Ever felt you had a good meeting with a recruitment agency only to never hear from them again?
It usually boils down to one thing...
They Don't Want Your Business
- Your vacancies are not ‘profitable’. - With most agencies working on “no placement - no fee”, they’re likely to concentrate on the positions that are easiest to fill. That way they get paid. Unfortunately, that’s not “in demand” candidates. As 'easier' jobs come up, your vacancy keeps getting pushed to the back of the queue.
- They're Not Set Up For Recruiting 'In Demand' Talent - An agency might be great at ‘standard’ recruitment, but are they as effective with ‘in demand’ candidates? It’s a completely different approach requiring different resources.
- You’re not on the ‘favourites’ list. - Are you valuable to the recruiter? If there is a shortage of candidates, it makes sense to give them to their most important clients. That way they gain bigger contracts and keep their competitors out.
- Even offering 'exclusivity' doesn't help. - A big clue that they're not interested is when they don't ask for exclusivity. They're actually happy for you to go elsewhere because they have no intention of investing time on the role.
So Why Do They Even Turn Up?
- The 'Fingers Crossed' Approach. - Even if they don't have the people you need now, maybe they might miraculously turn up. It's unlikely they will, but if they do, then it's an easy fee...and it costs them nothing to keep you waiting.
- Over-Promising Then Reality Sets In. Once they get back to the office they realise they don't have the resources. They might be regretful, but rather than tell you, it's easier to ignore their mistake.
- Targets, Targets, Targets. - Some recruiters have to go on a certain amount of meetings per month - regardless of whether they can deliver.
- Ulterior Motives. - Have you ever felt forced into lengthy meetings and conversations that swallow up your time? The chances are the meeting has moved to 'intelligence gathering'. Sometimes this is just benign database updating, but occasionally the information is used to target YOUR staff.
What can you do?
We can work with you to help you get more out of recruitment agencies.
However, there are things you can do on your own that will still make a difference.
- Group Your Recruitment Needs – Consider bringing forward or combining any other recruitment needs and look to place them together. This increases the value of the ‘order’ and if it includes some easier to fill roles so much the better.
- Agree An ‘Action Plan’ With The Agency – Including agreed update times works in three ways. If they are reluctant to do it, you know straight away they aren’t willing to put any work in. If they have to call you there’s pressure to at least do something, even if it’s a quick database search. If they don’t keep to the timetable, you know they’ve stopped working on it. Not great, but at least you know and can move on.
- Minimise your time with agencies – Avoid seeing agencies unless they can give some solid(ish) assurances on their willingness to commit. Can they give examples of similar roles they filled? Do they have someone in mind? Can they explain what they will do to find the sort of person you’re looking for? If they can’t do any of this, then cut your losses. Maybe send your information, but definitely move on to the next agency. If they do offer commitment, do your best to hold them to it!
What can We do?
Work With The Best Recruiters – The difference between the best and worst performing Recruitment Consultants is huge. To maximise your chances of success, we are consistently researching and evaluating recruiters to ensure we only work with the best.
First Pick of the Best Candidates – We represent significant business for agencies. This means your project is treated as a high priority by the accountant. No other client will jump ahead of you in the queue for talent.
More Offers Accepted – Getting offers accepted by agency candidates is particularly difficult. We have ‘insider knowledge’ to ensure the odds are tilted substantially in your favour.
Related Solutions To Consider
Avoid competitors, reach the right candidates and increase your offer acceptance rate.
Pinpoint the right candidates and discover what they are looking for - BEFORE you even meet them.
Uncover the real talent and combine with 'headhunting' to reduce costs and increase your success rate.
More Information?
As always, feel free to get in touch for an informal, confidential chat.
You can contact us here.
