Do recruiters have a say in hiring? We are often asked this question, especially by candidates. We polled our professional network to gauge if they think recruiters should be involved in hiring.
We were surprised when only 20% of respondents answered, “No.” While we do everything in our power to advocate for our candidates, the final decision is always in the hands of a company’s hiring manager. However, that’s the only part of the process we aren’t involved in.
Here’s how recruiters are involved in the process:
1. Seeking highly qualified candidates
Our business revolves around matching the most qualified professionals with opportunities from the companies we work with. Our process starts with tailoring our search to the unique needs of the company that’s hiring. At SRG Stillwater, our APEX Search Model also emphasizes finding passive candidates who may not even be actively searching for their next opportunity yet.
2. Sending candidates to hiring managers
After a rigorous search, screening, and selection process, our recruiters provide the hiring manager with candidates’ resumes and have an open conversation. At this stage, the hiring manager decides to move forward with one or more candidates, or they request that we find more candidates who may have strengths in different areas.
3. Working with companies and candidates to ensure their needs are met
This is an ongoing, fundamental piece of the recruiting process. Our recruiters communicate regularly with candidates and companies throughout the search and hiring processes. If they have questions or feedback for us, we listen and make the appropriate adjustments to our process. We often find that the top candidates for our openings have full-time jobs and can only meet outside typical office hours. We make ourselves available on their schedule, ensuring we're able to connect in real time as soon as we have an update.
4. Helping with next steps after the hiring manager makes a decision
Some recruiting firms end their involvement after a hire is made. At SRG Stillwater, we continue to provide support to our candidate and company partners. If a company needs a hand with salary negotiation or onboarding, we can step in and offer assistance. If a candidate isn’t selected for a job, we can often help them find another position where they will excel.
Recruiters are involved in everything but the hiring decision
While some folks may want our help deciding whether to hire someone, we strongly believe the decision should be made internally. As recruiters, our job is to identify strong matches and make introductions between candidates and companies. While we strive to get to know the ins and outs of every company we work with, we’ll never know them better than their own teams.
Our team of Executive and Professional Recruiters is here if you need advice or you’re ready to start the search for your next hire. Contact us or call us at 651-383-2020.