Attention agency recruiters! Would you consider returning to a KPI-driven environment?
As an agency recruiter, I’ve had a diverse career trajectory, which I’d rather not specify by industry at the moment. I started off in a well-paying niche, where global specialists earned at least £90,000 annually. In contrast, my more recent experience has involved placing a high volume of unskilled workers at lower wages. While I generally enjoy my current company, I occasionally find myself questioning their ethics—it’s just part of the job.
One of the biggest advantages of my current role is the absence of KPIs. We have manageable short-term targets set daily and less daunting monthly goals. Although my commission is on the lower side (which is expected), my salary is under £30k. My workdays are long but relatively stress-free.
In contrast, my early years in recruitment at my previous company were incredibly intense. Depending on the role, there were often fewer than 50 qualified candidates worldwide, making it a challenge to meet daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs. Each placement garnered £200-£800, but opportunities were scarce.
Recently, I’ve been approached by an agency offering a significant salary increase, but the role emphasizes KPIs repeatedly in the job description. Reviews on Glassdoor echo concerns about this KPI focus. The salary for the positions I would be filling would fall somewhere between my previous experiences. However, this would require me to delve into a new industry and leave behind the comparatively relaxed target environment—even though the financial incentive is appealing.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re at a pivotal point in your career, and it’s understandable to weigh the pros and cons of moving back to a KPI-driven environment. Here are a few thoughts to consider:
Work-Life Balance: You currently have the advantage of a more relaxed approach to targets, which might contribute to a better work-life balance. Think about how the stress associated with KPIs could affect your daily life. If the new role requires a higher output, would you be okay with that potential increase in pressure?
Job Satisfaction: Reflect on what aspects of your current role you enjoy most. Is it the independence and flexibility, or the lack of pressure from KPIs? If a KPI-driven culture significantly alters how you feel about your work, that’s an important consideration.
Financial Incentive vs. Stress: A higher base salary is certainly appealing, but it’s important to assess whether the financial gain offsets any potential increase in stress and pressure.
Career Growth: If you’re looking to expand your expertise and potentially grow into other roles, the new agency may offer valuable opportunities. Consider how much you value career progression and whether the move aligns with your long-term goals.
Cultural Fit: Read up on the new agency’s culture beyond the Glassdoor reviews. If KPI pressures seem to be a recurring concern, this might affect your day-to-day experience. Try to connect with current or former employees to get a better understanding of what it’s really like to work there.
Test the Waters: If possible, see if you can negotiate terms that allow for a trial period with clearer expectations. This might give you a better sense of whether the KPI-driven environment is right for you.
Ultimately, weigh your desire for a higher salary against the value of a work environment where you currently feel comfortable. It’s a personal decision, so trust your instincts about what role will make you happiest and support your career aspirations. Good luck!