Finding a recruitment agency that is a good match for you can be a challenge. With so many options out there, it's important to be aware of what a recruitment agency actually is, and what it can offer. Here you will get a good overview of how recruitment agencies work, as well as useful tips for when choosing the right agency.
What is a recruitment agency?
A recruitment agency helps companies recruit for vacant positions. The agency acts as an intermediary/administrative actor between employers and job seekers. The professional agencies have good systems for GDPR, sharing of candidates, and providing feedback to all applicants, and they help companies appear professional throughout the recruitment process.
What do they do?
Recruitment agencies carry out targeted searches and advertisements for the right candidate on behalf of the company. They will often prepare the job advert together with the company, which is then published on Finn.no, social media, etc. They may also use their own networks to find suitable and interested candidates. They will also conduct professional interviews with the hiring customer and carry out good reference checks.
The company can choose how involved they want the recruitment agency to be. For example, the company may want the recruitment agency to participate in all interview rounds, or for them to take over the process themselves after applications have been received, screened and forwarded by the agency.
What are the benefits of using a recruitment agency?
- Recruitment agencies help companies reduce costs and risks related to recruitment.
- They save you time and resources. Outsourcing searches and interviews to a recruitment agency allows companies to focus on other important tasks, such as developing their core business and increasing productivity.
- They have expertise in recruitment and selection. What one does every day, one becomes good at. Recruitment agencies identify and assess candidates based on customer needs and requirements on a daily basis, and they may possess skills and competencies you don't have in-house. Using a recruitment agency ensures that you as a company get the most qualified and suitable candidates for the position, as well as having a neutral partner who can assess candidates objectively.
- Access to a large talent pool. Recruitment agencies have large networks of candidates who actively search for job opportunities, in addition to having their own social media accounts that job seekers follow. Companies who partner with recruitment agencies thus gain access to a wider selection of talent that would otherwise not have been available to them.
How to choose the right recruitment agency
When it comes to choosing the right recruitment agency, there are several factors you should consider. Do some research and ask yourself some questions to find the right agency for you.
- Find someone who knows the local job market. There are many recruitment agencies to choose from, both locally and abroad. Our advice is to find an agency that knows the job market you work in, the labor market where you are, and that understands the country/region's work culture, which can vary between countries and cities.
- Look at reviews and reputation. You may want to read reviews and feedback from previous customers. A good reputation is often a sign of reliability and quality.
- Go in with a clear understanding of your own needs. Think carefully about the job's tasks and responsibilities, educational requirements and title, as well as what specific skills and experience you are looking for. Being very aware of what you need allows you to communicate effectively with the recruitment agency and applicants. It also increases the chance of finding the right candidate.
- Find out what your budget is. It is important to consider costs. How much money should you spend on marketing the position, how much should you advertise, where should you advertise? This varies, and there are also different pricing structures and payment models in different agencies. Some agencies include more than others in their quote, so be aware of this.
Potential challenges
Although recruitment agencies can be of great help, it is important to be aware of potential challenges:
- Misunderstandings and miscommunication. Avoid misunderstandings between you and the recruitment agency regarding requirements and expectations for a position. Be clear about what your needs are, what you can compromise on, and what are absolute requirements. Do you agree on the requirements internally, or are there different opinions? If there are, it can be challenging to serve as your recruitment partner. It is always useful to have a regular dialogue with the recruitment agency.
- Contract management and payment issues. It is important to have clear agreements and ensure that all financial obligations are clearly defined and accepted by both parties. When it comes to payment, there should be clear guidelines for invoicing and payment deadlines – for example, should payment be made before or after the candidate has started the job?
- Lack of experience. Check that your recruiter has long and good experience in the recruitment field, as it is their expertise that you are paying for.
To summarise
Do your market research, assess your own needs, and have clear expectations. A little research and an internal review of what your company needs in advance will increase your chances of finding a staffing partner you will use again and again.
Click here for more helpful resources employers and jobseekers.
