Are All Recruitment Agencies Alike?
After working as an internal Talent Acquisition specialist for a company, I enjoyed the role despite some personal challenges and cultural misalignments over the years. When I got the chance to join a consulting firm as a headhunter, I thought it would be a valuable experience to see how agency recruitment operated.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be a nightmare. The focus was overwhelmingly on numbers rather than the people involved. We were expected to complete 30 phone screenings each week, even in the absence of active job openings, and to reach out on LinkedIn just to find one candidate a day to present—without any live roles available! Essentially, we were expected to mislead candidates into believing we might eventually place them with clients.
Another frustrating aspect was management’s directive to work on roles that weren’t officially open yet, but merely in negotiation. We would actively seek candidates and present them, only to find that clients often chose not to finalize the deals, wasting our time and efforts.
This agency had a policy of taking on new clients without retainers, meaning we only got paid after a hire, which usually led to disappointment. Clients frequently went after candidates on their own, bypassing the agency altogether.
It was disheartening to go to work knowing I had to make calls based on false pretenses. Failing to meet quotas resulted in management’s “productivity calls,” and I couldn’t risk losing my job.
I eventually left and returned to internal recruitment, which is vastly more rewarding. So, I’m wondering: are all recruitment agencies like this, or was I just unlucky? I’m cautious about considering another agency role, especially since every position and company sounds appealing during the interviews.
Thanks for your insights!
EDIT: I’d also like to mention that the pay was terrible. I’m based in Brazil but worked on services for Canada, which often results in lower wages here. My commission was shockingly low—just 0.028% of the deal. I was stunned when a Canadian colleague mentioned she could afford an Apple Watch with her commission, while mine barely covered a nice pizza. Is such compensation typical in North America?
RCadmin
It sounds like you’ve had quite the journey navigating the recruitment landscape, and it’s completely understandable why you’d feel disillusioned after your experience with that consulting firm. To answer your question, not all recruitment agencies operate the same way, but sadly, a significant number do have practices similar to what you described.
Here are some factors to consider that might help you in determining which agencies to pursue in the future or avoid:
Agency Culture and Values: Each agency has its own culture. Some prioritize metrics and client relationships over candidate experience, while others are more candidate-focused. It’s essential to research potential employers and ask pointed questions about their recruitment philosophy during interviews.
Types of Recruitment: Some agencies specialize in certain industries or roles. Boutique agencies, for instance, often have a more personalized approach and focus on quality rather than volume. Larger firms might prioritize hitting recruitment targets, much like what you experienced.
Structure and Dynamics: The structure of the agency (retained vs. contingent, for instance) can also influence working conditions. Retained agencies typically maintain a clearer relationship with clients, while contingent agencies may find themselves in the position of competing with clients for candidates.
Compensation Models: The compensation you experienced seems quite low for many recruitment firms in North America. While there are variations based on location and agency size, it’s not uncommon for successful recruiters to earn substantial commissions. During your next interviews, don’t hesitate to ask about the compensation structure specifically.
Candidate Relationships: Agencies that emphasize building relationships with candidates and clients often have higher success rates and employee satisfaction. Look for firms that prioritize transparency and communication.
Reviews and Testimonials: Websites like Glassdoor or Indeed can provide insight into the experiences of other recruiters at various agencies. Take some time to read through those to gauge potential employers’ culture and practices.
Trial Periods: If you decide to explore agency roles again, see if you can negotiate a trial period. This gives you a chance to assess cultural fit and operational practices before committing long-term.
While your experience might have felt nightmarish, there are many agencies out there that value integrity in recruitment. By doing thorough research and asking the right questions, you can find an agency that aligns with your values and career goals. Good luck!