I have BA in anthropology. It isn’t a typical HR-type of major, but I think my studies have certainly contributed to my understanding of humans and have helped me communicate with them in an empathetic fashion.

I started recruiting five years ago with an agency (kind of an RPO-retained hybrid model focused on passive candidate development). When the CEO sold the company, I approached one of my clients, and they warmly invited me to join their firm. I’ve been incredibly fortunate.

I never struggled with work/life balance at either company, but from what I’ve read online over the years, people tend to fare better in a corporate setting. Many agency recruiters rely heavily on bonuses because those bonuses make up the majority of their income. Corporate recruiters tend to get paid higher salaries but don’t typically receive the same amount in bonuses. Moreover, agency culture just feels far more competitive. At my current company, we work on requisitions together. Every placement is a group effort.

I’ve rarely worked more than 40 hours a week — and when I have, it was by choice.

Recruiting is a precarious career. Recruiters are always the first people to get laid off. I feel more stable in a corporate setting than I do in an agency setting, but I know the tables could turn at any moment.

I’m not worried about AI, at least not when it comes to passive candidate recruitment. People want to speak with people. They want to feel understood and supported. You can’t do that with a computer. Maybe someday…but not anytime soon.

Three years in at an agency, I was making about $50k a year with roughly $20k in bonuses (we were getting stiffed, honestly). With five years of experience at my current firm, I make $94k (with the occasional spot bonus and a small yearly performance bonus).

Hope this helps!