Why Use a Recruitment Agency, and Is It Worth It?

Finding the perfect job or the ideal candidate can be daunting and time-consuming. Hours spent combing through online job sites or sifting through countless CVs can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this exhausting process: recruitment agencies.

Recruitment agencies in NZ are experts in their field, bringing substantial benefits to both job seekers and employers. In this article, we’ll explore why you should use a recruitment agency and offer tips on maximising this partnership. So, are recruitment agencies worth it? Read on to find out.

The age-old Kiwi mentality dictates, “if you want something done right, you’ve gotta do it yourself”. We respectfully disagree, and here’s why. You wouldn’t rewire your whole house unless you were an electrician or had watched at least 30 hours of YouTube tutorials and obtained some very specialised knowledge of how it works. Likewise, you wouldn’t bake your kid’s Spiderman-themed birthday cake unless you had some experience with baking cakes, some knowledge of basic physics, and the patience of a saint.

What we’re getting at here is, leave it to the experts! Professional recruiters have years of experience matching talent with the right roles. They specialise in specific industries and have often worked in them for years themselves, so they know what kind of people are needed for different types of roles. Their job is to get to know you, what you’re looking for, and what skills you’re bringing to the table.

Some of the top benefits of working with a recruiter include:

Recruitment agencies can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with the hiring process. According to a 2023 survey conducted by Recruit NZ, nearly a third of businesses have been attempting to fill vacancies for over six months. This extended period without essential skills can severely impact a company’s efficiency and productivity.

Agencies streamline the recruitment process, handling everything from initial candidate screening to final interviews, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities. According to a report by the Recruitment, Consulting, and Staffing Association (RCSA), businesses can reduce their recruitment time by up to 50% by using recruitment agencies.

Plus, recruiters can help reduce employee turnover by providing well-matched candidates. High turnover rates are expensive due to the costs associated with training, onboarding, and lost productivity. Effective placement by agencies helps ensure longer employee tenure, reducing these costs.

Recruiters have extensive networks and access to a pool of top-tier candidates, often those not actively looking for new roles but open to opportunities. They are skilled in identifying the best fit for a position, ensuring a higher retention rate and job satisfaction. This expertise translates to faster placements and better matches, benefiting both employers and job seekers.

Recruitment agencies specialise in specific industries and possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of the job market. Their experience enables them to provide valuable insights into industry trends, salary benchmarks, and the most sought-after skills. This expertise is crucial for both companies aiming to attract top talent and candidates looking to position themselves effectively in the market.

Recruitment agencies prioritise quality over quantity in their search for the right candidates. They invest considerable time and effort into understanding each company’s unique culture, values, and specific needs. This thorough understanding allows them to identify candidates who are technically qualified and a perfect fit for the organisational environment.

By focusing on the nuances of a company’s ethos and work dynamics, recruitment agencies can ensure that new hires integrate seamlessly into the team. This meticulous approach leads to long-term employment relationships, significantly reducing turnover rates. High turnover can be costly and disruptive, affecting productivity and morale. However, with the agency’s ability to match candidates to the right roles, businesses can enjoy more stable and cohesive teams.

• Clear and Honest Communication: Keep the lines of communication open and transparent. Timely and honest feedback is essential for success, whether you’re a job seeker or an employer.
• Utilise Their Experience: Leverage the recruiter’s industry knowledge. Ask about salary ranges, market trends, and CV feedback. Their insights can help you navigate the job market more effectively.
• Be Timely with Your Responses: Act quickly. The job market moves fast, and prompt communication can make all the difference in securing top candidates or landing your dream job.
• Define Your Goals: Clearly outline your short- and long-term goals. Understanding what you want to achieve will help the recruiter find the best match for your needs.

Whether you’re looking for your next career move or searching for the perfect candidate, recruitment agencies offer invaluable assistance. Their expertise, industry knowledge, and extensive networks can save you time, reduce costs, and lead to better hiring outcomes.

With years of experience and a track record of success, Grada Recruitment is equipped to meet your needs. Speak to one of our specialist consultants to see how our unique approach to recruitment can benefit you. Whether you are looking for engineering, construction, or architecture jobs or talent, we have the expertise to help you find the right fit.