In this time when budgets are tight, but your IT team needs to fill positions and complete projects and initiatives on time, it’s important to choose your staffing agency wisely. Sure the big ones that come first to mind have brand power and a bigger digital footprint, but smaller staffing agencies are ideal in this economic climate. Here are three reasons why a smaller agency is your best bet!

#1: Experience

Larger staffing firms tend to hire inexperienced recruiters, often fresh out of college.  These entry-level recruiters don’t necessarily receive substantial training and don’t bring in-depth industry knowledge with them to the job.  Also, because large firms have a relatively high turn-over rate, clients are likely to find themselves unexpectedly working with a new recruiter at any given time.

Smaller staffing firms, however, tend to employ more experienced industry experts.  Because of this, they are better poised to effectively advise their clients and candidates.  And, due to their low turnover rate, you are likely to develop and enjoy the benefits of a long-term relationship with your recruiting contact.

During a downturn this is especially true because downturns tend to weed out the inexperienced recruiters. Recruiters with more experience have established relationships and are most likely to survive any slowdown in the industry.

#2: Responsiveness & Adaptability

Big firms have a longer chain of command and more decision makers involved.  With that comes delays.  It takes longer for them to address unique needs or go outside of the box.

Smaller firms aren’t restrained by red tape.  They are inherently flexible and open to creative solutions.  They will work with you … not make you fit into a “one-size fits all” box.  Because, well, one size doesn’t fit all.

In a downturn, when hiring freezes and lay-offs are abundant, smaller agencies are also more likely to negotiate flexible terms to solve your hiring needs within a tighter budget.

#3: Personalized Approach

Especially if they are publicly owned, the larger firms are first and foremost focused on the numbers.  Because of this, their recruiters tend to treat people like transactions, striving to meet their quota. Recruiters themselves, are valued solely on their numbers.

A smaller firm is much more likely to make and nurture personal connections with their candidates and clients.  There is typically a recognition that, in the long-term, a focus on simply “filling slots” is unfulfilling for all involved.  Their company values reflect the importance of keeping the human component of job placement and professional growth at the forefront.  This highly benefits both the businesses and the candidates they serve.

In smaller agencies there tends to be more of a family-like culture. This directly impacts the recruiting process because leadership is more supportive and protective of their employees and will make the necessary adjustments to keep recruiters thriving and successful. Your experience will be better because smaller firm recruiters have greater job security and less stress.

In Closing:

When the economy tightens, smaller agencies are better able to reprioritize and shift resources so they can maintain a high level of personalized attention to their client’s needs within the confines of tighter budgets. The culture of a family-like smaller agency gives recruiters the flexibility and support to navigate any downturns in the economy.

References:

https://thehire.com/top-3-reasons-smaller-staffing-firms-outshine-larger-firms/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-small-beautiful-8-advantages-working-recruitment-agencies-kemp/