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The results of globalization mean recruitment agencies today are a dime a dozen. In cities like Dubai, where the expat population outnumbers the local populace, recruitment agencies play an important role in helping businesses find quality employees.
But not all recruitment agencies are created equal. Many promise to deliver results, but the truth is, they can’t.
When a recruitment agency fails to deliver, this can be bad for your business. Hiring an agency that promises results and fails to deliver can negatively affect productivity and employee morale.
As a business, you need to work with a recruitment agency that exceeds expectations and provides value-added results. But how can you differentiate between the good, the bad, and the mediocre?
This article will examine the five essential traits every great recruitment agency must have to be the right partner for your business.
- Understands your business needs
A good recruitment agency possesses great listening skills. The ability to listen carefully and thoroughly to your recruitment requirements means they will be able to target the right candidate for your business.
The top recruitment agencies in Dubai will take the time to meet with you and your hiring manager. They will get to know your company. They will listen to your business needs rather than focus on revenue.
- Possesses market knowledge
While general recruitment firms are good for finding quality employees for different positions, when you need someone specialized talent, you’ll need to partner with a specialized agency that has market knowledge in that area.
Jobs in Dubai that focus on specialized skill sets such as finance or technology require a particular level of knowledge.
As industry experts, specialized recruitment agencies can provide your business with key market insights into trends, updates, and prospects that will help your business attract more qualified candidates.
- Driven by customer service
Customer service is important in any business, and recruitment is no exception. When working with a recruitment agency in Dubai, look for one with strong customer service.
This high level of customer service should carry on even after the right employee has been hired. Recruitment agencies that only work with you during the consultation and hiring stages are demonstrating that they are only interested in their bottom line, not your interests.
If the communication stream between you and the agency is difficult, move on. Take this as a sign to look elsewhere for your staffing needs.
- Follows an in-depth screening process
A great recruitment agency will follow a detailed method that keeps them accountable. This will allow them to source high-quality candidates and uphold best practices.
The right recruitment agency for your business is one that conducts preliminary checks to confirm a candidate’s skill set. This includes processes like pre-screening tests, candidate verification, and reference checks.
This means, when candidates finally meet you and your hiring manager, they have been thoroughly vetted to ensure they’re the right person for the role.
- Maintains an outstanding reputation
Like most businesses, reputation matters in the recruitment industry. A business cannot survive without a stellar reputation. With many recruitment agencies relying on word of mouth and connections to attract top talent, reputation is paramount.
An agency with a less-than-stellar reputation will find it difficult to increase their candidate pool and add value to their clients. Competition for the best talent is increasing. A great agency can leverage their reputation to find the right candidate for your business needs.
To determine the reputation of a recruitment agency, look to their client base.
Does the agency have a list of long-standing, loyal clients? If so, this shows that candidates have trust and confidence in the agency’s ability to provide the best service possible.
Finding the needle in the haystack
With so many different recruitment agencies to choose from, it can be difficult for any business to separate the good from the bad. Luckily, the advice above offers businesses valuable insight into what a great recruitment agency will offer.
Finding these essential traits in a recruitment agency will enable your business to place itself in the best position possible to ensure a perfect match is made.
AUTHOR BIO
David Mackenzie, a recruitment professional with over 20 years’ experience in the field and a record of entrepreneurial accomplishment, is Managing Director and Head of HR at Mackenzie Jones. As the Group MD, David is responsible for the overall direction of the Mackenzie Jones Group, including Mackenzie Jones, MumsAtWork, MENA Solutions, Simply Digital and ThinkTech.
