Question for Agency Recruiters: Would You Consider Returning to a KPI-Driven Environment?
As an agency recruiter, I wanted to get your perspective on this topic. I’ve spent the first part of my career in a lucrative niche, primarily working with global specialists earning a minimum of £90,000 per year. In contrast, my current role focuses on placing a high volume of unskilled workers at lower pay. Overall, I enjoy my current company, although I occasionally have ethical concerns, which is part of the recruitment landscape.
One of the most significant advantages of my current position is that we operate with zero KPIs. We have short-term, achievable targets set daily and reasonably manageable monthly goals. While the commission is modest (as expected), and my salary is under £30k, the workdays are long but relatively stress-free.
In my previous recruitment role, the first few years were incredibly challenging. Depending on the specific roles, there were often fewer than 50 suitable candidates worldwide. This made it tough to consistently meet daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs. Each placement was worth between £200 and £800, but they were hard to come by.
Recently, I’ve been approached by an agency that offers a significant salary increase, but their job description heavily emphasizes their reliance on KPIs. Additionally, reviews on Glassdoor mention negative experiences related to their KPI-driven culture. The salaries I would be placing are somewhere between the ranges I’ve worked with in the past. This would mean diving into a new industry and leaving behind the more relaxed target approach, although I would gain a better base salary.
I’m reaching out for your thoughts and advice. Would you make a similar move?
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re at an important crossroads in your recruitment career, and it’s great that you’re taking the time to reflect on your options. Here are a few thoughts that might help you as you weigh your decision:
Evaluate Your Priorities: Consider what your top priorities are right now. Is it salary, work-life balance, job satisfaction, or the ethical alignment of your workplace? If KPIs have previously caused you significant stress, ask yourself if a higher salary is worth potentially returning to that high-pressure environment.
Assess the New Opportunity: Research the agency that’s approached you deeply. Look beyond just the KPIs mentioned in the job spec and Glassdoor reviews. Can you talk to current (or former) employees about their experiences? Understanding the company culture and how they implement KPIs can provide insight into whether it would be a supportive or punitive environment.
Consider the Learning Curve: Transitioning to a new industry can be a double-edged sword. It can invigorate your career and introduce you to new opportunities, but it also comes with the challenges of learning a new market and building a fresh network. Reflect on whether you’re excited about the challenge or if it feels more daunting.
Work Environment: Think about the trade-offs between the current relaxed KPIs and the potential return to a KPI-driven setting. If your current role offers a good work-life balance and job satisfaction, weigh how much you value those against the financial benefits of a new position.
Long-term Career Goals: Consider where you want to be in the next few years. Will taking this new role help you achieve your long-term goals? It may provide financial benefits now, but will it align with where you see yourself in the future?
Test the Waters: If possible, negotiate aspects of the new role before making a final decision. If the salary is enticing, you could ask about how the KPIs are structured and whether there’s flexibility in targets or performance evaluation methods.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It’s about balancing your personal values, career aspirations, and immediate needs. Trust your instincts and choose the option that feels right for you. Good luck!