If you are responsible for hiring for an automotive business you may find yourself needing the help of an automotive recruitment agency. But how do you choose the right agency for you?
There are many things to consider when selecting an agency. In this article we cover 10 essential questions to ask an agency – to ensure you select the agency that best matches your needs.
Where to begin?
Automotive Recruitment Agencies are not all the same. The level and type of service offered varies considerably between agencies. A good place to start is to define exactly what it is that you need from an agency. Read our article on How to Select the right agency for help with this.
Questions to ask automotive recruitment agencies
Your choice of recruitment agency can have a profound effect on your business. You need to be confident in your decision and able to justify it to internal line managers or other stakeholders. To do this, you need to ask the right questions:
1.What is your area of specialism?
Using an agency who specialises in your industry and job function will be a great advantage. They will know your market and be able to quickly understand your business. Additionally, they should be able to easily access the right candidates.
2. How long have you been in business?
An agency with a long history in the business is more likely to have a greater depth of relevant knowledge.
3. What other automotive employers do you recruit for?
Get proof that an agency is the expert they claim to me. Ask them which other businesses they recruit for. Ideally they should be able to give you testimonials or case studies of previous work.
4. What jobs have you filled recently?
As with previous questions this will give you solid evidence of the agency’s abilities to deliver. Some may be able to provide you with a list of Recently Filled Vacancies.
5. What services do you offer?
Some agencies will offer more then one level of service. If they cannot match all of your ‘must haves’ then they are not the agency for you.
6. What is your recruitment process?
Processes that agencies use to source and screen candidates vary considerably. The detail and quality of these processes will greatly effect the quality of candidate you receive. Ask what are they actually going to do for you.
7. How long will it take to find me candidates?
Beware of agencies who promise you a full shortlist in a very short time period. It takes time to do a proper job. That being said, an agency using the latest digital technology should be able to produce good candidates within a week or so.
8. What guarantees do you offer?
Agencies offer different types of guarantee. A standard guarantee for contingency work may be a 3 month sliding scale rebate. For executive search or retained work you may be offered longer guarantee periods or a money back option. Make sure you know exactly what the agency is offering. It is however important to be realistic and remember that the agency is running a business too. Don’t expect top level guarantee terms for rock bottom fees.
9. What added value services do you offer?
Recruitment agencies can offer a vast range of help and support. Consider it a budding relationship that starts with the question “What else can they do for you”? For example some agencies can help you write your job description in a candidate friendly way. This is a service Copeland offer to our clients.
10. How much do you charge?
Finally the question you’ve probably been waiting to ask. How much do you charge? By asking the other questions first you will now fully understand what you will be getting for your money. This will allow you to make an informed decision on the value to you of the service the agency is providing.
Other things to consider
Check out the agency’s social media presence. For businesses the most important social media platform is LinkedIn. Look at their activity and contacts – you will quickly get a feel of the work they are doing and whether they know their stuff. Take a look at Copeland’s LinkedIn Page. Another easy place to look is Google. Just search for the agency name and see what comes up.
Further Reading:
Automotive Industry Salary Guide
Employers – How To Select The Right Recruitment Agency
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