Let’s talk sensibly about recruitment fees!
I started in recruitment in the year 2000.
I was 12 (honestly).
Since then, everything has changed:
Tech, remote working, flexibility, the internet!
But do you know what hasn’t?
How recruitment services are sold.
And how hiring managers buy them.
Still stuck on fee percentages.
Still stuck on “what’s your rate?”
You go on LinkedIn and see the same noise:
“If you charge less than 25%, you’re a mug.”
Or: “There’s zero chance you’ll find good candidates unless you pay 30%.”
Really?
No one’s asking:
What’s the structure of your relationship?
Because that’s where the value is.
Let’s be honest:
- Niche recruitment firms are lean.
- No flash city centre offices
- No layers of non-fee earning management.
- Just experienced recruiters delivering results.
What do we care about?
- Commitment.
- Exclusivity.
- Cash flow that keeps us in business.
If I know you’re serious
If you work in partnership with me
Then yes, I’ll do you a deal.
I don’t need to charge 30%.
Why?
Because my model is different.
When I work retained, I can be flexible.
That’s the trade: commitment for cost control.
So next time you’re hiring, skip the rate debate.
Find a recruiter who knows your space.
Back them properly.
You’ll get more than just a good hire.
You’ll stretch your recruitment budget a lot further, too.
Thank You
Thanks for visiting recruiterpaul.eu
I hope you found this post useful.
If you’d like to connect, share feedback, or talk about your hiring plans, I’d love to hear from you.
Here’s where you can find me:
Or check out some of my videos on Youtube
📌 Similar Posts
If you found this post helpful, you might also like:
