Are All Recruitment Agencies the Same?
I previously worked in Talent Acquisition for a company, which was a rewarding experience overall, despite some personal and cultural challenges over the years. Recently, I transitioned to a consulting firm as a headhunter to explore the agency side of recruitment. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointing experience.
At this agency, the focus was heavily on numbers rather than on people. We were expected to complete 30 phone screenings each week, even when there were no live positions available. Additionally, we had to send LinkedIn messages to secure at least one candidate daily for showcase—even without an active role to present them for! This often meant misleading candidates by suggesting that we would eventually connect them with clients willing to hire.
Another frustrating aspect was being instructed to work on roles that weren’t officially live yet, merely in negotiation stages. This meant we would actively seek out candidates, but often, the client wouldn’t follow through, resulting in a lot of wasted effort.
The agency’s practice of onboarding new clients without a retainer was problematic too. We would present candidates with the understanding that payment would be made after a hire, but this frequently led to clients pursuing candidates independently instead of finalizing the deal through us.
I often felt uneasy going into work, knowing I had to make calls under false pretenses. Missing my weekly quota meant a “productivity call session” with management, which was a stressor I couldn’t afford to ignore.
I eventually left that job and returned to internal recruitment, which has been significantly more manageable. Now I’m curious: Do all recruitment agencies operate this way? Was I just unlucky? I want to avoid a similar situation in the future, especially since every role and company can seem fantastic during interviews.
Thanks for your insights!
EDIT: I almost forgot to mention the compensation. I’m based in Brazil, and while my role involved Canadian clients, the pay was dismal. The commission structure was painfully low—just 0.028% of the deal for me, compared to what I later learned was a more beneficial arrangement for my Canadian colleague, who mentioned her commission was enough to purchase an Apple Watch. Mine barely covered a nice pizza! Is this typical in North America?
RCadmin
It sounds like you had a really challenging experience with that recruitment agency, and it’s completely understandable to feel disillusioned after what you’ve described. The reality is that not all recruitment agencies operate the same way; there is a wide range in terms of culture, practices, and values across the industry.
Many agencies prioritize relationships, ethics, and candidate experience, focusing on quality over quantity. They understand that building trust with candidates and clients can lead to long-term success and referrals. Unfortunately, your experience seems to be on the extreme end of a results-driven focus that can sometimes overshadow the personal aspect of talent acquisition.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering future agency roles:
Research the Agency: Look for reviews or feedback from current and former employees about their experiences. Websites like Glassdoor can offer insight into the company’s culture and management style.
Ask Direct Questions in Interviews: During your interviews, you can ask about their approach to recruitment. Inquire about how they measure success, their view on candidate relationships, and how they handle commissions and expectations. A transparent agency should be open about these topics.
Look for Specialized Firms: Some agencies specialize in certain industries or types of recruitment and may have more ethical practices that resonate with your own values.
Pay Structure: It’s worth discussing the commission structure upfront to ensure it meets your expectations. The pay disparity you experienced could be driven by various factors, including the agency’s location, the market they serve, and their business model.
Cultural Fit: Pay attention to the culture and values during the interview process. If they prioritize a numbers-driven environment without regard for the candidate experience, that might not be the right fit for you.
In summary, while your experience sounds particularly tough, there are agencies that focus on better practices and prioritize the people involved in the recruitment process. Trust your instincts and do your homework to find a place that aligns with your values. Best of luck!