Why DIY Recruiting is Not a Good Idea
Written by Pam Moore
Handling your own recruiting, rather than partnering with experts like Talent Network Global, is like attempting to cut your own hair – it’s doable… but it often leads to questionable results.
Some Things Are Best Left To The Professionals
Have you ever tried to cut your own hair? As kids, many of us ended up with chunks taken out of our fringes, or bald patches at the back of our heads, often right before it was time for the annual school photo!
Handling your own recruiting, rather than partnering with experts like Talent Network Global, is like attempting to cut your own hair – it’s doable… but it often leads to questionable results. Just as hair colouring is best left to trained stylists to avoid mishaps, recruiting is more effective when entrusted to the professionals.
So Why Do We Do It?
The main reason companies try DIY recruiting is to save money, but as the saying goes, “penny wise, pound foolish.” Running an in-house recruitment team involves fixed costs, including salaries, IT infrastructure, and licensing, that don’t adjust to changing staffing needs. For small and medium-sized businesses, the cost is often in missed opportunities, as HR lacks the network, tools, and focus to effectively attract top talent.
Outsourcing recruitment to specialist agencies means that you only spend when you need to.
What Are We Paying For?
The biggest advantage of outsourcing recruiting is quality. Just like going to a reputable stylist for the best look, hiring a talent advisory like Talent Network Global (TNG) connects you with experienced professionals who have spent years building networks across industries, giving you access to a broad talent pool.
And, TNG offers more than recruiting. For example, Talent Mapping allows clients to view talent in specific job categories across companies, industries, and regions, which supports workforce planning. This in-depth knowledge of the talent market enables faster and higher-quality placements.
It’s not just about having networks and databases; it’s about knowing how to use them. TNG brings years of expertise in reaching passive candidates and effectively marketing your company’s brand and culture, a level of service that small and medium-sized HR teams typically cannot match.
Shotgun or Focus?
When hiring recruiters, it’s tempting to use multiple agencies, thinking it will yield better results. However, just like seeing the same hairstylist helps them understand your unique needs over time, building a relationship with a Talent Advisory specialist allows them to get to know your business and culture. This leads to better-suited candidates and faster placements. Additionally, a trusted recruiter can effectively promote your brand and employee value to a wider talent pool, amplifying your reach and appeal.
Price is what you pay, value is what you get
– Warren Buffet
When it comes to recruiting services, we pride ourselves on offering both transparent, fair pricing and maximum value. Traditional models either charge a percentage of the annual salary or a high retainer fee without guaranteed placement. The first model often discourages recruiters from fully investing in quality service, while the second is losing popularity as clients seek value for their money. Our approach combines the best of both worlds: a flexible, cancelable monthly retainer that supports high-quality service, with fees deducted from the final payment to ensure performance-based results.
Low barriers to entry mean many under-resourced recruitment businesses flood the market. As a reputable Talent Advisory Specialist, Talent Network Global stands apart, offering expertise and a proven track record built on a sustainable foundation.
Ready For That Haircut?
I used the hair analogy because, in the past, I’ve rushed to get a haircut or colour and ended up with whoever was immediately available—with poor results. It’s the same with recruiting: you get what you pay for. To work with the best, you need to invest in a relationship, which leads to exceptional results—whether it’s a great hairstyle or top-quality talent.
Connect with Pam at pam@careerconversations.co.za.