Kim Langford is a director of Nuhorizon Staffing Solutions, a company that recruits South Africans to work on mobile carnivals in the US. She speaks about her job to Margaret Harris

What is a carnival recruiter?

We recruit, screen and select good quality employees to work on mobile carnivals in the US. Once the employee has been selected and screened, we complete all US-required documentation, co-ordinate contracts between the future employer and employee, co-ordinate all travel arrangements to and from the employer's place of business, and facilitate the relationship between the employer and employee throughout the year they are in the US.

Are there many carnival recruiters around?

No, the carnival industry mainly consists of family-owned businesses, which makes it is a very close-knit environment. The members of the industry believe in the old handshake and closely protect each other. But once you gain their respect and loyalty, they rarely change their minds, so you become part of that family.

Is this job popular with women?

No, it is a predominately male working environment. It is very similar to the construction industry.

What kind of person is suited to this job?

You need patience, loyalty, perseverance, dedication and an uncanny ability to read and understand people, beyond what they present. You also need to be sincere and honest.

Who would be your typical recruit?

An adventurous South African male between the ages of 21 and 32 years, who enjoys physical activity and interaction with a variety of different personalities and cultures.

I look for clean-cut, hard-working, English-speaking people who work well in a team and have an independent mind-set with a flexible personality.

How does your experience of working in carnivals yourself help you to find new recruits?

Having travelled and worked on a carnival permits you to properly interpret and relate to both the employer, who you represent, and the employee, who you are now placing in a very different atmosphere to the one the person is accustomed to.

Do you have many applicants or do you battle to find suitable people?

We do have many applicants, but as they are not only required to adapt to a new job, but an entirely new way of life outside the comfort of their own country, it is often difficult to select the right person.

What would the average salary of a carnival recruiter be?

Income is often determined by experience and the placements one makes. Depending on your level of employment and how hard you are willing to work, you could earn anything between R6000 and R100000 a month.

What are your hours?

On average we work a nine-hour day. However, during peak season (which is from January to August) we are required to be available 24/7 as most of our clients only wake up seven hours after we do.

What do you like least about your job?

When an employee does not comply with the rules and regulations of either the contract or the US government. This leads to their dismissal and the early termination of the contract. There is nothing worse than telling a parent their child is coming home or has let the family down.

Could you imagine yourself doing a different job? If so, what?

I have asked myself this question a thousand times, there is no answer because every job has its pros and cons, and ups and downs. In this one at least we can say it's never boring.

What would people find surprising about your job?

We are not a travel agency. We recruit employees to work, not to travel around the US; that is only a perk of the job, but the priority is the work.