As the world’s largest family-run recruitment company Reed, and other recruitment agencies, play a pivotal role in streamlining the hiring process, offering comprehensive services tailored to the needs of both employers and jobseekers.
Often recruitment agencies specialise in recruitment in specific industry sectors – some concentrate on technology recruitment, others specialise in finance recruitment, whereas larger recruitment companies like Reed, hire specialists in each sector and cover 20 different industries all in all – from procurement, to education, tech, accountancy and scientific.
Using a recruitment company makes hiring easy. Here’s how working with Reed works:
1. Talk to your local industry expert
Discuss your hiring needs, goals and refine what your business is looking for in a voice, video call or face-to-face meeting with your local Reed expert who specialises in recruitment in the sector you are looking to hire in.
2. Review your hand-picked talent
Our experts use their local industry networks, access to our database of 22 million CVs and the latest sourcing tech, to provide you with a shortlist of potential people for your role(s). You can simply review the applicants and select who you would like to interview.
3. Longest guarantees available
We will help you onboard your new hire, in fact, we’re so confident in the professionals we place, we offer up to an 18-month guarantee on your new, permanent hires.
What is a recruitment agency?
Also known as an employment agency, staffing agency, or recruitment consultancy, a recruitment agency serves one purpose, and that is to connect employers with the jobseekers they need for business to flourish.
Recruitment agencies have a plethora of other names, while the underlying principles of how they operate often remains the same. Many offer different services and across different industry practices.
Here are a few descriptions of recruitment agency operating models.
Temporary staffing agencies
These agencies specialise in providing temporary or contract workers to companies for short-term assignments or projects.
Contingency agencies
Contingency agencies work on a “no win, no fee” basis. They only receive payment if they successfully place a candidate with the company
Retained recruitment agencies
Retained agencies are paid upfront or in stages throughout the recruitment process. They often handle high-level executive searches or specialised positions.
Niche agencies
Niche agencies focus on specific industries, job types, or skill sets. They have in-depth knowledge and networks within their specialised areas.
What does a recruitment consultant do?
So, what are recruitment consultants? Recruitment consultants, also known as recruiters or headhunters, play a pivotal role in connecting jobseekers with employers.
Their primary responsibility in working for the above agencies is to source, screen, and match candidates to job vacancies within client companies. This involves understanding client requirements, such as job specifications and company culture, and utilising various channels like job boards, social media, and networking to attract suitable candidates.
Once potential candidates are identified, recruitment consultants conduct interviews, assess qualifications, skills, and experience, and evaluate candidate suitability for specific roles. They also coordinate and schedule interviews between candidates and clients, providing support and guidance to both parties throughout the hiring process.
Recruiters often provide advice and assistance to candidates, helping them improve their CVs, prepare for interviews, and negotiate job offers. On the client side, they act as strategic partners, offering insights into the job market, salary trends, and recruitment strategies to attract top talent.
Administrative tasks like maintaining candidate databases, managing job postings, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations are also part of their duties.
At Reed, as well as matching jobseekers with employers, our consultants provide a host of free resources to help clients and candidates navigate each step of their journey. Our free guides, eBooks, tools and webinars are designed to make the recruitment process smooth and successful, from interviewing right through to pre-employment screening and onboarding.
How much do recruitment agencies charge?
The cost of recruitment services in the UK varies depending on factors such as the type of agency, the level of service required, and the complexity of the position.
For permanent roles, staffing agencies will usually charge the employer a percentage of the candidate's base salary, which may be anything from 10% to 30% – the higher end of these percentages are generally for top-earning roles.
Likewise, for temporary work, the charge will be a percentage of the candidate's hourly or daily rate, and could be up to 30%, depending on the pay scale.
It’s worth noting that jobseekers are not required to pay for recruitment agency services, and should certainly question any request for payment. Instead, financial costs are typically managed between the agency and employer, with no interruption to the jobseeker throughout the hiring or onboarding process.
