Are You Getting Value from Your Recruitment Partners?

After 25 years in recruitment (started at 12, obviously), I’ve seen a lot.

I sit in a unique spot.

Most of my time has been spent talking to HR professionals, which means I understand both sides, external recruitment pressures and internal HR priorities.

And here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Modern HR teams are sharp.
• ROI-focused.
• Clear on the value of an inclusive, high-performing, engaged workforce.

But then… they brief six agencies at once.

Like it’s still 1989.

This isn’t a dig.

Most recruiters haven’t offered anything better.

But if you invest so much in culture, values, and engagement, why let that slip the second someone applies to your business?

What does a typical Recruiter actually do?

Spend five minutes on LinkedIn looking at recruitment training content.

Here’s what you’ll see:

• Sell harder
• Call more
• Close quicker
• “Smash it, bro”

No one’s teaching recruiters to:

• Run better processes
• Be more inclusive
• Improve candidate experience
• Protect the employer brand

It’s all about volume.

And that’s a problem.

The Multi-Agency Model Is Broken

Let’s break it down.

You’ve got a vacancy.

You send it to six agencies and say: “Send your best CVs.”

What happens?

• The race is on.
• No one takes the time to do a proper search.
• Everyone just wants to cover it off fast.
• You get CVs from the database, not necessarily the best, just the available.

They’re not assessed.
Not inclusive.
Just quick.

This is where candidate experience goes to die.

And your employer brand along with it.

You might get lucky.

But you’re relying on chance.

There Is Another Way

Boutique agencies are changing the game.

• Smaller teams
• Better consultants
• Real partnerships

These businesses are often led by experienced recruiters who’ve stepped away from the big agency merry-go-around.

They:

• Take time to understand you
• Value exclusivity
• Focus on delivery, not just CVs

And the best bit?

They’re often more cost-effective.

Why?

• No crazy city centre office rents
• No layers of non-fee-earning management
• No unnecessary overheads

Just a smart recruiter doing a proper job.

How We Work at The HR Guys

We’ve built a two-step model that gives you access to expert input at every stage.

You’ll work with a project team that includes two senior HR/Talent consultants.

Step 1: Attraction

We write high-quality, inclusive copy.
We advertise smartly and directly approach potential candidates.
We remove all barriers to interest and explore every avenue to get the widest reach.

Step 2: Assessment

Blind CV review led by qualified Talent professionals.
Inclusive, objective, and aligned with your values.
Structured interviews delivered by experts who understand the role and your goals.

What You Get

• Inclusive shortlists
• Expert-led screening
• Clear, transparent fees
• A consistent candidate experience that reflects your values

You’ve worked hard to build a strong culture.

Make sure the first step in someone’s journey with you reflects that.

Hiring soon? Let’s talk.