There is seems to be so much mystery around Recruitment Agencies- how do they work, how do they make money etc. Also, when we speak to clients, job seekers and temporary staff there is a lot of misinformation out there. So we decided to answer all of your burning questions about how recruitment agencies work. Below are some the frequently asked questions about Recruitment Agencies.

What do Recruitment Agencies do?

In a nutshell, Recruitment Agencies match job seekers with employers.

We have three equally important objectives:

1. To find job seekers great roles with great companies.
2. To find employers great staff that will add value to their business.
3. To streamline the hiring process, saving employers time, effort, and resources.

To do this our our, highly trained, Recruitment Consultants go through a number of processes;

1. Talent Sourcing and Acquisition: We utilise our extensive network, our candidate databases, and various sourcing strategies to identify and attract top-notch candidates to match the job’s specific requirements. We employ a comprehensive approach, including job advertisements, online platforms, our extensive database, social media, direct outreach, and referrals, to ensure we reach a wide pool of qualified candidates.
2. Candidate Screening and Shortlisting: We carefully screen and evaluate candidates to assess their skills, experience, qualifications, motivations, career goals and cultural fit. Our recruitment specialists conduct interviews, review CVs, assess technical abilities, and conduct background checks, reference checks, and other assessments as required. This process ensures that only the candidates who are the best match for the job are put forward.
3. Interview Coordination: We handle the logistics of scheduling and coordinating interviews between employers and candidates. We act as a liaison between both parties, ensuring clear communication and a smooth interview process. Our goal is to facilitate efficient and effective interviews, enabling both the candidate and employer to make well-informed decisions on whether they are a match for one and other.
4. Professional Guidance and Expertise: Our recruitment agency provides valuable insights, industry knowledge, and expertise throughout the hiring process to both the employer and the job seeker. We offer guidance on market trends, salary benchmarks, candidate expectations, interview process and other relevant factors. This helps with your employer branding and candidate experience which are very important in the current jobs market.
5. Support and Follow-up: Once a candidate is selected, we assist with the negotiation of job offers, salary, employment contracts, and other necessary paperwork. We also provide post-placement support, ensuring a smooth transition for both the candidate and the organisation.

How do Recruitment Agencies work?

Lots of people wonder how Recruitment Agencies work- here is the process

1. An employer approaches the Recruitment Agency looking to fill a job vacancy.
2. The Recruitment Consultant spends time with the employer to find out about the company, the job, the company culture etc. so they can understand the employers needs.
3. The Recruitment Consultant draws up a job description, searches their databases and contacts, posts job advertisements and actively reaches out to potential candidates to look for suitable applicants.
4. The Recruitment Consultant then sorts through the applicants, reviews their CVs and interviews them to find the best match between the applicant and the employer.
5. Then they will organise interviews, prepare the interviewees.
6. The employers will then make a final decision on who they will hire. If they do not wish to hire any of the interviewees the Recruitment Consultant starts the process again!

The Recruitment Agency only gets paid when/ if the employer chooses an applicant that they have sent over.

How do Recruitment Agencies make money?

Recruitment agencies typically make money through a variety of methods. Here are some common ways in which recruitment agencies make money:

1. Placement Fees: The primary source of income for recruitment agencies is through placement fees or commissions. When an agency successfully matches a candidate with an employer and the candidate is hired, the agency charges a fee based on a percentage of the candidate’s annual salary. This fee is paid by the employer and is agreed upon in advance. If a recruitment agency’s candidates are not hired the recruitment agency does not get paid.
2. Temporary Staffing: Recruitment agencies may offer temporary staffing services. In this model, the agency sources and places candidates with employers. The candidate is technically employed by the agency. The agency charges an hourly or daily rate for the services provided by the temporary employee. This charge includes PRSI, holiday pay, bank holiday pay, payroll fees etc.
3. Retained Search: For executive-level positions or specialised roles, recruitment agencies may be engaged on a retained basis. In this arrangement, the agency receives a non-refundable fee upfront to exclusively conduct the search for a specific position. The fee is typically a percentage of the anticipated annual salary for the role. The agency then works closely with the client to identify and present suitable candidates for consideration.
4. Contract Staffing: Recruitment agencies also provide contract staffing. This is a hiring agreement where skilled individuals are hired for a fixed-term or for a specific project.
5. Additional Services: Recruitment agencies may offer additional value-added services such as background checks, skills assessments, psychometric testing, onboarding assistance, or recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solutions. These services may be provided for an additional fee, generating revenue for the agency.

