Recruiting the right senior staff is obviously of extreme importance to any business and will make and shape the future of the company. There are a variety of different ways you can try and find this member of staff and one of them is to use a recruitment agency or head hunter.
The recruitment agencies you decide to use will vary in size, charging structure, areas of expertise and recruitment methods.
Size
There is a wide difference in the size of different agencies from "one man bands" to very large multi-national companies. The larger companies will have lots of resources, a variety of channels to find the idea candidate including a big internet presence. They will have large numbers of candidates on their books of varying quality. They will have more candidates that closely match your recruitment criteria. The disadvantages to the larger recruitment agencies are that their fees may be higher. They will have lots of employees so there is a higher chance there will be a couple that aren't very good within the mix and you may end up dealing with them. Clear communication can be harder when dealing with a large company which could result in candidates not being what you expected. At the other end of the extreme using an individual head hunter will mean that you get very clear communication and will always be dealing with a single individual who will obviously be very familiar with you, your requirements and what candidates he has available that match this or how he may be able to source one.
Charging Structure
Recruitment companies charge a fee if they place a candidate that is still there after an agreed probation period. Usual this fee represents 10% to 20% of the candidates annual salary. Some companies also charge an initial up front fee. Larger recruiters will offer a range of services all priced differently including advertising on their website and within advertising space they occupy within recruitment and specific trade magazines.
Areas of Expertise
Larger recruitment organisations may cover all areas to some degree but perhaps not in as much depth as someone who specialises within a particular area. Some recruiters will specialise within certain sectors such as aviation recruitment where they will have candidates for all roles an aviation company like an airport may require. Alternatively they may specialise in certain types of staff for example IT staff or marketing staff which you would need for your own internet IT or marketing issues regardless of sector. Agencies may also cover limited geographical areas such as candidates wanting to work in Manchester. If you are recruiting for a specialist or senior roll and can find an agency that specialises in the area you are looking for and their fees are reasonable then you will find them more helpful then going to a larger "one size fits all" agency where you may end up dealing with someone that has never recruited for your particular sector or roll.
Recruitment Methods
Larger recruitment organisations will have candidates who apply to them in response to advertising or their website. The smaller companies will have paid for databases of candidates that are looking for work. They will never speak to these candidates until something comes up. Some may specialise in word of mouth marketing and recommendation such as head hunters. The more sophisticated methods of finding a candidate will result in more specialised candidates. Try to find one that fits in with what you are looking for. Starting with the larger companies for the more standard candidates to head hunters if you are looking for some to head a multi-million pound organisation.
Having a think about the roll you are recruiting for and the four areas mentioned above - size, charging structure, areas of expertise and recruitment methods should help you identify the right type of agency for your needs.
Using the internet you will be able to find lists of recruiters to screen before approaching any of them. There are recruiter directories such as i-recruit.com. You will be able to check out their website to get a feel for the four areas mentioned above. If they recruit candidates through the internet that may be evident on their website.
Once a shortlist of suitable candidates have been found you will still need to meet and interview these candidates. There is still a lot of work to done on your behalf and a good interview technique will really help you identify the best candidate.
Using a headhunter or recruitment agency does not guarantee you will find a suitable candidate. You should always consider other approaches including advertising on your website. Not every candidate uses recruit agencies or recruitment websites.