The benefits of using a recruitment agency
So, why use a recruitment agency? Using recruitment agencies offers several benefits for employers compared to relying solely on their own recruitment methods. Here are some key advantages:
Access to a wide pool of candidates: recruitment agencies typically have extensive databases of candidates across various industries and job roles. This allows employers to access a larger pool of potential employees, at all seniorities, than they might find through their own networks or job postings.
Expertise and specialisation: recruitment agencies often specialise in specific industries or job roles, giving them valuable expertise in sourcing and evaluating professionals for those positions. This specialisation can result in a more efficient and effective recruitment process, as agencies understand the specific skills and qualifications required for different roles.
Time and resource savings: outsourcing recruitment to a specialist recruitment agency can save employers time and resources that would otherwise be spent on advertising, screening CVs, conducting interviews, and other administrative tasks. This allows hiring managers to focus their resources on core business activities while the agency handles the recruitment process.
Cost-effectiveness: while there is typically a fee associated with using recruitment agencies, this cost is often outweighed by the savings in time and resources, as well as the potential cost of making a bad hire. Recruitment agencies can help employers find quality, qualified, experienced candidates more quickly, reducing the time to fill open positions and minimising the impact of vacancies on business operations.
Access to passive candidates: recruitment agencies have networks and resources to reach passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities but could be open to the right offer. This expands the talent pool and increases the likelihood of finding candidates with the desired skills and experience.
Screening and vetting candidates: staffing agencies typically offer thorough
screening and vetting services to ensure that candidates meet the requirements of the job and are a good fit for the company culture. This reduces the risk of hiring mistakes and increases the likelihood of finding candidates who will succeed in the role.
Flexibility and scalability: working with a recruitment agency will also offer you flexible staffing solutions to meet the changing needs of your business, whether you need to fill temporary positions, scale up your workforce quickly, or find permanent hires. This flexibility can be especially valuable during periods of growth or transition.
These benefits make recruitment agencies a valuable resource for employers looking to streamline their recruitment processes and find the best talent for their organisations.
How to work with a recruitment agency
When considering whether to engage a recruitment agency, you need to weigh up the pros and cons. Firstly, you need to evaluate your hiring needs, including the volume of people needed and specificity of positions to be filled, as well as any time constraints. If you lack the in-house recruitment expertise or resources for effective hiring, or require niche or executive talent, outsourcing to a recruitment agency becomes more appealing.
Above all, be ready to provide your chosen agency with information about your organisation, its aims and ambitions, culture, people and strategy. It can help to invite the recruitment consultant to your workplace to meet in-person at least once, enabling them to get a feel for the organisation and who might best fit.
How to find a recruitment agency for you
To find the right agency, you need to conduct thorough research. This involves assessing the agency's reputation, track record, and industry expertise. Reading reviews, seeking recommendations from peers, and examining case studies can provide valuable insights into an agency's capabilities.
As an employer, you should consider the agency's recruitment methods and network. A reputable staffing agency should have access to a diverse pool of candidates, including passive candidates who may not be actively seeking employment. The agency's approach to candidate screening, interviewing, and assessment should align with the employer's hiring standards and objectives.
Why choose Reed?
Reed is a popular choice for many organisations. With our 60+ years of experience in specialist recruitment, we have earned our stripes time and again for successfully placing talented professionals in roles spanning accountancy and finance to technology – recruiting across 20 sectors.
Employers often find themselves inundated with CVs that aren’t suitable for their vacancies, leading to extra pressure on their time and resources. Using our services cancels out this risk as we have access to 22 million candidate CVs and a database of some 390k temporary workers, meaning our teams can often pinpoint suitable matches within days.
We know it can be daunting for employers to put their faith in a recruitment agency, especially when it’s their first experience, but we pride ourselves on listening to our clients’ requirements, and making sure their needs are met. After all, as a multi-award-winning company, we have a reputation to uphold!
