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At this critical time in the economy, it is important to reduce costs and avoid mistakes - especially when it comes to hiring new employees. Finding the right recruiter to help you sort your way through job applications is a cost effective and logical solution for all businesses.

An outsourced recruitment agency will assign a consultant to find the right person for your organisation, freeing up your valuable time to concentrate on what you do best - your core business activities, whatever they may be - mining, contracting, consulting or architecture.

Here are seven tips to help you find the right recruiter:

1. Get to know the agency - spend some time with the consultant who will be working for you to ensure they understand your individual needs, the industry in which you operate and the role you need filled. It's also imperative that the consultant knows exactly what you need in an employee, including interpersonal skills, education level and salary expectations. The most important information that is needed cannot be found on a website, it is the culture and environment of your business that makes the difference with finding the "right fit". It is a waste of your time and money if the candidates the agency sends to you are completely wrong for your business.
2. Check the agency's first impression - it is a common phrase, but we all know first impressions count. Look at how quickly the agency responds to email and telephone enquiries and the language and manner used by the agency staff. How do the agency staff dress and are they punctual and reliable? Assess how this reflects on your business because, after all, this will be your prospective employee's first introduction to your organisation.
3. Research the agency - find out whether the agency is a member of the relevant industry bodies, such as the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RSCA) or Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) and, if applicable, your sector's association. Read the agency mission statement, vision and values on their website or in their office to ensure they align with your business ideals.
4. How does the agency recruit? It is in your best interests for the agency you choose to have the best candidates for your industry on its books. This goes further than just advertising your position, some recruiters will utilise innovative methods to go further than the "norm" and could include representation at industry networking events so they know what is happening in your industry.
5. What recruitment methods do the agency use? Ask how consultants select candidates before they are sent to their client. Do they just interview the candidates, check references or ask them to complete skills and values tests? Also find out whether these services cost you more, or are included in your fee.
6. Do your own reference check - often agencies have testimonials on their websites, or in their marketing materials. Ask for the contact details of clients in your industry so you can see how the agency really operates.
7. Good Value - get a full run-down of all expected and potential costs so you know exactly what you will be up for. Itemised lists are also helpful for you in evaluating whether you are getting good value for money from the agency.

A good recruiter will listen to your needs, devise an individual recruitment plan and interview appropriate candidates on your behalf to ensure the ideal candidate is found. When choosing a recruiter it is important to remember that while the services does cost money, it saves you time, which every business person knows is money.

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