Spot the Difference
Are Agencies any different to Consultancies?

Agencies and Consultancies are both involved in recruitment but there is a distinct difference between the two approaches. Where a potential client company has no experience of a Consultant approach, we often find ourselves involved in a lengthy explanation of the differences, some of which we have highlighted below.

In general, Agencies will use a job specification given to them by a client and then conduct a database search, forwarding the CV’s of individuals who “match”. Screening interviews where they happen at all are usually conducted over the phone.

A Consultancy on the other hand spends time with the client company, digging deeper in order to gain a full understanding of the role, where it fits into the organisation and also to learn more about individual and corporate objectives. This comprehensive analysis results in a detailed Job and Person Specification being prepared. Candidates for the specific role are then found either by press or web advertising or Executive Search (head hunting). Using the agreed Specification Consultants can interview in depth, ensuring a closer match between client requirements and candidate aspirations.

It is more appropriate at management and Director level to use the dedicated and focused recruitment methods offered by a Consultancy because both clients and candidates demand confidentiality and high levels of professionalism. Senior Managers do not want to have their details kept on a database to be “scatter-gunned” to potential employers without any consideration being given to their or a client’s specific requirements.

With a Consultancy the objective is to build long term partnerships with client companies by providing a professional focused service over the duration of an assignment and of course beyond. There can be several months between the first initial discussion and ultimately the decision to appoint during which time the Consultant remains involved and committed to the project. Agencies focus on today’s vacancies, forward details of candidates immediately available on their database
and move on to the next vacancy.

Professional standards and effective relationships between clients and Consultants determine the success of any consultancy business. Hales and Hindmarsh are known for delivering excellence in recruitment and have many established clients who have worked with us for ten and even twenty years. Will you be the next to experience the distinctive difference that is Hales and Hindmarsh?

2006 A Year of Growth

We are often asked, “What's happening in the recruitment market?” People feel that a busy recruitment market is a sign of a buoyant economy and there is some truth in that. Without the help of a crystal ball any prediction of what is likely to happen this year can only be a guess. Looking back though we can see that 2006 was a very good year for Hales and Hindmarsh. Overall the number of recruitment projects we handled increased by 40% and interestingly much of that growth came from entirely new customers, many of whom were personal recommendations from other satisfied clients.

Twenty Years in the Saddle!!

He’s been around for twenty years
Our great MD Mike Salter,
He’s known throughout the industry
His standards never falter.

Through thick and thin he wears a grin
That spreads from ear to ear,
He’s the epitome of tranquillity
Relaxed with his pint of beer.

‘Congrats’ to Mike, well done young man
And now you’ve reached a score,
We know you really like your job
So how about twenty more!!

Anon
(and will remain so!!)

“The fool asks the wise for advice, but the wise ask the experienced"