How hiring managers can maximise the value of a recruitment partner
I often see content on LinkedIn showcasing frustration or lack of faith in recruitment agencies. It prompted me to run a poll on LinkedIn asking my network how they perceive recruitment agencies, and the results were really interesting. What is undeniable is how the role of recruitment partners is evolving in today’s dynamic labour market.
Trust in consultants vs. recruitment brands
One of the most intriguing insights is that 47% of hiring managers place their trust in a particula consultant, rather than the recruitment agency. This shift highlights the importance of personal connections and the value of a consultant who truly understands their market and the unique needs of a business operating within it.
Let’s face it, a recruitment agency is only as good as the people you deal with day-to-day. Like any profession, there will be a variability in capability and effort put in. However this opens up an interesting conversation on Procurement – if a Consultant you trust joins a new agency, how do you move past supplier onboarding issues?
Establishing clear communication with your recruitment partner
Effective communication remains the cornerstone of a productive partnership with any recruitment agency. Investing time upfront to clearly articulate your hiring needs, organisational structure, and growth plans enables your consultant to identify candidates that are a strong cultural and professional fit.
When your consultant has a comprehensive understanding of your business, they can better anticipate your requirements and minimise unnecessary interruptions, ensuring that their efforts support your strategic hiring goals.
Addressing pain points for better candidate matches
Open dialogue about the challenges you face during recruitment allows consultants to screen and present candidates more effectively. Whether it’s specific technical skills, team dynamics, or other considerations, transparent conversations help ensure candidates are not only qualified on paper but also suited to thrive in your environment.
This approach reduces the risk of early attrition and promotes long-term success for both the candidate and your organisation.
Engaging consultants early in the hiring process
Too often, recruitment agencies are engaged only in the final stages of the hiring process. There can be a rush due to requirement urgency which may result in a less thorough recruitment approach. However, involving your consultant early can provide valuable market insights, including the availability of talent, retention strategies, and competitor hiring practices.
Early collaboration opens opportunities to identify candidates with transferable skills and explore cost-effective team structures. This proactive engagement streamlines the hiring process and supports more informed decision-making.
Utilising market intel from recruitment agencies
There is no denying that candidates utilise agencies far more frequently when seeking job opportunities. According to our market research report this year, 36% of candidates depend on recruiters as their primary resource - equal to the 36% who said they use LinkedIn to find new roles directly!
For hiring managers, this means access to a pool of actively engaged candidates who value their consultants’ support, often connecting you with passive top talent that may not be visible through other channels. Beyond sourcing talent, recruitment agencies provide invaluable market intelligence, including salary benchmarks, industry trends, and competitor strategies. Regular collaboration with recruitment partners not only enhances your hiring strategy but also ensures you stay competitive in attracting the best candidates, while reinforcing confidence in your consultant’s expertise.
Building strategic recruitment partnerships
In conclusion, effectively utilising recruitment agencies requires a strategic approach that emphasises clear communication, early engagement, and addressing pain points. By building strong relationships with individual consultants and leveraging their market intelligence, hiring managers can navigate the complexities of the labour market and secure the best talent for their teams. As the labour market continues to evolve, these strategies will be essential for maximising the benefits of recruitment agency partnerships.
How Marks Sattin can add value to your hiring strategy
At Marks Sattin, we specialise in connecting talented professionals with top employers in a range of industries. Our expert recruitment team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect role that aligns with your skills and career goals.
Alternatively, if you are looking to hire, please get in touch and a member of our dedicated team will be in touch.