Here at Allpro Recruitment, we provide all of the above services but the specific revenue model can vary between recruitment agencies.

Ultimately, recruitment agencies aim to provide a valuable service to employers by connecting them with qualified candidates, and their revenue is generated through the fees associated with successful placements and related services.

Why do Employers use Recruitment Agencies?

Employers use recruitment agencies for a variety of reasons, as Recruitment agencies offer several benefits and advantages that make the hiring process more efficient and effective. Here are some key reasons why employers choose to work with recruitment agencies:

• Time and Resource Savings: Hiring can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. Recruitment agencies specialise and are experts in sourcing, screening, and shortlisting candidates, saving employers valuable time and effort. By delegating these tasks to experts, employers can focus on other strategic and operational priorities.
• Access to a Wide Talent Pool: Recruitment agencies have extensive networks, databases, and resources to tap into a diverse talent pool. They have access to passive candidates who may not be actively searching for jobs but possess the necessary skills and experience. This broader reach increases the likelihood of finding highly qualified candidates who may not be reachable through traditional job postings.
• Expertise and Industry Knowledge: Recruitment agencies have in-depth knowledge of the job market, industry trends, and recruitment best practices. They understand the skills, qualifications, and attributes required for different roles. By leveraging their expertise, agencies can provide valuable insights and guidance to employers in shaping job descriptions, setting realistic expectations, improving their employer branding, candidate experience and making informed hiring decisions.
• Candidate Screening and Evaluation: Recruitment agencies employ rigorous screening and evaluation processes to assess candidates’ qualifications, skills, experience, and cultural fit. They conduct interviews, review resumes, check references, and may even administer skill assessments or psychometric tests. This thorough evaluation ensures that employers are presented with pre-qualified candidates who meet their requirements.
• Confidentiality and Discretion: In certain situations, employers may prefer to keep their hiring activities confidential. Recruitment agencies maintain a high level of confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive positions or when employers want to avoid disclosing their hiring intentions to competitors or employees. Agencies can act as intermediaries, safeguarding the employer’s privacy throughout the recruitment process.
• Extended Reach and Branding: Recruitment agencies can represent employers and their brand in the job market. They can effectively market job opportunities, create compelling job advertisements, and promote the employer’s brand to attract top talent. This extended reach helps to enhance the employer’s reputation and increase their visibility among potential candidates.
• Flexibility in Staffing: Recruitment agencies offer flexibility in staffing solutions. They can assist with permanent, temporary, contract, or seasonal hiring needs. This flexibility allows employers to quickly scale their workforce up or down based on business demands, as agencies can readily provide skilled candidates for short-term or project-based assignments.
• Mitigation of Hiring Risks: Making a wrong hiring decision can be costly for employers in terms of time, money, and productivity. Recruitment agencies help mitigate these risks by thoroughly vetting candidates and presenting only those who closely match the employer’s requirements. This reduces the likelihood of hiring mistakes and increases the chances of securing a successful match.
• Long-Term Partnerships: Good recruitment agencies will work together as partners with their clients over an extended period of time, this yields long-term benefits. By developing an understanding of the employer’s culture, goals, and talent needs, agencies can consistently deliver tailored recruitment solutions. They are trusted partners, providing ongoing support and adapting to changing staffing requirements over time.

By leveraging the expertise, resources, and networks of recruitment agencies, employers can streamline their hiring processes, access a broader talent pool, and increase the likelihood of finding the right candidates efficiently. Ultimately, working with recruitment agencies can help employers save time, reduce costs, and make more informed hiring decisions.

Are Recruitment Agencies Free?

A recruitment agency is free to use for a job seeker.

