1 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

a much wider and, if necessary, specialised candidate pool usually allowing more choice and producing a more relevant final selection than if the client were to canvass through the local media.

Even if a company would still prefer to use the local paper to advertise, it doesn't hurt to contact a couple of high street agencies also, as it doesn't cost any extra. A high street agency only receives a fee if it finds a suitable candidate. A company can't lose either way if the agency offers the best candidate then that in itself is worth the fee, if not, nothing is lost. What's more, if the candidate doesn't work out in the first 12 weeks, an agency will normally give money back on a sliding rebate or find a free replacement the same can't be said of the money spent on a newspaper campaign.

If you decide to use an agency to help you recruit, try to give them as much warning as possible - ideally a few weeks or more. This ensures that the really good agencies have time to do their job putting the net out, filtering, and most importantly, evaluating. They will send you the best candidates as opposed to the first suitable ones that come through their Inbox.

CHOOSING A VACANCY
A less than effective result can occur if you place your vacancy with every agency in town. There may be a brief scrabble to put forward immediate candidates, but then the impetus can wear a little as each agency knows they're up against everyone else and a few candidates they've forwarded have already been forwarded by other organisations. If an agency thinks there's a strong chance another group could pip them to the post with an early candidate, then they are either: not going to spend much time searching for the ideal candidate for what could potentially be a waste of time; or rescind any preferential rates on that particular vacancy.

Therefore choose around 3 or 4 agencies that you feel you can work closely with. If you establish a PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) you can quickly thwart the sales calls coming from all the other agencies in your area swarming for your business. But keep your options open: it's always worth reviewing the PSL regularly as agencies rise and fall and new ones come on to the scene that may have better rates and service.

Importantly, the right consultants need to be able to slot in as an extension to your HR team: primarily service based suppliers who work toward the long term relationship not sales-driven suppliers whose sole aim is their monthly target.
For this to occur,

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Human Resources: Best recruiting tips to make the right hire?
We want to hear your view. Write now!