Attention agency recruiters! Would you consider returning to a KPI-driven environment?
As an agency recruiter, I’m currently reflecting on my career path. I’ve spent the first half working in a lucrative field, primarily with global specialists earning at least £90,000 a year. The latter half has been focused on placing a large number of unskilled workers at lower pay rates. While I appreciate my current company, there are times when I question their ethical practices (a common concern in our line of work).
One of the significant advantages of my current role is that we have no KPIs at all. We set daily and monthly targets that are straightforward and manageable. Although my commission is on the lower side (as expected), my salary is under £30,000. My days are long, but they tend to be quite manageable.
In my early years with my previous company, the experience was incredibly stressful. Depending on the role, I often had fewer than 50 suitable candidates worldwide, making it challenging to hit daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs. While a successful placement brought in £200 to £800, they were infrequent.
Now, I’ve been approached by a different agency offering a significant salary increase, but their job listing emphasizes KPIs multiple times. Additionally, Glassdoor reviews highlight concerns about their commitment to KPIs. The salaries I would be working with are somewhere in the middle of my previous ranges. To take this opportunity, I would have to adapt to a new industry and leave behind my predominantly relaxed target-setting approach, even if it means a better base salary.
I would appreciate any thoughts or advice on this decision!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, and it’s great that you’re taking the time to weigh your options. Transitioning from a KPI-driven environment back into one could be a significant shift, especially considering the high-stress levels you experienced previously. Here are a few thoughts and pieces of advice to consider:
Evaluate Stress vs. Reward: Reflect on your past experiences with KPIs and whether you’ve developed coping strategies that might help you handle that stress better now. Consider how a higher salary could impact your work-life balance and overall job satisfaction.
Company Culture: Research the company culture of the new agency more deeply. If Glassdoor reviews highlight a negative sentiment around KPIs, it might indicate a more competitive or high-pressure environment. It’s crucial to assess whether you would thrive in or be overwhelmed by that kind of culture.
Job Responsibilities and Learning Curve: Consider how much you’re looking forward to the new industry and the potential for personal growth. If you’re excited about the new challenges and responsibilities, that could help offset the pressure of KPIs.
Financial Stability vs. Work Environment: Reflect on your current financial situation and goals. If the increased salary significantly aligns with your financial objectives, it might be worth considering the trade-off in terms of job pressure.
Potential for Advancement: Investigate what the career progression looks like in the new agency. While KPIs can be stressful, they often correlate with opportunities for growth, recognition, and potentially higher earnings in the long run.
Discuss Expectations: If you lean toward the new opportunity, consider discussing your concerns with the potential employer. Ask how they support their recruiters in managing KPIs and if they have measures in place to alleviate stress, potentially giving you a clearer picture of the work environment.
Ultimately, it’s about what makes the most sense for your career aspirations, personal life, and values. Trust your instincts and choose the path that aligns best with your long-term goals and well-being. Good luck!