Did you know about 65 percent of U.S. businesses outsource all or some of their recruiting?
Outsourcing recruiting enables businesses to fill positions quickly, allows HR staff to focus on strategy, and cuts down on hiring costs. So, if you’re considering outsourcing this function, you’re on the right track.
However, with so many recruiting firms in the market, it can be challenging to settle on the best for your needs. This is the premise of this article.
Continue reading to learn how to choose the best recruiting firm for your small business.
1. Understand Your Recruiting Needs
Organizations have different recruiting needs. If you’re in an expansion drive, for example, your needs are different from those of an organization that is looking to fill one or two positions. Expansion drives often involve massive recruiting.
You also need to know the type of workers you’re looking to hire. Do you need full-time employees, part-time employees, seasonal workers, temporary employees, or independent contractors? Are you looking for high-level executives?
Knowing your needs enables you to assess whether a firm offers services that can meet those needs. For example, if you’re looking to hire top executives, you need a firm that focuses on executive recruiting. Such a firm has a headhunter or a team of headhunters.
If you’re in an expansion drive, you need a firm with the capacity to recruit people to fill various positions (A general recruiting firm).
2. Look at Industry Expertise
While recruiting practices are generally similar regardless of industry, some industries have more specific requirements. For example, it’s one thing to hire for a physician’s office and it’s another to hire for an ecommerce store.
As such, when you’re searching for a recruiting firm, consider whether the firm has vast industry expertise or specialization. Some firms, especially the large ones, will have industry-specific departments while others, especially the smaller ones, will focus on just one industry.
So, if you’re a biomedical business, you want to leave the job to a company that specializes in biomedical recruiting. Such a firm will have an in-depth understanding of your industry, including emerging recruiting trends and challenges.
3. Assess Professionalism and Experience
Recruiting agencies aren’t created equal. Some have been in the business for years while others are just starting out. Others exude professionalism; others, not so much.
When you’ve decided to outsource recruiting, you need a firm that you can bank on to do the job efficiently. It’s not uncommon to find business owners who have been left frustrated by unreliable recruiters.
This is why it’s essential to evaluate the professionalism and experience of a recruiter before giving them your business. What are past and current clients saying about them? Does the firm have positive reviews online?
How long has it been in operation? How big is its client base?
When you have answers to these questions, you’ll be able to determine a firm’s professionalism and experience.
Choose the Best Recruiting Firm
Outsourcing recruiting is a savvy move with big benefits, but a lot rides on the quality of your recruiter. Use this guide to choose the best recruiting firm for your small business.
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