Registering with a recruitment agency
Once you decide to work with a recruitment agency, you need to provide your recruitment partner with essential information to facilitate effective collaboration. This includes a detailed job description outlining key responsibilities, required qualifications, and desired skills – your consultant can help work on this with you. Providing insights into the company culture and values – and a copy of your employee value proposition if you have one – can also help the agency identify those who would be a good fit.
Clear communication regarding budget, timeline, and expectations is crucial for a successful partnership. You should also discuss fee structures, including any upfront costs or contingency fees. Here possible, you should also establish a timeline for the hiring process and set realistic goals in terms of candidate quality and quantity.
Lastly, when working with a recruiter, you need to maintain open communication with the agency throughout the hiring process. Regular updates, feedback on candidate submissions, and constructive dialogue can enhance collaboration and ensure alignment between your needs and your agency's efforts.
Questions to ask a recruitment agency
You can assess a recruitment agency's suitability for your company’s needs by examining several key factors.
Firstly, evaluate the agency's track record and reputation within their industry. Testimonials, case studies, and online reviews can provide insights into the agency's past successes and client satisfaction levels.
Secondly, employers should consider the agency's specialisation and expertise in recruiting for their specific roles or industry niche. A recruitment firm with relevant experience is more likely to understand the unique requirements of your vacancies.
Before, partnering with a recruitment company, you need to also assess the agency's recruitment process and methodologies. Transparency regarding their sourcing strategies, candidate screening techniques, and quality assurance measures can help establish trust and confidence. Additionally, don’t feel that you can’t enquire about the agency's candidate pool size, diversity initiatives, and time-to-fill metrics to gauge their ability to deliver timely and diverse talent solutions.
In terms of information provided by the recruitment agency you are looking to partner with, the recruiter will normally provide you with a detailed proposals outlining the services offered, including recruitment strategies, timelines, and fee structures. A good agency, like Reed, will also offer you insights into market trends, salary benchmarks, and talent availability to help you make informed decisions. Clear communication channels, regular updates, and ongoing support throughout the recruitment process are essential indicators of a reliable and collaborative partnership.
Ultimately, by carefully evaluating these factors and leveraging the information provided by the recruitment agency, employers can make an informed decision about whether their services align with their hiring needs and objectives.
How do recruitment agencies find candidates?
Recruitment agencies in the UK employ various methods to find candidates. These strategies often include:
Online job boards
Recruitment agencies frequently use job boards such as our sister company Reed.co.uk and LinkedIn, to advertise vacancies and attract potential candidates. These platforms allow recruiters to reach a wide audience and filter applicants based on the agreed criteria.
Networking
Building and maintaining a strong network of professionals is crucial for recruitment consultants within recruitment agencies. They often leverage their connections within industries to source suitable candidates through referrals, recommendations, and professional associations.
Direct approaches
Recruiters actively search for candidates who possess the skills and experience required for specific roles. They may use techniques like headhunting, where they directly approach individuals who match the job criteria, whether they are actively seeking new opportunities or not.
Database search
Recruitment agencies maintain extensive databases of candidates who have previously registered with them or applied for roles. They use sophisticated search algorithms to match candidates to current vacancies based on their qualifications, experience, and preferences.
Advertising and marketing
Recruitment agencies invest in advertising and marketing campaigns to promote their services and attract both clients and candidates. This may involve online advertising, social media campaigns, television, radio and traditional methods such as print media.
Reed stands out from other recruiters in several ways:
Longevity and reputation: with over 60 years of experience in the industry, Reed has established itself as a trusted and reputable recruitment agency globally. Its longevity demonstrates a track record of success and reliability.
Wide range of specialisms: Reed offers recruitment services across various industries and sectors, catering to a diverse range of clients and candidates. Whether it's finance, health and care, IT, or engineering, Reed has expertise in 20 industry sectors.
