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How to Choose the Right Recruitment Agency - For Employers

Simon Clark • 29 July 2024

Choosing the right recruitment agency can completely transform the overall efficiency of your business and finding the right partner will allow you to streamline your hiring process, attract the right employees with the least amount of disruption in your organisation. So, how do you find the perfect recruitment agency? Let’s take a look


Know What You Need

Before you go about ‘recruiting’ a recruitment agency, it’s important to assess what you need from them, so they are in the best position to help you. Are you hiring for permanent positions? Do you need employees with special skills, experience or qualifications or do you need general staff to get the job done? Understanding exactly what you need and why will put the recruitment agency in the best possible position to fulfil your exact needs.


Do they Have Industry Expertise?

Does your chosen recruitment agency specialise or have extensive experience in your sector? This can help you as an employer as the agency may already have a network of candidates immediately available to you. Ask the agency about their previous history of placements in your industry to see if they are the best placed to handle your current hiring needs.


What is Their Recruitment Process?

All good recruitment agencies have efficient processes in place to ensure the employer and potential employee is a good fit and this is all to do with how they structure their recruitment process. How do they source, screen and select the candidates they present to you? A good agency will streamline their process to fit your needs, meet deadlines and provide candidates who match your requirements.


Check Testimonials & Assess Communication Skills

One of the best ways to determine if a recruitment agency can meet your needs is by checking reviews and testimonials from previous employers who have worked with the agency. Also ask yourself how their communication has been with you so far? Do you feel as if you might be a good fit for each other moving forwards?


If you are looking to fill vacancies in your business, our experienced team can help you match the right people to the right jobs and can work hand in hand with your company to ensure you get the best talent every time. For over 35 years, Shepherd Stubbs has been a leading recruitment agency for large, medium and small businesses. Over the years we have built lasting, professional and trusted relationships with both businesses and our candidates, meaning we have the knowledge and resources to provide excellent job opportunities and to fill the job vacancies of our clients.

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LinkedIn Poll Results - November 2024

by Simon Clark • 19 November 2024
In our November LinkedIn poll, we explored what factors are most valued by employees for their company’s year-end celebrations. As we wrap up another year, understanding these preferences can help organisations plan events that genuinely resonate with their teams and enhance company morale. The results clearly highlight 'Recognition / Awards' as the leading priority, with 44% of respondents indicating that acknowledging individual and team achievements is the most important aspect of year-end celebrations. This underscores a significant trend: employees value recognition of their hard work and contributions over the course of the year, seeing it not just as a reward but as essential to their satisfaction and motivation. ‘Food’ emerged as the second most crucial element, garnering 33% of the vote. Good food can turn any gathering into a memorable event, suggesting that catering choices play a pivotal role in the overall enjoyment and atmosphere of corporate events. ‘Venue’ was also a notable factor, with 22% of participants considering it important. The setting of a celebration can deeply influence the event’s ambiance and how the festivities are perceived and enjoyed by the staff. Interestingly, 'Entertainment' received no votes, indicating that while enjoyable, entertainment might not be a priority for employees when compared to other aspects like recognition, food, and venue. This could suggest a shift in what employees consider valuable at corporate events, with a stronger emphasis on elements that reflect direct appreciation and tangible rewards. These insights are invaluable for any company looking to boost employee morale and retention through meaningful end-of-year celebrations. By focusing more on recognition and awards, companies can not only make these events more impactful but also reinforce a culture of appreciation that resonates throughout the year.

What is White Fonting on Your CV and How Can it Harm Your Job Prospects?

by Jonathan Shepherd-Stubbs • 1 November 2024
White fonting is a practice used on a CV where a job applicant includes extra phrases or keywords in white text which is invisible to a human reading the CV but readable by Applicant Tracking System software, otherwise known as an ATS. These keywords usually relate to job titles, certain skills or experience which the candidate doesn’t possess but match with what the company software is primed to look for. This might seem like a clever tactic but white fonting can actually harm your job prospects and could even damage your professional reputation. Here are some reasons why it’s wise to avoid white fonting on your CV and our top tips on how to land your ideal job without using it. It’s Considered Dishonest White fonting is professionally viewed as deceptive to a prospective employer and whilst it might help you bypass the initial stages of a job application, hiring managers will spot inconsistencies between your CV and the information you provide in your interview and reference checks. Employers could also question your honesty and integrity which will quickly remove you from the running. Technology is Getting Smarter Technology is always evolving and what you might get away with today could be different tomorrow. Many systems are now being programmed to spot white fonting and other tactics, causing you to be flagged before you even get to talk to a human being at interview stage. Irrelevant Matches White fonting often involves elaborating on skills and experiences you don’t have so whilst this might get you through the initial screening, you could end up being considered for roles that don’t match your real-life skills and experience. This potentially wastes your own time as well as the recruiter’s and could make getting through an interview difficult for you.  Reputation Damage Even if white fonting gets you through the first stages of the application process and the ATS software, it could still come back to bite you at a later stage. Employers could begin to question your skills or qualifications when it becomes apparent that you can’t carry out the claims made on your CV. Recruiters in your area could also work closely with each other so your reputation could precede you. With all this in mind, we have put together some much better ways to get noticed on your job applications. Use Relevant Keywords Tailor your CV to match the job description, but only use terms that genuinely reflect your experience. The ATS software will still recognise these keywords if they are presented naturally within the content and will significantly improve your chances of getting an interview with the employer. Showcase Transferable Skills We always encourage that you highlight any transferable skills you have, even if you don’t meet all the listed skill criteria in the job advertisement. Use your genuine achievements to demonstrate how you can bring high value and integrity to the company. Customise Your CV to Each Application Always tailor your CV to each individual job application and though this might take more time initially, it’s a tried and tested method and will show that you have thoughtfully considered how you will be an asset to the company and how you see yourself fitting into the role. Whilst white fonting might seem like a harmless shortcut to your ideal job, it’s a risky move. Authenticity and trust are key in the job market so always stay true to yourself. If you need some support in finding and applying for a job, our expert team can help you to stand out and support you every step of the way. Contact us here .
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