Translation guide
A person who finds and hires candidates for jobs. In Japanese, the term varies by context: in-house HR recruiters, agency recruiters, or headhunters. The most common general term is 採用担当者.
Please send your resume to the recruiter.
Loanword from English, often used for corporate recruiters, especially in larger or international companies. Can sound slightly more modern or business-like.
I was contacted by a recruiter.
Broader term for HR personnel, which may include recruiters. Use when the person handles general HR tasks including hiring.
The HR person will conduct the interview.
A person working for an external agency who matches candidates with companies, often for a fee.
Formal term for a recruitment consultant at an agency. Common in business contexts.
I consulted a recruiter about changing jobs.
Common term for a job-change agent. Often used by job seekers referring to the agency or its consultant.
I registered with a recruiter (agency).
A person who recruits individuals into the military.
Official term for a military recruitment officer. Used in contexts like the Self-Defense Forces.
A Self-Defense Force recruiter came to the school.
Also used for military recruiters, especially in translated contexts or when referring to foreign militaries.
採用担当者 is the safest, most neutral term for an in-house recruiter. リクルーター is a loanword that can sound more modern or corporate, but may also imply an external recruiter in some contexts. When in doubt, use 採用担当者.
I spoke with the recruiter (in-house).
I spoke with the recruiter (could be in-house or external).
Specifically a headhunter who scouts passive candidates, often for executive roles. More aggressive connotation than general recruiter.
I was scouted by a headhunter.
A U.S. military recruiter held an information session.