Building Strong Teams: Why the Right Recruitment Partner Matters

When it comes to filling positions, organisations generally face two choices: managing recruitment internally or partnering with an external expert. If a company has wisely developed a strong in-house recruitment team, they can often handle the majority of hiring on their own. This setup works well for companies with ongoing recruitment needs, where the internal investment pays off over time. However, there will inevitably be times when even the best internal teams need to turn to external recruitment partners.

Choosing the Right Recruitment Partner

Unfortunately, the recruitment industry doesn’t always receive the best reviews. Complaints such as high fees, lack of communication, and poorly matched candidates are common. Much of this stems from the multi-agency contingency recruitment model, where multiple agencies compete, but only one succeeds in placing a candidate.

The Drawbacks of the Multi-Agency Contingency Model

In this model, recruitment agencies typically have a success rate of just 20-25%. To place one candidate, they need to work on four or five vacancies. As a result, recruitment often becomes a numbers game. Agencies focus on meeting key performance indicators (KPIs), prioritising quantity over quality. The result? Less carefully crafted job adverts and subpar candidates—not due to a lack of effort, but simply because consultants are stretched too thin.

The Solution: Focus on Commitment and Quality

If you’re going to invest in an external recruitment provider, why not choose a single partner to manage the entire process? This approach streamlines communication, providing you with a dedicated point of contact and freeing up your internal team for other priorities.

Exclusivity or retained agreements are key here. With mutual commitment, the quality and speed of hiring improve dramatically. While traditionally used for senior roles, this approach is valuable for positions at all levels. Every hire matters and each one deserves the same level of attention.

Advantages of a Dedicated Recruitment Partner

An experienced recruitment partner offers several benefits:

• Compelling Job Adverts: They craft job adverts that resonate with your target candidates.
• Structured Recruitment Process: They ensure a clear and timely hiring process.
• Thorough Candidate Vetting: They present you with well-vetted, top-quality candidates.
• Seamless Offer Management: They manage the offer process and maintain communication, ensuring a smooth transition for new hires.

Cost Efficiency of Exclusive Partnerships

The upfront commitment in an exclusive or retained arrangement often leads to more competitive and flexible pricing. Independent consultants or niche recruitment firms can deliver higher levels of service at better value.

Conclusion

Selecting the right recruitment partner, with a focus on commitment and quality, can revolutionise your hiring process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. As Simon Sinek wisely says, “The goal is not to hire people who need a job, but people who believe what you believe.” Let’s work together to make smart choices and build outstanding teams.