Talent Acquisition Coordinator
This page gives you the real story about what it's like to be a Talent Acquisition Coordinator (with insights from people actually doing the job).
Your goal: Decide if this sounds interesting enough to explore further, or if it's clearly not for you. Both answers are useful!
It will take about 5 minutes to read through - by the end, you'll know if this is worth exploring or if you should look at something else.
What is this job?
When a company needs to hire someone, they don't just post a job advert and hope for the best. Someone has to manage the whole process: understanding what the hiring manager actually needs, finding the right candidates, coordinating interviews, and making sure the successful person has everything they need to start.
That's what a Talent Acquisition Coordinator does. You're the person who keeps the recruitment process running smoothly, from the moment a vacancy opens until someone walks through the door on their first day.
Think of it as being the central hub for hiring. You're connecting hiring managers with candidates, recruitment agencies with vacancies, and new starters with everything they need. Without this role, companies would struggle to bring in the people they need to grow.
What do they do day to day?
You work across the whole recruitment cycle, juggling multiple vacancies and candidates at once.
Managing the process:
Speaking with hiring managers about what roles they need to fill and what they're looking for in candidates. Scheduling interviews by coordinating diaries across multiple people. Liaising with recruitment agencies to source candidates. Drafting and issuing contracts, making sure salaries and terms are correct.
Candidate communication:
Calling candidates to arrange interviews and answer their questions. Explaining company benefits when candidates are weighing up offers. Delivering feedback, both the good news calls and the rejection calls. Working with screening partners to complete background checks before start dates.
Onboarding:
Collecting all the documents needed for payroll before monthly cut-off dates. Coordinating with IT to set up equipment and access. Ordering PPE for roles that need it. Organising first day logistics so new starters know where to be and when.
Who you work with:
Hiring managers across different departments. Candidates at all stages of the process. Recruitment agencies. Your HR team colleagues. IT, finance, and other internal departments.
Where you work:
Typically office-based, though many roles offer hybrid working. You might be part of a central HR team or embedded within a specific part of the business. The work is fast-paced with short, varied tasks rather than long projects.
How much do they earn?
Salaries vary depending on the company, location, and your experience level. Here's a rough guide for talent acquisition and recruitment roles:
Apprentice (Level 3 HR Support): £14,000 - £22,000 per year - Earning while you learn, typically over 18 months
Graduate/Entry Level: £23,000 - £28,000 per year
Starting out, learning the processes and systems
Coordinator with Experience: £28,000 - £36,000 per year
Managing recruitment independently, handling complex hires
Senior/Specialist: £35,000 - £50,000 per year
Talent Acquisition Partner, leading on specific areas or sectors
Head of Talent Acquisition: £70,000 - £120,000+ per year
Leading the whole recruitment function.
What affects your salary:
Company size - larger organisations typically pay more. Location - London salaries are significantly higher than other UK cities. Industry sector - some industries pay premiums for recruitment expertise. CIPD qualifications - professional HR qualifications can boost your earning potential.
Remember: These are approximate figures for the UK and can vary. The good news is there's clear progression, and many people use talent acquisition as a springboard into other HR specialisms or broader business roles.
You're a people person
This role is constant communication. You're on the phone to hiring managers, candidates, agencies, and colleagues all day. If you prefer quiet, focused work on your own projects, this probably isn't for you. But if you enjoy talking to different people and helping them, you'll thrive.
You'll Be Successful In This Career If...
You can handle difficult conversations
Not everyone gets the job. You'll need to call people and tell them they weren't successful. You'll also deal with frustrated hiring managers and demanding candidates. Being able to stay professional and handle those conversations matters
You like variety and fast-paced work
Tasks come in short bursts. You finish one thing and move straight to the next. If you'd rather work on one big project for weeks at a time, this might feel too fragmented. But if you like ticking things off quickly and keeping busy, you'll enjoy it.
You're organised and can juggle multiple things
You might be managing many different vacancies at once, each with their own candidates, interview schedules, and deadlines. There are deadlines, and start dates to hit. If you like having clear processes and ticking things off, this will suit you.
You can keep information confidential
You'll know salaries, personal details, and sensitive information about candidates and employees. Understanding why confidentiality matters and being able to keep your mouth shut is essential.
The Bottom Line
If you're naturally sociable, organised, comfortable with constant communication, and interested in how businesses find and bring in their people, talent acquisition could be a strong fit for you.
The routes to the role:
Apprenticeship:
HR Support apprenticeships at Level 3 last around 18 months and give you a foundation in HR including recruitment. Level 5 and Level 6 apprenticeships are available for more advanced roles. You earn while you learn and can work towards CIPD qualifications. Many large employers like the NHS, Vodafone, and major corporations offer these.
What helps:
Good GCSEs, especially English and Maths. Any experience dealing with people, whether that's retail, customer service, or volunteering. Evidence you're organised and can communicate well. Genuine interest in how businesses work and how they find the right people.
University degree:
Any degree can work, though HR, Business, or Psychology-related subjects are common. Apply to graduate schemes in your final year. Many companies offer rotational programmes where you experience different HR areas including talent acquisition.
CIPD qualifications:
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development offers professional qualifications at different levels. CIPD Level 3 is a recognised entry route. You can study these alongside work or as standalone qualifications.
Insights from people who do the job
Gabriella Forbes
Graduate at RES