How to find the right recruitment agency for your hiring needs

Let's be honest, finding the perfect people to join your team can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It's time-consuming and challenging. That's where a great recruitment agency comes in. They're like your trusted sidekick in the talent hunt! But with so many agencies out there, how do you find the right one? This handy guide will walk you through what to look for and why Michael Page could be the perfect partner for your business.

Fill a vacancy with experts

What is a recruitment agency?

A recruitment agency is a company that specialises in partnering with hiring managers to help fill their open roles with suitable candidates who possess the skills and experience they’re looking for.  

How do recruitment agencies work?

Recruitment agencies employ a series of strategies to source and connect job seekers with employers. They often advertise jobs, screen candidates, and arrange interviews. They may also provide advice and help people (candidates and hiring managers) prepare for interviews. When you work with specialists like Michael Page you can rely on speedy solutions without sacrificing quality. We can provide you with a shortlist of qualified candidates in just 3 days and our average time to hire is 33 days from job ad to job offer for a permanent position and even quicker for temporary roles. Learn more about the services we offer and how we work with you.

How to find the right recruitment agency

There are a few things to consider when choosing a recruitment agency. One of the top things to do to ensure success is look for an agency that has a good reputation. You can ask your friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. You can also read online reviews of different agencies.  

Psst! In case you were wondering, Michael Page is trusted by 98% of clients who’d choose to use us again, with over 500 clients who find new talent with us each month.  

Ready to hire?

Here are a few key factors to help you find the right recruitment agency for you.

What makes a recruitment agency a good fit?

Think of choosing a recruitment agency like choosing a new member for your own team – you want someone who gets you, understands your goals, and brings something special to the table. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Do they speak your language? Does the agency specialise in your industry or the type of role you’re looking to fill? A specialist agency will have a much deeper understanding of your specific needs and a wide network of relevant candidates.

You’ll also want to consolidate your recruitment efforts, especially if you’re hiring different types of roles. For example, some agencies only specialise in one sector while others, like Michael Page, cover a variety of industries, saving you time and effort vs managing relationships and contracts with multiple agencies. It’s worth exploring a recruitment company’s website or getting in touch to find out more about their areas of expertise.

At Michael Page our expert consultants hire entry to senior-level roles in over 25 industries including finance, marketing, technology, engineering & manufacturing, legal, and more. We offer the benefit of global resources with a local boutique feel as we host 135 offices in 37 countries, working closely with you to deliver your needs.  

Been there, done that (successfully!): How long have they been around? What's their reputation like? Check out online reviews and testimonials – what are other businesses saying about them? Don't be shy about asking for examples of their past successes. At Michael Page we’ve been supporting clients (big and small!) successfully for over 45 years. Our longstanding partnerships highlight the quality and reliability of our service, with 90% of our business coming from referrals and repeat clients.

Who do they know? A strong network is everything when it comes to finding top talent. Ask about their candidate database, their reach within your industry, and how they find those hidden gems. Are they using social media, attending industry events, and generally being proactive in the talent world?

One of the key benefits of partnering with a recruiter like Michael Page is that you can lean on our extensive database of candidates, which can help cut your hiring time in half.  We’re trusted by job seekers as much as employers, with over 80,000 candidates applying for our roles each month.  

Do they get you? A great agency will take the time to really understand your business, your company culture, and the nitty-gritty details of the role you're trying to fill. They should be asking lots of questions and genuinely invested in finding the perfect fit, not just filling a seat. A strategic partnership will help you improve your hiring process altogether.

Keeping it real (and transparent): Open and honest communication is key. They should keep you in the loop throughout the whole process, give you regular updates, and be upfront about their fees and how they work. No surprises!

Bonus points! Some agencies offer extra goodies like salary benchmarking resources, market insights, and onboarding support.  

Making the right call

By keeping these tips in mind and partnering with a reputable agency like Michael Page, you'll be well on your way to building your dream team. We're here to help you find the perfect fit, so get in touch and let's chat!

Request a call back