How To Choose the Best Recruitment Agency For Your Business

Selecting the right recruitment agency to work with can be challenging due to the overwhelming number of staffing agencies worldwide. With so many choices available, you can’t just blindly pick one without knowing the criteria in making a profitable decision.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose a recruitment agency that aligns with your company objectives while saving time and resources. But first, a quick recap...

What Does A Recruitment Agency Do?

Recruitment agencies, such as Jonathan Rhys Recruitment, provide dedicated staff to assist businesses throughout the hiring process. Acting as the middle-man between employers and employees, agencies help source and screen suitable candidates. Busy HR departments can benefit greatly from recruitment agencies, as their professional support helps prevent poor hires and low retention rates, leading to improved ROI.

Agency Fees

Recruitment agency fees typically work on a contingency or retained basis:

  • Contingency-based arrangements - agency receives a fee upon successful placement. The fee is usually a percentage of the candidate's annual salary and is paid by the client upon the candidate's acceptance of the job offer.
  • Retained arrangements - client company pays the agency a predetermined fee to exclusively handle their recruitment needs for specific position(s). The fee is often paid in instalments as the agency progresses through the recruitment process.

*Fee structure and percentage can vary depending on the agency and the level of the position being recruited for. It is important for both the client and the agency to have a clear agreement on the fee structure before commencing the recruitment process.

3 Reasons Why You Should Work with a Recruitment Agency

1. You'll find quality candidates quicker

According to a report by SHRM, the average time-to-fill a role is 42 days!

Recruitment agencies can reduce the time needed to find suitable talent by handling various aspects of the hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and initial interviewing.

Utilising their broad network and resume database, recruiters can quickly identify candidates for screening. Through their in-depth screening processes, they're able to determine a candidate's suitability. Suitable candidates will then be put forward and prepared for interviews.

Additionally, businesses can reduce costs in other areas such as job adverts, overtime cost, training cost, and more.

2. Gain access to top talent

Recruitment agencies are pros at getting your vacancy in front of qualified candidates. With their extensive networks and effective sourcing strategies, they can extend their reach across multiple platforms and attract the interest of passive candidates. These are highly skilled professionals who are not actively seeking a new role, but may be the perfect fit.

Recruiters take time to understand the needs of both the candidate and client in order to find the perfect match.

3. Expertise in high-demand fields

Recruitment agencies are particularly valuable for filling hard-to-fill positions, especially in competitive industries like Technology. Companies offer competitive benefits packages to attract top talent, but recruitment agencies are trained in negotiation and can convince top talent to consider positions they may not have.

Their accrued experience in the matter helps them get better each time, as well.

5 Tips for Selecting the Right Recruitment Agency

  1. Determine your needs: Identify the type of recruitment agency that best fits your requirements, such as staffing agencies for temporary workers or headhunting agencies for executive-level positions.
  2. Clearly communicate your hiring needs: Provide detailed information about the position, including its nature, permanence, and required qualifications. Share relevant details about your company to attract the right candidates.
  3. Interview the recruitment agency: Ask questions to gauge the agency's experience, client list, average time to find talent, and their hiring process. This helps evaluate their capabilities and professionalism.
  4. Assess the agency's recruiters: Inquire about the methods used for candidate pre-screening and sourcing. A good recruiter understands the value of passive candidates and employs strategies to attract them. Check testimonials and online reviews for further insights.
  5. Consider the budget: Discuss the agency's fees and determine if they align with your budget. While recruitment costs may seem high initially, consider the long-term benefits and return on investment from hiring top-quality candidates.
  6. Check online reviews and comparisons: Utilise online platforms that provide reviews and recommendations to help you make informed choices, such as Google and GlassDoor.

Jonathan Rhys Recruitment provides tailored staffing solutions for jobs in Technology and business development support. Click here to learn more about our business services or enquire today for a free consultation.


Attracting & Retaining Tech Talent

In Europe, the tech industry is booming and IT professionals are in high demand. But how can companies attract the best talent for their business?

Aside from competitive salaries, employees now consider flexible working arrangements and work-life balance a top priority when seeking a new job in tech.

To gain a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top tech talent, companies must show that they are socially responsible and consider implementing initiatives that support mental health and wellbeing at work.  This will not only help companies become more desirable to jobseekers, but also boost in moral and productivity within the current workforce.

Improving Work-life Balance in Technology Jobs

Flexible working hours

Companies can offer flexible working hours, allowing employees to start and finish work at different times, as long as they complete their required hours.

Time off

Companies can provide employees with more paid time off, including vacation days, sick days, and personal days.

They can also provide mental health support, such as access to counselling services, to help employees deal with stress and anxiety associated with their work.

Remote work

Providing opportunities for remote work can allow employees to balance work and personal life more easily.

“Workations” (working while on holiday) are growing in popularity among remote workers. Workations make for happier, healthier employees who are more satisfied with their job as it gives them a break from their normal environment without taking paid time off.

Training and development

Providing opportunities for professional development and training can help employees improve their skills and work more efficiently so they do not become overloaded with work.

Team activities and social events

Regular team building activities and social events can help employees form stronger working relationships and feel supported in their work environment.

Encourage self-care

Promoting self-care habits, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness, can help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Companies can offer benefits such as gym membership contributions, a quiet space during break times or more time away from the desk, and healthy lunch meals.

Reducing workload

Lastly, reducing workload or distributing it evenly can be helpful for employees to manage their time more effectively and have a better work-life balance.

Let’s work together

Reach out today to set up a free, 30-minute call with one of our consultants. Discuss your business needs, goals, and potential staffing solutions.