Recruiting recruiters has become a critical task for many companies in today's ever-changing job market. Understanding how to hire recruiters is more important than ever, especially as businesses look to grow.

The pandemic significantly impacted recruiters, with many talent acquisition teams facing layoffs as companies paused their hiring efforts. As the world began to recover, recruiters returned to meet the surge in hiring demand. However, recent economic shifts, including rising interest rates due to inflation, have cooled the white-collar and tech job markets once again. This volatility makes hiring experienced recruiters crucial to navigate these uncertain times and secure top talent for your organization.

Companies worldwide are struggling to fill open positions, and these roles won't fill themselves. Hiring recruiters can be challenging because they understand the hiring process inside out and are often in the driver's seat. However, as Forbes pointed out, "the cost is too high to rely on resumes alone" right now. You need savvy recruiters to find the people that will help your business grow. That's why it's essential to prioritize hiring your recruiters first.

Below, we've outlined strategies on how to recruit recruiters who align with your goals and will be advocates for your organization when working with candidates.

Determine the Type of Recruiter You Need

First, assess your business needs. Do you require a full-time recruiter, or will a freelance or temporary recruiter suffice? Depending on your hiring goals, consider the following types:

Internal Recruiters: Full-time employees focused solely on talent acquisition within your company.

Contingency Recruiters: Paid only when their candidate is successfully hired. They often work for recruitment agencies or independently.

Retained Recruiters: Also known as headhunters, they receive an upfront fee to conduct the search and an additional fee once the candidate is placed. Ideal for higher-level or specialized positions.

When learning how to hire recruiters, consider whether you need someone who specializes in your industry. Specialized recruiters have in-depth knowledge, established networks, and understand industry-specific requirements, which can be beneficial for filling unique or niche roles.

Where to Find Recruiters

Once you've identified the type of recruiter you need, start your search through various channels:

Online Platforms: LinkedIn is a prime place to find recruiters. Use keywords related to your industry and location to search for recruiters who match your needs. Job boards and social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are also useful for finding recruiters who market their services online.

Professional Networks: Ask colleagues or industry contacts if they can recommend reputable recruiters. Attend industry events, conferences, or webinars where you might meet recruiters specializing in your field.

Directories and Publications: Utilize online recruitment directories that list recruiting firms by industry and location. Articles or rankings in high-profile publications can point you toward leading recruiters in your field.

What to Look for in a Recruiter

When evaluating potential recruiters, consider the following qualities:

Excellent Communication Skills: A great recruiter listens carefully to understand your company's needs and communicates effectively with candidates. They should represent your organization professionally and transparently.

Proactive and Resourceful: Recruiters should be proactive in identifying and engaging with potential candidates. They often have extensive networks and can tap into passive candidate pools that aren't accessible through traditional job postings.

Industry Knowledge: They should have a strong understanding of your industry, including market trends, salary benchmarks, and the specific skills required for your open positions.

Strong Track Record: Look for recruiters with a history of successful placements. Testimonials or references from previous clients can provide insight into their effectiveness.

Interviewing Recruiters

When interviewing potential recruiters, delve deeper than standard questions:

Assess Their Understanding of Your Needs: Can they articulate the specifics of the roles you need to fill and the type of candidates who would be successful?

Evaluate Their Recruitment Strategies: Ask about their methods for sourcing candidates, how they leverage their networks, and the tools they use.

Discuss Their Communication Style: Ensure they will keep you informed throughout the process and provide regular updates.

Review Their Terms and Fees: Understand their payment models and any guarantees they offer.

Alternatives to Hiring a Recruiter

If hiring a recruiter isn't the right fit at the moment, consider other strategies:

Empower Your Hiring Managers: Provide your hiring managers with tools and resources to handle recruiting tasks. Training them on effective sourcing techniques and interview strategies can be beneficial.

Utilize Recruiting Tools: Leverage platforms like Fetcher to automate and streamline your recruiting process. Fetcher helps you find and engage with top talent, saving time and ensuring a diverse candidate pool.

Build an Employer Brand: Enhance your company's online presence to attract candidates directly. This includes optimizing your careers page, sharing employee testimonials, and showcasing your company culture on social media.

Making the Most of Recruiter Relationships

Whether you decide to hire a recruiter or empower your team, building strong relationships is key:

Maintain Open Communication: Be clear about your expectations and provide feedback promptly.

Stay Engaged: Keep the recruiting process moving by being responsive and involved.

Provide Constructive Feedback: Help recruiters understand what you're looking for by sharing insights on presented candidates.

Recruiters play a vital role in shaping the future of your organization by bringing in top talent. By understanding how to hire recruiters effectively, or by equipping your team with the right tools, you can find professionals who will contribute to your company's long-term success.

Fetcher can help you hire recruiters faster and make their lives easier once they’re on board. Our recruiting automation software allows recruiters and hiring managers to focus on what they love—engaging with candidates and developing a seamless onboarding experience. Schedule your demo today.