Innovative technology: Reed invests in cutting-edge technology and digital platforms to streamline the recruitment process for both clients and candidates. This includes AI-driven candidate matching algorithms, online assessments, and video interviewing tools.
Personalised approach: Reed prides itself on delivering personalised service to clients and candidates alike. Recruiters take the time to understand the unique needs and preferences of each individual, ensuring the best possible match for both parties.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion: Reed actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and strives to connect employers with candidates from diverse backgrounds. We recognise the value of a diverse workforce and work towards creating equal opportunities for all.
What to expect from a recruitment agency
When engaging with a recruitment agency in the UK, employers can expect a comprehensive and structured process designed to identify and secure top talent efficiently.
The timeframe for completing the recruitment process can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the role, the availability of candidates, and the specific requirements of the employer. However, a typical timeframe for a permanent role from initial consultation to job offer can range from several weeks to a few months. On a temporary basis, dependent on the sector, recruitment agencies often have a ‘bank’ of temporary, pre-screened staff on hand to hit the ground running within days. This is particularly true when it comes to nursing, health and care, qualified social workers, teachers, administrative roles and warehouse positions. Whether you are looking to recruit for a temporary, permanent or interim member of your team, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your agency throughout the process to ensure efficiency and alignment with expectations.
Try to be open-minded and allow the recruitment expert to offer their advice on the job market and set realistic targets.
What’s the process once you’ve decided to work with a recruitment agency?
The following step-by-step guide outlines the typical journey you can expect to take as an employer when working with a recruitment agency:
1. Meeting with the recruitment agency
This is the first step in the process, you will need to meet with your recruiter to discuss your hiring needs, company culture, and specific requirements for the role.
During the consultation, your dedicated recruiter will gather detailed information to understand the scope of the position(s) you are hiring for, including qualifications, experience, and any specialised skills required. This meeting can be done over the phone, on a video call or in person. At some point at the beginning of the process it’s a good idea for the recruiter to visit your working environment, this will give them a real taste of your organisation and allow them to sell the role to prospective candidates as best they can.
2. Agency posts the job advertisement
The recruitment agency crafts a compelling job advertisement based on the information provided by you. They will use their expert knowledge and experience to ensure the job ad covers all bases and will be as well received as possible. In most cases a recruiter will encourage you to advertise a salary band with a role as this will increase application numbers significantly.
Once, the description/specification is agreed, your recruitment specialist will advertise the vacancy using all channels possible and advanced search techniques for maximum exposure, to attract a diverse pool of candidates. These channels should include, job boards, such as Reed.co.uk, LinkedIn and social media platforms as well as the recruiter’s own network. For really niche roles, or roles where a candidate pool can be sparse, your recruiter will headhunt for talent, this may involve searching in the recruitment agencies own database or using tools such as LinkedIn to search for prospective good matches.
3. Recruitment agency will contact the candidates
As applications for your open position start to come into the consultant through the various channels or candidates who have been headhunted show an interest in the role, your recruiter will assess their CV and set up a call with prospective candidates they believe match the specification and talk them through the role. From this they will gauge the level of interest from each person and their fit for the job, if they deem them to be a good fit they will book them in for a screening interview.
4. Recruitment agency will screen the candidates
A screening interview will usually be conducted face to face or via a video call to determine whether a professional is suitable for the role and company. These interviews are much shorter and less formal than job interviews.
In a screening interview, your recruiter will:
Discuss your role in more depth with the candidate and give them an introduction to your company
Ask the candidate some screening questions to evaluate whether they meet the basic requirements for the role
The recruiter will also ensure that the role aligns with the candidates wants, needs and requirements – helping to reduce the number of dropouts
Take any questions the candidate may have about the role and company
If a screening interview is successful, your recruiter will send you a shortlist with notes from the screening interview and the CVs of those candidates they think will be best for your open vacancy. From this shortlist you can then select those candidates you would like to take to the next stage of the recruitment process which is the interview. At this stage you need to confirm how many stages there will be in your interview process, so that your recruiter can communicate this to the candidates.
