How Do Recruitment Agencies Work?
In the modern job market, employers and employees are seeking the edge that can give them a competitive advantage. Because of this, recruitment is a key aspect of the job market, which is why recruitment agencies are always in demand.
Recruitment agencies are companies that help connect employers to job seekers. It’s a wider industry than many believe, and there's such a thing as rec2rec (recruitment to recruitment) agencies – businesses that help people in the recruitment industry find ideal job positions.
Rec2rec is in a unique position in the agency and can be beneficial and fulfilling for employers, employees and other recruitment agencies.
What Do Recruitment Agencies Do?
Recruitment agencies are the connective tissue between job seekers and employers. They help employers source candidates, screen them and then place candidates in suitable roles.
They can help with each step of the process, aiding candidates with finding opportunities, optimising their CVs and providing interview support to make the recruitment process easier for everyone.
Recruitment agencies support various types of roles, including permanent positions, temporary and contract roles.
The Recruitment Process - For Employers
Client intake and job briefing: The recruiter and the hiring company representative come together to ensure the job requirements, company culture, and role expectations are correct. An accurate job briefing is made.
Sourcing and headhunting talent: Agencies use job sites, social media, personal outreach and other platforms to not only find job seekers but also passive candidates.
Interview coordination and feedback loop: Recruitment agencies assist with the logistics of the interviewing process, ensuring it is smooth and that candidates receive quick and consistent feedback.
Offer management and onboarding support: A recruiter can still play a role in this portion after the hiring decision has been made. They make sure that the role is filled in an acceptable timeframe and help with the transition period for both sides.
The Recruitment Process - For Job Seekers
Registering with an agency: Signing up to an agency is simple. You simply visit the website, upload your CV, and provide the necessary details. It’s free!
CV review, interview tips, and skills evaluation: A recruitment agency can help optimise your CV, offer help with interview prep and evaluate your skills to ensure you are applying for appropriate roles.
Getting matched with relevant opportunities: The agency will match you with roles that are suited to your experience and skills.
Ongoing communication and support: Even after being successful, agencies will check in and can help with the transition period as you settle into your new role.
What Is Rec2Rec?
Rec2rec stands for recruitment-to-recruitment. Rec2rec agencies specialise in placing recruiters within positions in the recruitment industry.
It differs from general recruitment agencies because it is more specialised, offering a tailored service that is relationship-driven. They have close relationships with other recruitment agencies and an improved hiring success.
There are many reasons recruitment agencies use rec2rec firms, including:
Access to a niche talent pool
Access to passive candidates (people not actively looking for a job)
Confidentiality
Speed
Why would a recruitment professional use a rec2rec firm? Because:
Market insight
Better job alignment
Expert guidance throughout the hiring process
Gain access to roles not openly advertised
How Rec2Rec Agencies Operate
Rec2rec agencies put a lot of effort into understanding agency cultures and team dynamics – and as a recruitment agency themselves they have a unique insight. With this knowledge, they match recruiters with roles that suit their experience and goals.
Rec2rec agencies will carry out confidential job searches, not just putting your CV out there flagrantly if you are currently employed. They will also offer career advice for recruiters, ensuring informed decisions are being made. They also help recruitment agencies scale up, retain, and upgrade their talent, streamlining the process so you can start growing quickly.
Types of Recruitment Agencies
A recruitment agency is a catch-all term and there are many different types of recruitment agencies that each have a place in the industry.
Generalist Recruitment – This is the most common type of agency. They have a wide pool of candidates of all experience levels and work with clients from a wide range of industries.
Specialist Recruitment – These types of agencies work in particular industries, such as IT, healthcare, finance, and rec2rec, possessing a deeper knowledge of these sectors.
Temp and Contract Staffing Firm – These agencies connect job seekers with employers looking for staff on a temporary or contract basis.
Executive Search Firm – This is a more specialised form of recruitment where they help in the hiring of senior executives, such as a CEO, for companies.
Rec2rec – This type of recruitment agency is to help other recruitment agencies and recruiters connect. It’s a niche, relationship-driven section of the industry. Our values here reflect that building relationships are especially integral to rec2rec.
Benefits of Using a Recruitment Agency
There are numerous benefits to using a recruitment agency across all industries.
For employers:
Saves time
Access to vetted candidates
Reduce hiring risk
Deeper market insights
Confidential searches for sensitive positions
For job seekers:
Insider access
Tailored opportunities
Interview coaching
Helps save time and effort
CV and salary negotiation support
For rec2rec:
Deeper industry knowledge
Stronger recruiter-agency matches
Confidentiality
Access to a wider talent pool
For candidates, you may gain access to unadvertised jobs
Common Recruitment Misconceptions
In many cases, recruitment agencies are not well understood and so are looked down upon. Here are a few common misconceptions about recruitment and rec2rec agencies which are not true.
Agencies Are Too Expensive
Recruitment agencies streamline the hiring processes, lower the risk of bad hires and give you as employers access to a wide range of vetted candidates. The value of agencies in the long term far outweighs the initial cost.
You Lose Control
Working with a recruitment agency is about working together. You are not giving over control for key decisions around hiring staff. When communication is open and the relationship is positive, both the employer and the agency are working in tandem during the process. At the end of the day, the employer has the final say over recruitment, but if you trust the recruitment agency, then you are confident that they are sending you appropriate candidates.
That’s not losing control, that’s collaboration!
Rec2rec is Just for New Recruiters
Rec2rec offers clear career development opportunities with significant earning potential, regardless of whether you’re new to the industry or have 10+ years of experience. It can be a strategic move for recruiters to build on skills and develop new ones, form strong relationships and improve their prospects.
When Should You Use a Recruitment (or Rec2Rec) Agency?
By now, hopefully, the “why” of using a recruitment or rec2rec agency has been answered. Now the question is, when should you use a recruitment agency?
The great thing about recruitment agencies is there are plenty of times when they are useful, including:
When you have urgent or confidential vacancies
If you lack the internal resources or time to go through the recruitment process
When you are pushing your business into a new market or are planning on scaling fast
If you’re a recruiter looking for career progression, a better culture or improved commission schemes
Want to Know More About Rec2rec? Get in Touch Today!
Recruitment plays a big role in the job search on all sides. Rec2rec is especially invaluable as it helps top talent recruiters be in positions where they can be the most useful to job seekers and candidates.
Both recruitment professionals and agencies can benefit from what a specialist partner can offer. Get in touch with us at Amanda Wright Recruitment Agency today to learn more about jobs in recruitment and get personalised support.
Call us at 0151 427 9843 or email us at hello@amandawright-rec.co.uk.