If you have not worked with a recruitment agency before, you may have a lot of questions about what can you expect in general from such a collaboration, also, which specific agency to choose and how.
So, here are the main questions you need to ask before making a final decision.
Do you have experience with recruitment on similar positions?
Due to the actual market, you will meet many general recruitment companies and only few specialize in a single area (for example in the IT recruitment sector). Therefore, most agencies have experience with a wide range of positions and sectors.
SO, you have to check if the agency has worked on a similar project in the past.
What is your history with companies in the industry?
If the recruitment agency has previous experience with other companies in your sector - is a big advantage, because the agency would have contact of industry experts who can be helpful with recommendations.:
Do you work with our competitors?
Ask this question to the recruiting agency if you have decided that you need to “hunt” the person you are looking for from a specific competitor. You have to ensure that the agency you choose does not work with this company. In that case, they would have in the contract the obligation not to “hunt” employees from their client.
What is the methodology you use?
Depending on the level in the hierarchy, the specificity of the position and the necessary qualifications, a good agency will offer you different approaches.
By default, the two main methodologies are Search & Selection – when the candidate is actively looking for a job and finds you, and Headhunting – when the agency needs to find the person and with you to inspire and motivate him to start working in your company. Do not forget to ask them also what databases they use, whether they have a practice of getting references for candidates.
And last but not least – what resources will be allocated for your project; how many projects a consultant works on at a time.
Although a good consultant can work with the same quality on several projects, you would hardly want him to have to juggle 10-15 different positions.
Once you have read in detail what you can expect as a quality of service, then comes the last question:
How much will it cost?
Besides the monetization of the service that the agency will work for you, pay attention to several other parameters – how flexible is the agency in terms of commissions and payment methods, do the agency have guarantee if the applicant leaves, what are discounts if you hire more than one candidate, etc.
Do not make a hasty decision and do not let yourself choose only by price, as the right choice of agency can be the first step towards a long-term and beneficial partnership.
