Some Key Questions Founders Should Ask a Recruiter Before Engaging With Them

Recruitment agencies can be a valuable resource for job seekers and employers alike, but not all agencies are created equal. Before engaging with a recruitment agency, it is important to understand the different types of recruiters and what they can offer you.

Methodology: First, there are tactical recruiters and strategic recruiters. Tactical recruiters focus on filling specific job openings as quickly as possible, while strategic recruiters take a more long-term approach, working with clients to identify and address their overall talent needs.

Integrity: Learn the distinction between ethical and unethical recruiters. Ethical recruiters will always act in the best interests of both the job seeker and the employer, while unethical recruiters may prioritise their own financial gain over the needs of others. A recruiter with integrity will be honest and transparent in their dealings, while an unethical recruiter may be more likely to cut corners or bend the truth.

Commitment: Tenacity is another key trait to look for in a recruiter. A tenacious recruiter will work tirelessly to find the right candidate for a job, while a less committed recruiter may give up too easily.

Track Record: A high fill rate is also an important consideration. A recruiter with a high fill rate is likely to have a good track record of successfully placing candidates in jobs, while an opportunist recruiter may be more focused on making a quick profit.

Motivation: Another consideration is whether the agency is service delivery or sales focussed. Service delivery focussed agencies will work to deliver the best service possible, while sales focussed agencies will be more focused on making a sale.

Philosophy: Are you about to engage a consultant and a job filler? A consultant will work with clients to understand their unique needs and develop a tailored solution, while a job filler will simply try to fill any job that comes their way. They tend to take on every job and then hope to fill a small percentage of them through luck.

Specialisation: Finally, it's important to consider whether a recruiter is a niche or generalist. A niche recruiter will have specialised knowledge and experience in a particular field, while a generalist will have a broader range of experience across different industries and job types.

When engaging with a recruitment agency, it is important to ask the right questions to ensure that they are the right fit for your needs. Some key questions to ask include:

• What is your recruitment philosophy?
• What type of clients do you typically work with?
• What is your process for finding and vetting candidates?
• What is your track record of successfully placing candidates in jobs?
• Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
• What is your policy on candidate and client confidentiality?

By understanding the different types of recruiters and asking the right questions, you can increase your chances of finding an agency that is the right fit for your needs.