Very refreshing to hear the counter argument to the stereotypical ’recruitment consultant’ from a client’s perspective. Whilst sales is a key element to the growth and success of an employment business, account management and service delivery is also imperative if the company is to build a reputation and platform to achieve this.

Very often the two separate functions get clouded on one ’desk’, but the more successful agencies will differentiate the two so that their clients receive the bespoke and personal solution required.

To recruit successfully for a client, whether internally or externally, the individual tasked with the challenge must know the culture of the business, the market they are recruiting in and have the strength to highlight any changes that may be necessary in order to reach the required outcome.

The stronger recruitment consultants will do this with their clients if given the opportunity, but will certianly have more autonomy to do so if recruiting internally.

Often shortfalls in delivery may be due to factors outside that of the individual’s control, such as salary payments below market/competitor averages or the length of the recruitment process to name just two examples. Similarly lack of ability can also be a factor!
Richard Morrissey, managing director, Quattro Recruitment