The Best Things Come In Small Packages. The Rise Of The Boutiques
Recruitment has changed so much in the ten years I have been recruiting, and one thing for sure is gone are the days of big recruitment agencies monopolising the marketplace. Now we have small independents popping up across the UK all offering something a little different. Whilst small, they are mighty, and more often than not staffed by a humble, hard working bunch of highly talented recruiters who, having cut their teeth in the corporate world, were ready for more flexibility, trust and creative license. The beauty of a boutique is that each team member has a voice, meaning everyone makes a genuine contribution to the shape, growth and success of the business.

We posed the question “Why do you continue to use the agencies you do?”. We weren’t surprised that one of the main reasons given was it being a case of habit, “because that’s what we’ve always done”. So the next question is are they delivering what you want? Do they still go that extra mile? Do they add genuine value to your recruitment process or are they simply scouring the same job boards and CV databases that you are?

A client we met with recently stated that they wanted to be the company candidates would jump at the chance to work for, and the company recruiters want to recruit for. At present they didn’t feel like a priority client for their recruiters, and found themselves having to constantly chase for updates. This isn’t an uncommon gripe. Whilst larger, established agencies can instil confidence with boasts of heritage and scale, it’s essential to look beyond that at the approach and attitude of the consultants that are working on your behalf. Regardless of their workload, you should feel like their priority.
There are numerous pros to working with smaller, boutique agencies. They tend to be more selective about the roles on which they work on as it’s not a numbers game or death by KPI approach. Small independents thrive on recommendations and referral so it really matters that they go that extra mile for you as a client or candidate. They can adapt their approach, not only in the recruitment processes they offer but for instance offering more flexible payment terms. They genuinely really want to do a great job for you as their reputation tend to mean so much more to them as individuals and not having the luxury of a recognised brand name to sit back on, they need to build up credibility in the market place.

Next time you’re thinking of recruiting, it’s well worth taking a few minutes to talk to a boutique agency or adding them to your list of preferred recruitment partners; if you haven’t used one before you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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