Hiring Help: Working with a Recruitment Agency

Filling a vacancy or a brand-new role in your business is no easy task. From writing a job ad and posting in all the right places to wading through CVs, organising a round or two of interviews, and doing it all over again when the right candidate doesn’t appear, it can be a long and winding road to your new employee’s first day on the job. For busy business owners doing it all themselves, outsourcing the hard yards might sound like a dream come true. But what are the real benefits to working with a recruitment agency, and when is the right time to take that step?  

“Working with a recruitment agency is an investment in getting it right the first time,” says Kerrie Gregory, Auckland regional manager at recruitment agencies Madison Recruitment and Absolute IT. As part of the Accordant Group, Madison and Absolute IT work closely together, but each agency has its own specialty: Absolute IT focusses solely on the tech sector, while Madison is a generalist across a broad range of industries and professional roles. Both operate nationwide, supporting businesses of all sizes.  

“We know that every hire has a big impact on SMEs,” Kerrie says. “For many businesses, time and resources are stretched – and when a key role is left unfilled or the wrong person is hired, it can lead to lost time, productivity setbacks, and the added expense of starting again.”

Not only that, Kerrie adds, but with the support of a trusted recruitment partner, valuable time dedicated to the recruitment process could be spent elsewhere. “We handle the time-consuming parts of the process so you can stay focused on running your business, and our service includes a replacement guarantee period for added peace of mind.”

Kerrie says that the goal of working with a recruitment agency should be to make recruitment “easier, smarter, and more effective.” To that end, she says business owners should expect a process that starts with getting to know the ins and outs of your business, from what you do to who’s in your team, and as well understanding what success will look like for the role you’re looking to fill. A recruiter can help shape the description of who and what you’re looking for, as well as advise you on what the market looks like currently – and what to offer in terms of a competitive and fair salary.

“Once we’re clear on what you need, we take care of the end-to-end recruitment process: sourcing candidates, screening CVs, conducting interviews, and presenting you with a shortlist of strong, well-matched options,” details Kerrie. “We also manage the coordination, from scheduling interviews and gathering feedback to handling offer negotiations. All the details that can otherwise take up your time.”

Once your dream candidate has signed on the dotted line, some recruitment agencies, like Madison and Absolute IT, will keep in touch to see how the placement is going. “For us, it’s not just about filling a role – it’s about building a relationship so we can continue to support your business as it grows.”

When it comes to choosing who to work with, Kerrie says that indicators of a good fit should include responsiveness, transparency, and a well-rounded approach to recruitment that takes into account the goals of the business. The recruiter should also set their sights on finding the right candidate for the role, rather than filling the vacancy as quickly as possible. “A good recruitment partner should feel like an extension of your business,” she says. “A partner who represents your brand well and genuinely cares about getting it right.”

Sometimes the process of getting it right can include gentle, informed pushback. “The best recruiters won’t just agree or say yes to everything,” says Kerrie. “They’ll offer advice, ask the right questions, and sometimes challenge your thinking if they believe there’s a better way to achieve the outcome. That kind of honest guidance is a sign you’re working with someone invested in your success.”

To help ensure that success, Kerrie says it’s important that business owners communicate clearly with their chosen recruitment partner – and keep an open mind.

“The more we understand about your business, the better job we can do finding someone who’s not just qualified, but a great long-term fit,” she says. “Sometimes, what the market is offering might look a little different than expected, whether that’s around salary expectations, skills availability, or timelines. A good agency will give you honest feedback and work with you to adjust if needed.”

She also advises viewing the relationship as a collaboration. “While we handle most of the work, we still need your input – things like a clear brief, timely feedback, and interview availability. If you’re not in a position to stay engaged due to other priorities, it may be worth delegating the process to a trusted team member or waiting until you’re ready to move forward.”

If engaging a recruiter sounds like an unaffordable luxury in the current economic climate, Kerrie says that the right agency will likely be able to support your business in the ways you need it most.

“Sometimes a full, end-to-end recruitment process isn’t needed,” she says. “For example, maybe you’ve already advertised a role and received a flood of applications but don’t have the time to shortlist them. Or you’ve found someone you like, but you need help with reference checks or background vetting.” Working within your budget may also mean consulting a recruiter purely for their advice and insights, like whether a contractor would suit better than a permanent hire, or what steps to take to avoid costly mistakes.

Above all, says Kerrie, partnering with a recruitment agency can deliver worthwhile value. “We understand that every dollar counts for SMEs,” she says. “That’s why our focus is always on delivering value, not just filling a role. We’ve seen clients grow from small start-ups into established businesses, and it’s been a privilege to be part of that journey. That’s what a great partnership looks like.”

Special thanks to Kerrie Gregory of Madison Recruitment and Absolute IT. Both Madison and Absolute IT offer tailored recruitment packages for SMEs. For more information, visit madison.co.nz/offer-for-smes and absoluteit.co.nz/offer-for-smes.