What Is Best for Hiring: DIY or Engage a Recruiting Service?
If you are an SME and need to hire staff, what options do you have? You have the option to use your contacts and network or advertise for job candidates on your own. Or, is it better to hire a recruitment service?
These are the things you should consider when considering each approach.
Finding the right sales talent for a small or medium business is a challenge. Small businesses and startups need talented, reliable employees to help them grow. They also need people who are driven and passionate about their work.
Let’s take a closer look at the challenges that SME businesses face when filling their sales positions. Also, what should you expect when working with a recruitment service or hiring sales personnel?
Hiring challenges
You may be competing with larger companies to hire the best talent, depending on your industry. It can be challenging to find qualified candidates in competitive industries such as engineering, healthcare, and information technology.
It can be challenging to find a qualified candidate if you have to fill a sales or other specialized position. There are larger competitors who offer jobs with higher starting wages, more benefits and greater upward mobility.
In an industry with limited talent, finding qualified candidates can be difficult, especially if you are doing it yourself. It’s not about finding the right person for the job, especially if they do the minimum. It is possible to read dozens of resumes before scheduling the time for interviews.
Interviewing candidates for a job can be time-consuming. You could also end up with someone who isn’t up to the task if you aren’t an expert in hiring salespeople.
A recruiting service
You can choose from hundreds of agencies and services that will help you find the perfect person to fill your job vacancy. Professional recruiters can help you eliminate the time-consuming task of finding the right candidate for your job.
SME businesses looking to hire have some benefits from a Recruiting Service. First, you can save time and money for your team and management if you don’t have an in-house HR department. While you can concentrate on your core business, a recruiter will help you find suitable candidates.
It is a full-time job to connect with top sales talent. Many companies don’t hire until the last minute, so they have to be very urgent when they call recruiters. Some companies may not have succeeded in hiring the right people, or they are losing out on potential candidates. SME companies need to decide whether they will hire a recruiter or do it themselves. This can have a significant impact on the timeline for hiring.
Experienced sales recruiters can help you remain objective in your selection criteria. It allows you to choose the best candidate for your role rather than settle for the mediocre.
When you move to a new state or open a new area, it can be a benefit to engage sales recruiters. You may be limited to your local area and may not have the resources to recruit outsiders. A sales recruitment service that has local knowledge can help you streamline the process.
Recruitment services are more than just posting job advertisements on the internet. They help people find the best sales talent by networking and attracting those who are open to change. These candidates are sold to the agency by the agency, who convinces them that their talents will be appreciated and rewarded by your company.
How to choose the right sales agency
You must ensure that the agency you choose is a good match for your company before you hire a sales rep. These are four tips that will help you choose the right service provider.
1. Research, Research Research
There are many recruiters on the market promising many things, but can they deliver? Recruitment is known for its churn within its own industry. This means that often, young inexperienced people will be assigned to your case. Research an agency as you would a job candidate when evaluating them.
2. Interview agencies like candidates
It is essential to interview agencies. Don’t let your CV get lost in the shuffle. Talk to people who have done placements for you in the past and check the experience of the company and the individual.
Ask the recruiter how they review candidates. What is their process for finding and evaluating candidates? What are their expectations regarding updates on their progress? What would time it take to fill a job?
3. Examine their track record and expertise
A strong track record and extensive relevant expertise are signs that your partnership could be successful. You will be more successful if you have a strong network and an understanding of the sales requirements.
4. Give a briefing
Employers must prepare a detailed job description in order to brief the agency. Be specific about the criteria that you accept as a minimum requirement for the candidate. You should not just state intermediate CRM experience. Describe the CRM system you are using and the level of engagement required. Good sales recruiters will make notes and only send qualified candidates to you. Describe your company culture and who you think will best fit your business.
DIY Hiring
Although professional sales recruitment services are a great way to find top talent, they can also be costly. The fees they charge are typically a percentage of the salary offered. This fee can vary depending on your role.
It is possible to hire your own candidates. There are many ways to find qualified candidates. For some companies, it is more economical.
1. In advance, build a candidate pipeline
Don’t wait for vacancies to happen. Be proactive. Management of sales teams requires turnover. By marketing your company on the appropriate job boards and through your website, you can build a network of potential candidates.
2. Be patient and realistic
Your ideal candidate won’t be found overnight. You will need to set a timetable so that you have plenty of time for applicants and applications. Last-minute hires can often be poor.
SME companies may have a difficult time finding top candidates for the salaries they offer. You need to balance the salary you are able to afford with the person you desire. Be realistic, especially if your industry is competitive.
3. Streamline your process
You should make it easy for applicants to apply. Also, ensure a well-thought-out hiring process. After receiving an application, make sure it is compared against your minimum hiring criteria. If they pass this test, you can call them to have a discussion about what they are seeking. Do not sell your company. Find out what they are looking for.
If the conversation is positive, invite them to interview. Be prepared with your questions and, if possible, make sure everyone is aware of the roles they play in the interview process.
Applying is easy. Gather the information you need in order to make informed decisions.
4. Make use of technology
There are many job boards, but a dedicated job board for sales is the best place to promote your company and the job you have available.
A page on your website may be dedicated to your company’s careers section. This page can be used as a landing page for candidates looking to find out more about your company, such as job boards and social media.
