Finding the right person for a job can be challenging so hiring a recruitment agency to assist you can actually save you money in the long run. Below are some tips to guide you through the process:
1. Know the agency’s background by doing some research
Google and find the agency online, such as their website, LinkedIn and Glassdoor. Read up on their profiles to get an indication of their experience and industries they know best. Do they demonstrate the experience they have so far conveyed to you? Do they primarily place temporary employees or do they have various staffing models such as direct placement or RPO’s? Do they do a little of everything or do they specialize in a specific market, such as high tech?
2. Interview them as you would a candidate
Make sure you interview and ask questions just as you would with a candidate. Do they already have the talent that you are looking for in their database? How do they source new candidates, and how long will it take to start seeing submittals and ultimately placements? What is the process they have in place to keep you informed on progress?
3. Check out the experience
Take a look at the agency’s open positions – this will give you a good idea of the areas they specialize in, and potential pipelines of candidates they may have. Good agencies and recruiters have established and maintained a vast network of candidates who probably cannot be found on any job board. You hire the agency because they know where to find the right candidate due to years of networking. This makes spending money for the agency worth it.
4. Evaluate the terms and contracts of the agency
Some recruiting agencies can be rigid with their terms in the contracts for procuring employees. Spend the time finding one that will be creative, flexible, and move quickly to find the talent you need. You do not want to be slowed down by dealing with inflexible terms. Make sure you read over carefully any and all guarantee periods and terms.
5. Be clear on what you want
You need to make sure to clearly define your hiring needs. You’ll need a clear and concise job description, and be ready to speak to hard requirements and more flexible “nice to have” skillsets. You also need to define your expectations of an interview process, a placement timeline goal, and ensure you can commit to the time and effort it takes to interview and hire someone. Setting up the right expectations from the beginning, will only lead to better success for everyone involved.
6. Make sure you can afford them
Determining the best agency is worthless unless you can afford to pay them. You might be able to gleam some idea of their costs by going on their website but be prepared to contact them directly. Send some inquiries out to a few agencies and ask them for information about their services, terms and price. Understand that you’re paying for the service of locating exceptional and often times, hard to find talent, which takes time, expertise and a budget.
7. Study reviews
Go online to Glassdoor and other review sites to read over what is being said about them. You will want to find reviews from the employee, candidate, and client perspectives. Because you and your prospective employee will rely on the agency, you want to make certain the experience will be positive on both sides. Don’t be afraid to ask the agency for a list of references. Call them to ask questions about their experiences and whether they would use them again.