career in education recruitment
Success in education recruitment is a blend of personal qualities like resilience and strategic, professional approaches. By following these expert tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of the sector and build a thriving recruitment desk.
Remember, every conversation, email, or phone call is a chance to strengthen relationships and move your career forward. Stay authentic, be persistent, and always focus on adding value for both schools and candidates.
At Harrison Sands, we’re here to support you on your journey. Whether you’re looking for more insights or personalised advice on how to grow your career in education recruitment, our team of specialists is ready to help. Reach out to Caitlyn at caitlyn.spencer@harrisonsands.co.uk or drop her a message on 07467 432 128
