Katie Leaver, Sales Director from LondonlovesJobs.com, gives her expert insight into how to maximise your work with your recruiter to ensure you're finding the best people for your company.
1.) Give your recruiter a crystal clear brief
This means you won't waste time reading irrelevant CVs that are sent through as a result of not defining what you're looking for. With the right brief your recruiter will be able to work much faster as you'll set out exactly what you need from the off.
2.) Find out how they reach your market
You'd naturally expect that your recruiter would be looking in all the same places as you, but that's not enough. You’re paying them for their expertise so expect them to be using sites and strategies you wouldn’t.
3.) Don't screw them on price
Remember that recruiters are also likely to be working for your competitors. You should certainly negotiate on the rates they offer initially but be aware if you push them too low it means your competitor – who could be paying slightly more – will get the better candidates. Ensure you’re in the position to get the best candidates.
4.) Don't get complacent
Don’t just trust what they suggest every time; keep abreast of developments in your market and make sure you're challenging their recommendations if necessary. Remember, you understand your business and its needs better than your recruiter does. Additionally, if new job boards or networking sites come up, make sure they’re used.
5.) Be thorough when selecting your preferred supplier list
The more effort you put into finding the right recruiter, the more likely you are to make the right decision: it's that simple. Book in regular meetings once a quarter to review how things are working and pick up on any issues before they snowball.