There is a myth that if you use a recruitment agency to find you a job that they will take a percentage of your salary. That is not true, in fact people who use recruitment agencies are often paid better as the Recruitment Consultants are experts in their area and can advice you on the expected salaries are.

For an employer looking for staff, they only pay if the recruitment agency is successful in finding them a suitable employee. The fee is an agreed percentage of the annual salary of the placement.

If I use a Recruitment Agency, Will They Take a Percentage of My Salary?

Employers pay recruitment agencies to find them employees, the payment worked out as a percentage of the role’s annual salary. This is charged directly to the employer. There is no percentage of an employees salary taken from them. Recruitment agencies are free for job seekers to use.

Are Recruitment Agencies Worth it?

We think so! Here is a list of reasons why we think recruitment agencies are worth it:

For a Job Seeker Recruitment agencies are worth it because:

• Recruitment Consultants can find you roles before they are advertised to the public.
• You have a better chance of success: Recruiters will give you career change advice, CV and job interview guidance meaning you are more likely to get the role.
• It saves you time as the recruiter helps you to find a job that suits you.
• More opportunities are available to you when you use a recruiter.
• Recruiters have excellent contacts in your industry.
• Find a job you love: recruiters take into account your needs, experience, wants when they are matching you to a job.
• Better salary and benefits: Recruiters are experts in their industries, they can let you know what the average salary and benefits are for your sector.

For employers, Recruitment agencies are worth it. Even though, there are costs associated with engaging a recruitment agency, the value they bring in terms of time savings, access to talent, expertise, and quality candidates outweigh the investment. Here are some of the ways Recruitment agencies are worth it to employers:

• Time and Cost Savings: Recruiters specialise in recruiting; they have systems, softwares, training and the means to find employers staff. This means that they can find the best talent in the most efficient way.
• Access to a Wider Talent Pool: From active job seekers, to passive candidates recruitment agencies are in contact with them.
• Recruitment industry expertise: They can keep you informed of the job market trends, interview techniques and new best practices within the industry so you can attract and retain top talent.
• Protecting employers from bad hires: Bad hires are very expensive, apart from their salary, they also waste your other employees time, can cause reputational damage and affect your workplace culture and dynamics. Recruiters are trained to spot any bad hire risks or red flags. They can also advise employers on interview questions or techniques to avoid the trap of hiring staff who are not a fit for your organisation.
• Help with employer branding and candidate experience in order to attract the best talent: The job market is a candidate short market, this means that there are more jobs than they are people looking for jobs. This shortage is predicted to carry on until 2030. Recruiters can advice employers so they are doing everything they can to attract the best applicants.
• Confidentiality and Discretion: Often employers do not want others to know they are recruiting for certain positions, using a recruitment agency for this is ideal as the employers name is not divulged to the market.

What is 360 Recruitment?

360 Recruitment, also known as full-cycle recruiting or end-to-end recruitment, is an approach used by recruitment agencies or internal recruitment teams to manage the entire hiring process from start to finish. It involves taking responsibility for every stage of recruitment, encompassing candidate sourcing, screening, evaluation, selection, and onboarding. Allpro Recruitment’s consultants are highly trained 360 recruiters.

The term “360” refers to the comprehensive nature of this recruitment approach, as it covers all aspects of the hiring process. Here’s a breakdown of the key components involved in 360 Recruitment:

Job Requirements Analysis: The recruitment team works closely with the hiring manager or client to understand the job requirements, including the skills, qualifications, experience, and other attributes needed for the role. This analysis forms the foundation for candidate sourcing and evaluation. At Allpro Recruitment our consultants will conduct site visits, speak to staff and management to get a further understanding of the needs of our clients.

Candidate Sourcing: The recruitment team employs various methods to source potential candidates, such as job postings, online platforms, social media, networking, referrals, and direct outreach. They tap into their networks and resources to ensure a wide pool of qualified candidates.

Screening and Evaluation: The recruitment team conducts initial screenings and assessments of candidates to determine their suitability for the role. This may involve reviewing CVs, conducting interviews, assessing skills, checking references, and administering tests or assessments as necessary. The goal is to identify the most qualified and suitable candidates.

