Many companies engage multiple recruitment companies to fill positions in order to find “more” CV’s. The assumption here is that each recruitment company will commit 100% to fill the position, and find the best candidates that are passively and actively looking. This could not be farther from the truth. When a company utilizes the services of multiple agencies, they create competition and a perception that they are not “expecting” one company to take responsibility and accountability. Not every recruiter can work this way, but the one that you trust and is committed to helping you, can hep you in many ways. In one of my recent assignments, a client was able able to tap into passive candidates, that were not looking and not listed with another agency or job portal. This same client struggled to fill a position for over 6 months, even though they were using a preferred supplier list of 5 agencies. if you have a poor supplier, having two or three more, does not mean quality, it just gives you more of the same. When you are looking for quantity and not quality, it is a great idea to engage with multiple agencies. Companies usually don’t want masses of CV’s because they have limited time, high work demands as well as high quota’s and targets. Let’s face it, one quality candidate will get the job, so seeing more, doesn’t necessarily mean better.

1. Quality candidates. The best applicants are normally being looked after and are not looking. If you want the ideal skills, often these people are not actively looking for a position. This requires proactive searching techniques, which is not as easy as getting CV’s from a job portal or placing an advert. A good recruiter will do both and provide you with market research and a comparison, on why this person is best for your company and can help you to reach your goals.

2. Commitment and accountability from your supplier. If a company gives 100% to understanding your business, goals and needs as well as the market, you have a higher chance of getting what you want faster. If nobody is responsible, who will be accountable for results or the lack thereof?

3. Better employer branding. When multiple agencies advertise the same position, it looks like the company is struggling to find people to apply to their company, or they seem as though they have high staff turnover and are “always” advertising. If one agency says the wrong thing or misrepresents the company, the employers brand is negatively impacted and the candidate seldom wants to apply there again.

4. Better relationships. When you engage with one company that really partners with you on the journey and understands your needs and cares about your business. That company will focus on finding the right person, that matches your culture and goals, it’s not a transaction, but rather a relationship of empathy and trust that grows. This also means that the company will treat new employees or potential candidates with the same respect and care, and will improve your brand and your reputation.

5. Save you time. Jim Rohn, who was the mentor of the famous Anthony Robbins, often says, you can get more money, but you cannot get more time and therefore, time is more precious than money. If you have 5 agencies that you work with, you have to brief each of them, return their calls and emails, view their CV’s, provide feedback and updates on each CV, interview, etc. Instead of interviewing 3 candidates, you can end up interviewing 15. Why are you using an agency to recruit for you, if you are still doing all the work and cannot use your time in more valuable areas for you? Isn’t is better to use an agency that can save you 24 – 48 working hours on activities that do not benefit you? What can an extra week of productively, revenue and sales do for your business?

6. Save you money and make you more profits. In 2010, I worked with a client called MTU exclusively, and placed an mechanical engineer. That person is still with the company in 2018. I wanted to find the best person for the position but also for the team and company. It’s the intention that counts but someone that only wants to “place” or “fill” a position will do just that.

From my experience it is better to form a strong relationship with the right company, than to use multiple suppliers, in the hope that “someone” will get lucky but you don’t really have the time to give the right brief, updates, feedback ,etc. Happy Recruiting!