A recruitment agency is a company or organisation that helps connect job seekers with potential employers.

Primary purpose

The primary purpose of a recruitment agency is to source, screen, and match candidates to job vacancies on behalf of client companies.

Recruitment agencies serve as intermediaries in the job market, providing a bridge between job seekers and employers. They typically have a team of recruiters who specialise in various industries or job sectors. These recruiters actively search for qualified candidates through various channels, including job boards, social media, and their own internal databases.

When a recruitment agency receives a job vacancy from a client company, they review the job requirements and then search their candidate pool or conduct fresh searches to identify potential candidates. They may conduct interviews, assess qualifications and skills, and perform reference checks to ensure the suitability of the candidates.

Once suitable candidates are identified, the agency presents their profiles and resumes to the client company for consideration. If the client company is interested, the agency may arrange interviews or coordinate further assessments. Ultimately, it is up to the client company to make the final decision regarding the hiring of a candidate.

Benefits of using an agency

Recruitment agencies can provide several benefits to both job seekers and employers. For job seekers, agencies offer access to a wider range of job opportunities, guidance in the job search process, and assistance in preparing for interviews. Employers benefit from the expertise of the agency's recruiters, as they have extensive knowledge of the job market and can efficiently identify and screen candidates, saving time and resources.

Payment structure

Recruitment agencies may operate on a contingent fee basis, where they only receive payment if a candidate they provide is hired by the client company. Alternatively, they may have a retainer fee arrangement, where the client company pays an upfront fee to secure the agency's services.

It's important to note that the specific services and practices of recruitment agencies can vary, and they may specialise in particular industries or job types. For more information regarding this topic, check out SEEK's article on six things you need to know when working with a recruiter.

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