When you know it's time to hire a recruiter

The decision to hire an external recruiter is a big one and in today's market it's tough to find good recruiters. But how do you know that it's time to bring on extra help?

We often consult with business owners, managers, and HR after they've hit their limits and here's what we've found.

1. You've exhausted your network. We recommend that you reach out to your network first. How many times have you or someone you know found that dream job through a friend or former co-worker? Referrals are a great way to bring in top talent through someone you already know and trust. If you've got several open positions you're trying to fill, focus on the highest priority or the roles that are hardest to fill.

2. Recruiting sounds like a second job. And it is. Finding the right person takes time and will add hours to your day. Include the time to cold-reach out to candidates, schedule interviews, hold the meetings, and complete write-ups - and this is all before negotiations begin. If the thought of finding your dream hire intimidates you or the idea of coming up with creative search strings makes you want to pass out, it's probably time to think of bringing on help.

3. Your budget allows it. Hiring a recruiter costs money, though similarly to real estate agents, they're only paid if someone is hired. Find a smaller, yet professional, agency who will work with you on your fees. Recruiters are people too and the good ones want to see you succeed. For us, it's a joy when we put to work a dream team and we love referrals. More times than not, we've lowered our fees to make it work for our clients.

4. Time has become the most valuable asset. If you've got project milestones in the red, big deadlines coming up, or investors to impress, chances are you're a little stressed out. If you needed your rockstar yesterday, then it's time to bring on professionals who know how to vet the right person now. Let a professional take this off your plate, so you can focus on what you do best.

5. Client and employee satisfaction needs more support. One of the top reasons why some of our clients hire recruiters is that their teams are exhausted. Too many late nights can burn out anyone and when folks get repeatedly sick, everyone suffers. Clients start to notice when balls are dropped and growth opportunities are missed. This is a red flag that it's time to hire talent now. If your team is struggling to meet the demand, consult with a professional recruiter to see if they can help. A good recruiter will listen to your pain points, explore what you need, and let you know if they're a good match. Be cautious of anyone who immediately jumps on an open position without taking you through a thorough Q&A on the role.

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