Finding the right procurement recruitment agency can be a daunting task, but it is essential if you want to find the right talent or land the right job.
There are thousands of recruitment agencies out there, each offering a different set of services and level of expertise.
Hayley Packham, Procurement Heads‘ Operations Director, shares some key factors to consider when choosing a recruitment agency.
Specialisation
The first thing to consider when choosing a recruitment agency is its specialisation.
Specialist recruiters, like ourselves at Procurement Heads, have deep and well-nurtured networks of contacts within the sector.
This network doesn’t just include ‘active’ procurement candidates, those who are currently in the market, it also includes a vast number of ‘passive’ professionals, who aren’t necessarily searching for their next opportunity, but might listen to a consultant they’ve built a rapport with.
Specialist recruiters also have a strong understanding of the current market, the trends and industry needs.
Reputation
The reputation of a recruitment agency is another important factor to consider.
You want to work with an agency that has a good reputation in the market and is known for delivering quality services.
You can check the agency’s reputation by reading online reviews, checking their social media pages, and asking for referrals from people you trust.
At Procurement Heads, we are proud of our reputation, our recent award win, the testimonials we have received and our excellent Google reviews and we are happy to share candidate and client testimonials from professionals and organisations we have partnered with.
Recruitment process
An agency’s recruitment process is another crucial factor to consider.
From a candidate perspective, you want to work with an agency that has a thorough and transparent recruitment process.
A good agency should take the time to understand your requirements, your skills, and your personality.
They should also explain their recruitment process to you and keep you updated at each stage of the process.
Additionally, they should provide you with feedback and guidance throughout the process.
On the client side, there should be clear timeframes, constant communication, quality CVs and fully-vetted candidates, offer management and aftercare to ensure both parties are happy.
Experience
The experience of an agency is another key factor to consider.
You want to work with an agency that has a proven track record of success in your sector.
They should be able to demonstrate their expertise in the industry, and they should have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities.
An experienced agency is more likely to have a larger network of contacts and a better understanding of the market dynamics.
Technology and resources
Technology is an essential aspect of recruitment.
You want to work with an agency that uses the latest technology and tools to streamline the recruitment process.
They should have an efficient database, which helps them to manage and track candidates.
Additionally, they should have a user-friendly website and easy-to-use tools for job seekers and employers.
Personalised services
Finally, you want to work with an agency that provides a personalised service.
They should take the time to understand your needs.
They should also provide you with guidance and support throughout the recruitment process.
A good agency should be able to provide you with feedback, advice, and coaching to help you succeed in your job search.
Choosing the right recruitment agency is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your career or business.
You should consider the agency’s specialisation, reputation, recruitment process, experience, technology and resources, and personalised services when making your decision.
By doing so, you can find an agency that understands your needs and can help you achieve your goals.
