Advantages Of Using A Retained Recruiter
Many companies continue to look at recruiting for tough positions as finding the purple unicorn because that is the same way they have always done it.
I just spoke with a company that has had an open role since the start of 2022, is using multiple 3rd party contingent agencies to find candidates, but is completely dumbfounded on why they are not seeing results. Their solution is to add more contingent agencies to help with the search. They also let me know that their current agencies are yet to provide any candidates.
Why?
Many companies continue to look at recruiting for tough positions as finding the purple unicorn because that is the same way they have always done it.
Instead, modern recruiting should be looked at not as finding, but attracting. Candidates are out there, but with so many options companies have to be appealing to candidates and find ways to tell their stories to entice passive job seekers.
Contingent firms can be beneficial at times and have their place. If you have had a tough-to-fill role that has been open for an extended period of time they may not be your best option. Put yourself in their shoes.....if your entire reward was contingent upon success are you going to focus on the time-consuming tough-to-fill role, or the easier more common opening? You'd be crazy to focus on the tougher role as you can likely fill multiple openings in the time it takes to fill the one tough role, and make twice as much money in the process. Yes they'll take the order, but how much time is going to be prioritized to the role? They have no buy-in, but that also means no risk to them.
Tougher positions tend to require more strategic partnerships. I'm seeing more and more agencies opening up to retained searches, but many companies are struggling to adopt a new model. Retained search models allow for more open and honest communication.
Advantages of using a retained recruiter
-A more consultative approach with data and insight to market trends, salary analysis, company reputation & marketability, etc.
-Less advertising B and C candidates as A players, and more transparency around candidate strengths, weaknesses, and how they can fit within your organization.
-Retained recruiters tend to take the time to learn about your company, and make sure they are properly marketing the benefits of your company to candidates.
-Higher level of candidate trust as retained agencies can be more transparent throughout the hiring process.
-A more focused recruiting strategy and fewer bulk reach outs.
-Work with your current recruiting efforts and not in competition with your HR team.
-A higher level of commitment to filling the role.
-Lower turnover rates as retained recruiters tend to focus on more than just the skills checklist, and factor in culture fits, personalities, and personal motivators.
