Employers: Hiring a Recruitment Firm? Start Here ~ By Drew

Recruiting top employees should be a priority for every organization and your company is no different.

You know you want to get your next hire exactly right and you know you don’t have the time, the energy, the resources, or the expertise in attracting and recruiting that ideal employee. You’ve made the wise decision to use a recruitment firm to find your needle in a haystack. Now what?

The Choice is Yours

There are 200++ firms just in the Lower Mainland. Some have industry specialties in IT or law or marine biology, some are divided by the type of candidate that they work with, from entry-level to senior executive, and still others will work on any search. Some firms function as a one person show in the basement of the family home and some are sleek corporate machines operating in 30 countries and have ten Canadian offices. So, how do you know which one is right for you?

Ask Around

Many people will begin seeking out a search firm by asking a trusted associate for advice or for the name of a Recruiter that they may have worked with and liked. Often this works because the people in your network already know you and what you expect as a customer. Sometimes it doesn’t work for any one of a myriad of reasons. Maybe the salesperson is too pushy, maybe the recruiter sends you unqualified, unscreened candidates, maybe when you call the firm you always get voice mail or maybe the firm isn’t asking questions about your operations and your needs. While there is value in the fee that a firm charges, the Recruiter needs to mesh with your company and the way you operate; which is exactly where the search for a search firm should start – by taking a good look at your culture and operations.

Look Inside

Ask yourself what is important to you. If personalized service is what you offer your clients, then that’s what you will expect when on the other side of the boardroom table. Come up with a list of four or five non-negotiables that you offer and expect in return. This provides a benchmark.

Here are some examples of items to look for in a competent search firm:

·        The ability to readily provide testimonials and / or referrals

·        Internet presence – look for the types of jobs they are advertising on their website, how well are the job postings written? Do they resonate with you?

·        Do they ask good questions that allow them to understand who you are? If a firm doesn’t show interest in your specific company and how and why you are in business, how will they find an employee that connects with your culture?

·        When they take your job order are the questions related to the skill set and personality fit or do they just stick to the basic role functions?

·        Transparency with the fee

·        Explanation of the process in detail and sets expectations up front

·        Shows a willingness to ask for your business

·        Is clear on the type of searches they conduct; i.e. middle management to executive across all industries or strictly medical temporary placements

Licenses are Important!

Make sure they are licenced. Did you know that employment agencies must be licenced in the province of BC? It involves an annual exam and adherence to stringent ethical and legal standards. Check out this link to ensure that your firm is up to date https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/licensing (We’re definitely the only firm in Roberts Creek!)

Finding a service provider in any industry can require a bit of leg work but finding the right search firm that fits with you and your organization can be a valuable tool and a great resource as an extension of your human resource department. Once you do find this gem the two greatest ways to show your appreciation are to give them repeat business and make sure you refer them to all your associates.