Shortlisting and Presentation: Based on the screening and evaluation process, the recruitment team creates a shortlist of top candidates who closely match the job requirements. They present these candidates to the hiring manager along with relevant information, such as CVs, interview notes, and assessment results.

Interview Coordination and Facilitation: The recruitment team takes care of scheduling and coordinating interviews between the hiring manager and the selected candidates. They ensure clear communication and provide interview guidance to facilitate a smooth interview process.

Offer Management and Negotiation: If a candidate is selected, the recruitment team manages the job offer process. They may assist with salary negotiations, employment contract preparation, and any other necessary paperwork. Their goal is to facilitate a mutually satisfactory agreement between the employer and the candidate.

Onboarding Support: After a candidate accepts the offer, the recruitment team may provide assistance with the onboarding process. They may coordinate the necessary paperwork, facilitate orientation, and help the candidate transition smoothly into their new role.

360 Recruitment aims to provide a comprehensive and seamless hiring experience for both employers and candidates. By taking ownership of the entire recruitment process, recruitment teams can ensure consistency, efficiency, and effective communication at every stage. This approach allows for a more holistic and integrated recruitment experience, reducing the burden on hiring managers and ensuring a higher likelihood of finding the right candidates for the job.

Can Recruitment Agencies Give References?

Yes, if you were a temporary employee just contact your Recruitment Consultant in advance so they can prepare your reference.

Should I Go Through a Recruitment Agency?

Yes, if you are looking for work a Recruitment Consultant can give you feedback and advice on your CV, on industry salaries averages etc. They will also help to prepare you for job interviews and will help you negotiate the best salary. Lastly Recruitment Consultants are experts in their industry so they will have lots of contacts with great employers and they may even match you with an employer before the vacancy is advertised.

Which Recruitment Agency is the Best?

We will obviously say that Allpro Recruitment is the best recruitment agency! We care about our job seekers and our clients and we take great pride in matching great people with great jobs.

The truth about recruitment agencies is that they vary widely. We have heard lots of horror stories about recruitment agencies so be on the lookout for red flags so you don’t waste your time.

The best Recruitment Agency will listen to your needs, experiences, motivations and match you with a company that suits these. They keep in contact with you and guide you throughout the interview process and afterwards.

Are Recruitment Agencies Near Me the Best?

If you are looking for a job near you then Recruitment Agencies in your locality are more likely to have more jobs in your area. Also local recruitment agencies, like us, are smaller businesses and are more likely to work harder for you. In a local recruitment company there is a local person absolutely delighted that they have helped someone get a new job and an employer get a new employee. Support your local recruitment agencies and you will not be disappointed.

What does a Recruitment Consultant do?

Recruitment Consultants match employers with applicants. They do this by getting to know the employers and the applicants to see if they are a match. They spend time writing job descriptions, posting to job boards, reaching out to jobseekers, evaluating CVs, screening candidates, organising job interviews, preparing interviewees for their job interview.

What Does A Recruitment Consultant Do On A Daily Basis

Recruitment Consultants have a very varied day. Their day is divided between speaking to employers and job seekers. A typical day for a Recruitment Consultant is;

9 am -10 am: Checking, evaluating and short listing job applications that were sent in over night.

10 am – 11 am: Doing screening interviews with applicants that they have shortlisted.

11 am – 12 pm: Scheduling interviews between the clients and applicants.

12 pm – 1 pm: Getting feedback from clients and applicants who have had interviews and preparing clients and applicants for upcoming interviews.

1 pm – 2 pm: Lunch

2 pm – 3 pm: Reaching out to potential clients and reconnecting with previous clients to see if they have any roles they need help recruiting for.

3 pm – 4 pm: Targeted searches for passive candidates.

4 pm – 5 pm: Placing job advertisements to different channels and filling any urgent roles for the next  day.

What will a Recruitment Consultant Ask Me?

After you apply for a job, a Recruitment Consultant will evaluate your CV and if you meet the employers criteria they will call you. The Recruitment Consultant will ask you about your job experience, motivations for wanting the job, why you think you would be good about the job, your salary expectations, where you live and how you plan to commute to the job. They will also chat to you about the job, the employer and answer any questions you have.