If you’re working with a recruiter for the first time ever, or switching to a new recruiter following a bad experience, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of. No matter the size of your business, every hire counts, so getting off on the right foot is essential.
Here we’ll be explaining how to streamline the process and get the most out of your new partnership.
Communication
Step one is clear communication. Recruiters should always be clear about the information they need from you, taking the time to understand your company culture and what you’re looking for.
What your recruiter needs from you is active communication and honesty. They need to know what your expectations are and fully understand the skillset and personality you’re looking for.
An accurate and detailed job description is obviously key, but make sure to fill them in on your culture, values, current team personalities and reasoning for the hire. It’s also important to set clear boundaries around salaries and qualification requirements. Be open about must-have skills and qualities, as well as what’s negotiable.
Money-Focus
While budgeting considerations are important, selecting a recruiter based solely on their fees can often backfire.
Going for the cheapest option may result in a poor-quality service and unsuitable candidates - costing you more in the long run if you have to repeat the process with another firm.
Instead of focussing on cost, shortlist a few
based on reviews and recommendations before evaluating based on experience and suitability for your sector. A slightly higher fee is often worth it for better results.
Specialisms
Recruiters usually focus on either one or a handful of specialisms - whether that be in specific industries, positions, or roles of particular seniority. Generalist recruiters are unlikely to match the skills of a specialised team.
Matching your recruiter to the role you need to fill should avoid any mismatches. Think about industry, seniority and skillset, and choose your recruiter accordingly. You can always ask for references or case studies based on similar clients or role requirements.
Being Too Hands-Off
Working with a recruiter should certainly ease your responsibilities and make things simpler, but that’s not to say that you should leave everything in their hands and walk away completely.
Your involvement is still essential, and you should be working in partnership throughout.
Staying engaged and providing prompt
feedback on CVs, asking clarifying questions and participating actively in interviews- your collaboration is key to a great result.
Rushing the Process
Finding the right candidates takes time. If a recruiter sends you a shortlist the day after signing, you can assume they will not be of the highest quality! Rushing a recruiter can lead to poorly vetted candidates and the wrong hire.
Work with your recruiter to set realistic timelines and allow them to do their job, thoroughly. If the hire is particularly urgent, discuss this early in the process so your chosen recruiter can adjust their approach and balance their workload accordingly.
Overlooking Cultural Fit
Without a focus on cultural fit, your recruiter may present candidates who are technically skilled, but who are not the right fit for your team. This often leads to turnover and wasted resources.
Emphasise your company culture and provide examples of employees who have thrived in your business. Allowing your recruiter to spend time in the workplace can go a long way in helping them understand the personalities that would fit.
Failing to Build a Long-Term Relationship
It’s easy for companies to form a short-term relationship with a recruiter for the sake of a single hire, without much thought being given to future support you may need. This short-sighted approach can lower the chances of creating an amazing partnership that could support your growth for years to come.
It’s worth investing time in building a real relationship with your recruiter. Share feedback on their work and let them learn more about you and your business over time. A recruiter who knows your company well can deliver better results in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Working with a recruiter can be a game-changer, if approached correctly. Avoiding these common pitfalls ensures the process runs smoothly and delivers the results you need.
By communicating clearly, staying involved, and choosing the right partner to begin with, you can save time, find the best candidates, and build a strong foundation for future success.
If you’re thinking about working with a recruiter, take the time to plan and prepare. A thoughtful approach makes all the difference.