3 Reasons Why You Can't Find Great Recruiters For Your Agency

There is a huge misalignment between what agencies want and what recruiters want. 

Here are three things to consider if you want to attract top-tier recruiters to your agency.

1. Flexibility Is Key

The absolute number one reason why experienced recruiters turn down companies is because they're not offering enough flexibility. It's common for agencies to say things like "once probation is passed" or "once you're billing, you'll get the flexibility." However, experienced recruiters don't want to sit there five days a week when they know what they're doing. It is different when it comes to inexperienced recruiters who do often want to be in the office and learn. But if recruiters have earned their stripes, they don't really want to go backwards. You will get the odd one or two, but not many, and flexibility and work-life balance are crucial.

2. Higher Base, Lower Commission

Most people want a higher base and lower commission. I know you're already saying in your head, "Well, if they're a great recruiter, they should want to earn more commission than a higher base." It's the battle that I have daily between clients and candidates. But the truth is that higher bases are more stable, and people crave stability. Just because candidates want a higher base doesn't mean they aren't committed; they just want security. In fact, I did a poll on this, and 66% of recruiters would rather have a higher base and lower commission. If you have set pay bands and will absolutely not look outside them or say, "It's not fair on others," you're 100% losing out on amazing talent who simply want to feel more secure.

3. Cold Desks Are Unattractive

Cold desks are super unattractive. We have a video coming tomorrow on why cold desks are unattractive and what you can do if you want to hire a recruiter to build out a cold desk. But just know that experienced recruiters who have done really well really want to start again at zero. Think about it: would you give up a multi-six-figure desk which is working like clockwork to start again, hustle ten times harder, and make no commission?

The Secret: Compelling Offers Matter

So many recruiters are open to listening to what other opportunities are out there. When we can't get them over the line, it's because the offer isn't compelling enough. If recruiters don't feel they have autonomy or if they have to start again from zero, it's just not an attractive offer. No one will jump up and say, "Hire me," unless the company has an amazing brand or amazing offer in the market. But a lot of agencies don't see it that way; they think they're amazing and that everyone would want to work with them, which is honestly not true. Recruiters have an abundance of choice, and they'll choose the most compelling offer.

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