How to Get the Best Results When Working with a Recruitment Agency

Partnering with a recruitment agency can streamline your hiring process, save valuable time, and ensure access to the very best talent on the market. However, to truly maximise the benefits of working with an agency, it’s important to approach the partnership strategically. At Elevate Partners, we work closely with businesses to provide tailored recruitment solutions in finance, risk, and compliance. Below are our top tips to help you get the best results when engaging with a recruitment agency.

1. Partner with Experts in Your Industry

Choosing the right recruitment partner is key to success. Look for specialists who understand your sector, roles, and regional job markets. At Elevate Partners, we focus on finance, risk, and compliance, which means we have:

• Deep market knowledge and insights into current hiring trends.
• Up-to-date salary guides to help you align budgets with market expectations.
• Access to passive and active talent pools within your industry.

A good recruiter will work with your budget, provide transparent advice, and set realistic expectations around packages, timelines, and talent availability.

2. Set Clear Terms of Engagement

Clarity from the outset ensures a smooth recruitment process. Make sure you discuss:

• Fees and costs, including when payments are due.
• Policies for candidate replacement in the event of turnover.
• Expected timelines for delivering candidates and interviews.

Transparency builds trust and ensures there are no surprises throughout the partnership.

3. Share Comprehensive Information

Information is a recruiter’s most valuable tool. By sharing detailed insights about your organisation, team culture, and role expectations, you enable your recruiter to market your opportunity effectively. Key details to provide include:

• Company background and values.
• Specific role responsibilities, packages, and benefits.
• Insights on team dynamics and company culture.

The more you share, the better your recruiter can attract candidates who align with your organisation’s needs.

4. Define Your Ideal Candidate

Provide your recruiter with a clear, ranked wish list of candidate requirements, including:

• Technical skills and qualifications (e.g., compliance certifications, risk management experience).
• Soft skills and cultural fit (e.g., communication, adaptability).
• Specific systems or tools candidates should be familiar with.

While it’s important to have a wish list, remain flexible and open-minded—your recruiter will identify candidates capable of excelling in the role, even if their CV isn’t an exact match.

5. Trust the Process and Keep an Open Mind

A skilled recruiter screens candidates thoroughly before presenting them to you. By the time a candidate reaches your desk, they are qualified to perform the job. At this stage, it becomes about “fit”—who will best complement your team and business culture.
Some candidates may not stand out on paper but possess the “X-factor” that becomes clear during interviews. Trust your recruiter’s judgment, meet all candidates they put forward, and keep an open mind.

6. Prioritise Feedback

Feedback is the backbone of a strong recruitment partnership. Regular, detailed feedback helps your recruiter fine-tune their search and understand exactly what a great candidate looks like for you.
By providing consistent feedback on CVs, interviews, and placements, you create a loop of continuous improvement—ensuring better results with every hire.

7. Build a Long-Term Partnership

Your recruiter is more than a service provider—they can become a valuable business partner. At Elevate Partners, we’ve built long-standing relationships with clients who rely on us for:

• Market insights, including salary benchmarking and hiring trends.
• Advice on regulatory and legislative changes impacting recruitment.
• Strategic solutions to combat talent shortages.

The better we understand your business, the more tailored our support becomes.

8. Communicate Throughout the Process

Clear and consistent communication keeps the recruitment process moving smoothly. Regular updates ensure your recruiter can:

• Keep your role active and prioritised.
• Adjust candidate searches based on evolving needs.
• Manage expectations around timelines and candidate availability.

9. Move Swiftly in Today’s Market

Speed is critical in a competitive market. Agree on timelines from the outset—including when to expect CVs, interviews, and offers—and move through the process promptly. Delays risk losing top candidates to faster-moving competitors.

Partner with Elevate Partners for Your Recruitment Needs

Working with a recruitment agency shouldn’t be transactional—it should be a strategic partnership that delivers results. At Elevate Partners, we pride ourselves on providing a personalised, expert approach to hiring within finance, risk, and compliance.
From delivering top-tier candidates to offering market insights and strategic advice, we’re here to help your business grow.

Contact Elevate Partners today to find out how we can support your recruitment strategy.