What does a recruitment agency do (and why should you use one)

Everyone wants to hire the right talent, but it’s often the most challenging part of business. That’s where recruitment agencies step in.

From finding the right candidates to negotiating with them, they share the burden of hiring and make the job easier for employers.

What does a recruitment agency do?

1. They understand employer needs

The recruitment agency begins its search for the right talent with a deep discussion regarding your specific needs. They enquire about the open positions you want to fill, desired skills and qualifications, team structure, reporting lines, salary range, and benefits.

With all the information, a recruitment agency builds the ideal candidate profile, which helps streamline the search.

2. They market the listing

After gathering all the information, they craft clear, captivating job ads tailored to catch the attention of top professionals. They post the advertisement on job boards, LinkedIn, conduct direct outreach, and use social media platforms for targeted searches.

They also disseminate information within their internal database of candidates and proactively reach out to passive candidates who are not currently applying for jobs but are open to new opportunities.

3. They screen candidates

Once candidates start sending in their resumes, the recruitment agency plans preliminary screenings via video or voice calls or in-person meetings. Through the screening process, they determine whether the candidate possesses all the necessary technical and soft skills and is eligible for the job.

They conduct basic background checks to verify that all information is accurate, and confirm there are no criminal records or other compromising details. They also check whether they can fit with your business culture.

After the screening process, they forward the list of most-qualified candidates, ensuring you don’t waste time picking out unfit candidates.

4. They coordinates interviews

Recruitment agencies assist in scheduling interviews and preparing candidates for them. Post-interview, they collect feedback from both sides and share it with the other.

The agency also keeps candidates informed and engaged about the progress, ensuring they are not left in the dark. They keep you updated on whether the candidate is still interested or if they have moved on to other opportunities.

5. They manage offers and negotiations

Once you choose the right fit, the agency proposes an offer to them on your behalf. If required, they negotiate salary and benefits, ensuring they stay within the budget.

If the candidate agrees, they will receive the offer letter, which includes the confirmed joining date and other details, such as roles and responsibilities, compensation, and the name of their reporting manager. If the candidate disagrees, they inform you, and the ad is re-run to look for other candidates.

6. They offer post-hire support

A good agency remains even after the hiring process is complete. They follow up with both you and the candidate throughout the onboarding session and guide both parties to a smooth transition.

If the hired candidate resigns within a specified timeframe, a replacement hire will also be found at no additional cost.

Why should you use a recruitment agency?

1. Saves time

Hiring employees is time-consuming, whether it’s sorting through hundreds of CVs, conducting interviews, comparing each candidate, keeping them updated, or following up. If you are actively involved in your business and don’t have a dedicated crew for hiring, it can distract you from other commitments.

A recruitment agency can handle the hiring process, allowing you to focus on core business operations.

2. Fast hiring

Australia’s productivity growth has stagnated, with a year-on-year decline of 1.74 per cent. However, recruitment agencies fill roles quickly, ensuring optimal team productivity and business revenue.

3. Connects with quality talent

Recruitment agencies have access to a larger pool of candidates beyond job posting sites, unlike most businesses. Their strong network connects you with passive candidates that you can’t find active on any platforms.

4. Market knowledge

Recruiters are constantly updated with the latest hiring trends, candidate expectations, and compensation benchmarks. They help you craft competitive offers, ensuring your job posting remains competitive and appealing.

5. On-demand scalability

If you want to hire for multiple roles simultaneously, a recruitment agency can help with that as well. They can scale up or down based on changing demands.

6. Expertise in hiring

Whether it’s writing a job description, scheduling interviews, structuring interview questions or negotiating offers, the right agency will offer a range of support. This helps avoid costly mistakes in the future.

Final thoughts

Now that you’re aware of a recruitment agency’s core functions and how they benefit your business, it’s time to start researching your options. Collaborate with a professional recruitment agency with years of expertise to ensure you find the right fit for your business soon.