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.
A person working within a company who handles recruitment and hiring.
Standard term for a person in charge of hiring within a company. Neutral and widely understood.
採用担当者に履歴書を送ってください。
Please send your resume to the recruiter.
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.
人材紹介コンサルタントに転職の相談をしました。
I consulted a recruiter about changing jobs.
A person who recruits individuals into the military.
Official term for a military recruitment officer. Used in contexts like the Self-Defense Forces.
自衛隊の募集官が学校に来ました。
A Self-Defense Force recruiter came to the school.
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.
採用担当者と話しました。
I spoke with the recruiter (in-house).
リクルーターと話しました。
I spoke with the recruiter (could be in-house or external).
Loanword from English, often used for corporate recruiters, especially in larger or international companies. Can sound slightly more modern or business-like.
リクルーターから連絡がありました。
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.
人事担当者が面接を行います。
The HR person will conduct the interview.
Specifically a headhunter who scouts passive candidates, often for executive roles. More aggressive connotation than general recruiter.
ヘッドハンターからスカウトされました。
I was scouted by a headhunter.
Common term for a job-change agent. Often used by job seekers referring to the agency or its consultant.
転職エージェントに登録しました。
I registered with a recruiter (agency).
Also used for military recruiters, especially in translated contexts or when referring to foreign militaries.
アメリカ軍のリクルーターが説明会を開いた。
A U.S. military recruiter held an information session.