Tips for Choosing the Right Recruitment Agency

Opting for a recruitment agency to fill a vacant spot in your company can be a great decision, especially if your company does not have HR/Talent Acquisition personnel or if you have pressing needs to find candidates for a specific position as soon as possible.

Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring a recruitment agency.

Reason #1: It saves time.

Hiring a recruitment agency can save companies time by providing access to a wider pool of candidates, streamlining the screening and vetting process, and expertly matching candidates to the company’s needs and culture. This allows companies to focus on other aspects of their business and make faster hiring decisions.

Reason #2: It helps attract top talents.

Hiring a recruitment agency can help companies attract top talent by leveraging their networks to access passive candidates and create compelling job descriptions. They can also enhance employer branding, provide insights into the candidate market, and help companies stay competitive in attracting top talent, ultimately increasing the chances of finding the right fit for the organization.

Reason #3: It has a large talent pool

As mentioned, recruitment agencies have a large pool of talents pre-screened, even for talents who are not actively looking for a job. This gives the company access to high-quality candidates, exceeding the limitations of traditional job board postings. Agencies will identify both candidates’ technical skills and whether or not they align with your company values. This increases the chances of finding the perfect candidate for a specific position.

Reason #4: It has knowledge of the market.

Recruitment agencies are experts in their specialized fields and possess in-depth knowledge about specific industries and job markets. They can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the hiring process to both the candidates and the hiring company, which ensures that all parties are properly represented, managed, and provided with valuable advice when required.

In the end, recruitment agencies can provide you with much better talent at lower costs than what you search by yourself.

However, finding the perfect recruiting agency to collaborate with is not as simple as it may seem. It is important to select the one that aligns with your specific needs since the recruitment industry is constantly evolving. This guide will provide you with information on how to choose the best recruitment agency. Read on to know more.

Step #1. Research the Agency

When choosing a recruitment agency, research is key. Understand your needs, check the agency’s reputation and expertise, evaluate their track record, meet the team, and understand their recruitment process. By taking these steps, you can make an informed decision and select the right agency for your hiring needs. For example in Singapore, it is recommended to partner with licensed Employment Agencies (EAs) and registered Employment Agency personnel who comply with MOM’s eligibility criteria and adhere to employment agency regulations.

Under the Employment Agencies Act, it is illegal to engage the services of an individual who is not licensed by the Commissioner for Employment Agencies for recruitment purposes. Offenders can face fines of up to $5,000 for each employee hired through an unlicensed EA.

So it is always good to check if the Employment Agency has licensed the relevant authorities or simply ask them for proof!

Step #2. Choose a Recruitment Agency that Specializes in Your Industry

There are a lot more recruitment agencies than you could have ever imagined. Many of which specialize in specific industries. With numerous agencies operating across various sectors, it is essential to conduct thorough research and vetting to ensure you find the right fit for your industry.

Ideally, you should use a recruiting company that specializes in a particular industry such as Tech, Blockchain, Payment, etc.

Why?

Specialized recruitment agencies have access to a diverse pool of qualified candidates with covered skill sets specific to a particular industry. They’ll be able to help you fill the role at a faster pace, and they’ll have connections with talents in that industry.

Step #3. Track the Agency’s Record

When choosing a recruitment agency specializing in your industry, track their record by reviewing past placements, industry experience, client feedback, success metrics, network connections, and specialized services. This evaluation will help ensure you partner with a reputable agency that can meet your recruitment needs effectively. Reaching out to previous clients from your industry vertical for feedback on their experience working with the agency and how their recruits are currently performing is also a good way. You can also directly ask the agency relevant questions, and assess whether they are the right fit for your needs. Just as candidates are evaluated for their qualifications, experience, and compatibility with a company, expertise in your industry, and their approach to finding the right candidates.

Some questions to ask recruitment agencies:

What is your average time-to-fill for positions similar to ours?
What strategies do you use to source and attract top talent?
Can you provide examples of successful placements you have made in our industry?
How are the recruiting processes structured?
Who will be the candidate’s point of contact?
What geographical regions do you source talent from? Local, regional, or national?
What is the size of your current candidate pool, and how many new candidates do you typically add monthly?
How do you evaluate and align candidates’ skills, qualifications, and interests with the requirements and preferences of your clients?

Step #4. Understand what makes a good recruitment agency

Before working with a recruitment firm, you should additionally check the experience of the staff members they’ll be working with. Agencies with experience will ask you the right questions to understand your business goals. They will also pay attention to your requirements and culture, allowing you to get an accurate workforce. A good recruitment agency is the one that sends you the least amount of candidate resumes. Receiving long lists of applicants and profiles suggests that the agency lacks an understanding of your industry or the specific role requirements. Remember, “quality over quantity”. Having a select few highly qualified candidates who not only meet but exceed the requirements of the position is more desirable than sifting through a large pool of candidates who barely meet the minimum qualifications.

Having a deep understanding of employment laws is important for recruitment agencies. If you are using a Recruitment Agency with a strong HR background, they can help organizations overcome certain issues and controversies, which prevent them from experiencing any compliance risks.

Step #5. Consider the range of services they offer

See if there are any additional services that the agency offers. Some agencies may provide value-added services such as payroll outsourcing, employment on record, background checks, and employment pass applications. Evaluate whether these services align with your organization’s needs and could contribute to a smoother recruitment and onboarding experience, and even mitigate your trouble in looking for different vendors for various HR needs.

Step #6. Assess the Budget & Terms

When choosing a recruitment agency, assessing the budget involves thoroughly evaluating the costs and fees associated with their services. This includes understanding their pricing structure, any additional or hidden charges, and comparing it with your budget constraints. Most reputable recruitment agencies provide a one to three-month grace period for their placements. Within this grace, the agency will replace the candidate at no additional cost if the initial placement doesn’t meet expectations.

In conclusion, by partnering with a reputable agency that specializes in your field, you can increase your chances of finding the right candidate, while saving your company significant resources in terms of time, costs, and manpower.

As an experienced HR consultancy, Techlinker Asia has been in the business of recruiting top talents in the areas of Startup, Fintech, Payment, Blockchain & Crypto. With over 20 years of HR experience, we offer not just recruitment services, but also provide you with a one-stop shop for HR solutions on Global Payroll Outsourcing Services, Global EOR Services, HR Outsourcing, Background Screening, and Employment Pass Application in Hong Kong & Singapore.

If you need a professional consultant to help you find the best talent to support your business growth, Techlinker Asia is here to help.