5. Employers interview the candidates
Using a recruitment agency will save you a significant amount of time, your dedicated recruiter will arrange interviews between the you and the chosen professionals from your shortlist, at the most convenient time for you. They will liaise with the candidates to ensure they know where they are going and manage communication efficiently to ensure a smooth process.
Recruiters will assist you in planning for the interview, and you could even use Reed’s AI-powered interview question generator tool, free, to create a list of valuable interview questions fast.
6. Feedback rounds
After interviews have taken place, the agency gathers feedback from both the employer and the candidates. This feedback loop allows for informed decision-making and adjustments to the selection criteria if necessary. At this point, the recruiter will organise any second interviews needed and where required provide the candidates with details of any tasks. At every stage, your recruiter will facilitate communication between all parties and addresses any concerns or questions promptly.
7. Candidate receives an official job offer
Once a suitable candidate has been identified, the agency assists with negotiating terms of employment, including salary, benefits, and start date. They act as intermediaries to ensure a fair and satisfactory offer is extended and accepted.
Throughout this process, the agency provides support and guidance to you and your candidate, facilitating a seamless transition.
8. Maintain communication with your recruitment agency
Even after the offer has been accepted, the recruitment agency you are working with may continue to provide assistance during the onboarding process. This may include coordinating paperwork, conducting background checks, and ensuring a smooth integration into your company culture. Your recruiter will check in with you and your new starter at regular intervals over the first 12 weeks to ensure everything is going well.
By following this structured process and leveraging the expertise of a reputable recruitment agency, you can expect to attract top talent and fill critical positions effectively and efficiently.
Employer responsibilities for agency workers
When employers engage with recruitment agencies to hire staff, they share various responsibilities to ensure fair and lawful employment practices. Here are some key responsibilities:
Legal compliance
Employers must ensure that the recruitment agency they choose complies with all relevant UK employment laws, including anti-discrimination legislation, minimum wage requirements, and regulations regarding working hours and conditions.
Job description accuracy
Providing accurate job descriptions to the recruitment agency is crucial. Employers should clearly outline job requirements, responsibilities, qualifications, and any other pertinent details to ensure that candidates are properly informed about the role.
Equal opportunities
Employers must ensure that their recruitment process, facilitated by the agency, promotes equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. Discrimination in any form is unlawful and can lead to legal consequences.
Verification of candidates
While recruitment agencies typically handle candidate screening and verification, employers should still be vigilant in confirming the credentials, qualifications, and work experience of potential hires to ensure they meet the company's standards and job requirements.
Communication and feedback
Employers should maintain open communication with the recruitment agency throughout the hiring process. Providing timely feedback on candidates and collaborating closely with the agency can help streamline the recruitment process and ensure that the employer's needs are effectively met.
Contractual obligations
Employers are responsible for ensuring that employment contracts offered to selected candidates accurately reflect the terms and conditions agreed upon, including salary, benefits, working hours, and any other relevant provisions.
Payment of fees
Employers are typically responsible for paying any fees associated with using the recruitment agency's services. These fees may be based on a percentage of the hired candidate's salary or a flat rate, depending on the agreement between the employer and the agency.
Feedback and evaluation
After the recruitment process concludes, employers should provide constructive feedback to the recruitment agency regarding the quality of candidates sourced, the effectiveness of the process, and any areas for improvement.
Final thoughts
By fulfilling these responsibilities, employers can ensure a transparent, ethical, and legally compliant recruitment process when utilising the services of a recruitment agency.
Further guidance from the government can be found here.
Whether you're an employer looking to build a high-performing team or a jobseeker seeking your next career move, partnering with a reputable recruitment agency can significantly enhance your chances of success in the competitive landscape of today's job market. Get in touch with one of our specialist consultants today.
