Are you about to start a new hiring process for your business and wondering what recruitment costs are involved?
You are not alone.
The recruitment process can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when it’s your first time hiring for your business.
So how much does recruitment cost exactly?
The short answer is …it depends.
Most recruitment companies will understandably try to push their fees as high as possible. It is not unknown that recruitment companies can charge 30% of starting salary, sometimes even more for executives or difficult-to-fill roles. However, fees are more commonly pegged in the 20-25% range. So for a new vacancy with a starting salary of £35,000, you may have to pay upwards of £7,000 plus VAT.
This is a serious investment, especially for smaller companies or those that are in a growth phase. It might feel like a cost that you don’t feel comfortable with. That’s completely understandable, and I would encourage you to look at other options if that’s the case.
Here are some things to think about:
1. Keep recruitment costs low – you could do it yourself
This seems a viable option.
How hard could it be?
We have found that people can become overwhelmed or paralysed by the fear of making a wrong decision and so get stuck.
If you’ve made a start or considering doing your own recruitment, we are developing several free tools and downloads for you to use. Check back with us for these free tools, such as optimising your job advert and why you should never advertise your job description as your job advert.
2. Keep recruitment costs slightly lower – you could outsource parts of the process
Many smaller companies look to take this option.
Look for recruiters that provide a partial service and will charge you a fraction of the cost.
You can tap into their expertise at an entry point you can afford.
Contact us if you would like us to do your initial phone interviews.
3. Optimise your hiring with expert help – you could partner with an agency on a retained basis, perhaps for a fixed fee
If you are a skilled negotiator, you may be able to get a recruitment agency to agree to service your role for a smaller fee if they are given exclusive access. From their point of view, this may make sense. They get to work without competition. You would need to be sure they can solve your recruitment problems. And provide you with the required services within your desired timeline.
This could be a model that works well if you have several job vacancies. The recruitment agency will be happy for the work, and you get to deal with one trusted recruiter who can provide you with a bespoke service.
Whichever option you decide is best for you, make sure you do your due diligence and don’t let the recruiter browbeat you into a solution that only really works for them.
Check out our related reading:
- Unlocking Growth: Cultural Add and Diversity for UK Small Businessesby Helen SandersThe old idea of hiring for “cultural fit” is losing its appeal. Building a truly diverse and successful team goes beyond simply… Read more: Unlocking Growth: Cultural Add and Diversity for UK Small Businesses
- Using AI in Hiring to Find Better Talentby Helen SandersThe job market is tough, and finding great employees can make or break your small business. This is where AI in hiring… Read more: Using AI in Hiring to Find Better Talent
- by Helen SandersUnderstanding the Visionary-Integrator Dynamic Definition of Visionary and Integrator Roles A visionary is the driving force behind a startup, possessing a forward-thinking… Read more: How to Master the Visionary-Integrator Dynamic for Startup Success
- by Helen SandersIgnite Your Startup’s Rocket Fuel: The Visionary-Integrator Power Combo Hey there, visionary founder! 👋 If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got… Read more: A Founder’s Guide to Master The Visionary-Integrator Dynamic
- by Helen SandersAs a small business owner, you wear many hats – and one of the most important is bringing new talent onboard. An… Read more: Onboarding: How To Develop a Happy and Engaged Small Business Team
- by Helen SandersAttracting the right talent for finance and accounting positions in your company is critical for maintaining accurate and robust financial management. An… Read more: Crafting an Effective Finance and Accounting Job Advert: Tips and Tricks
Still need recruitment help?
You may find the recruitment process a little daunting and would love some advice. Feel free to get in touch with the team at Your People Partners. Or call us on 0117 290 0208.
We are always happy to help.