Recruitment Fees - People Finding Consultancy

Recruitment agencies have a bit of a reputation, don’t they?

If you’ve ever been stung by hefty recruitment fees and a hire that didn’t work out, I wouldn’t blame you for being sceptical. But when used in the right way, and with the right person, an agency can take a huge weight off your shoulders and bring you brilliant people you may never have found on your own.

This blog is your practical, honest guide to making it work, what to look for, how to handle recruitment fees, and how to make sure the person you hire is worth every penny.

How much should you pay a recruitment agency in fees?

Let’s start with the big question, what do recruitment fees actually look like?

The truth is, fees vary massively. Some agencies undervalue themselves and charge as little as 8% of salary, while others, especially those in niche or specialist sectors can charge 25% or more. Most will work on a percentage of the final salary offered to the successful person.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It’s more about what you’re comfortable with and what fits your budget. But it’s important to understand what those recruitment fees are paying for.

You’re not just buying CVs. You’re investing in:

Someone who understands your business and your values
Time saved from sifting, screening and scheduling
Market insight and honest advice
A well-managed process from start to finish

In my case, I don’t operate as a traditional agency. I work as an in-house recruitment partner, going fresh to market every time and finding people who align with your brand and your purpose. My recruitment fee reflects the time, thought and care that goes into every stage.

Should you negotiate on fees?

It’s tempting, especially when budgets are tight. But here’s the reality, negotiating recruitment fees can have unintended consequences.

In many agencies, recruiters are paid commission based on the value of each placement. If you’ve pushed them down on price, you might also be pushing yourself down the priority list. That means the best CVs, or the most sought-after candidates, might end up going to clients who pay more.

If you do want to explore alternatives, it’s often better to talk about structure, like stage payments or extended guarantees, rather than just aiming to knock the cost down. A trusted recruiter will be open to a conversation that works for both sides.

Is it worth using a recruitment agency, or someone like me?

It depends what you need.

If you have the time, skills and capacity to recruit well internally, you may not need outside help. But most small businesses don’t. Hiring is time-consuming and easy to get wrong, especially if it’s something you’re doing on top of everything else.

The value of paying recruitment fees isn’t just about the hire, it’s about the partnership. A good recruiter will:

Help you shape the job and interview process
Find and attract people you wouldn’t reach on your own
Act as a sounding board when you’re unsure
Guide and support the person you hire well beyond day one

This is exactly what I do for my clients. I manage the entire recruitment process as if I were part of your team. I’ll help you hire with confidence, and learn along the way.

Does it cost money to talk to a recruiter?

No. Or at least, it shouldn’t.

A proper recruiter should never charge you just for a conversation. I offer complimentary consultations to all businesses considering hiring. It’s a chance to talk about what you need, explore whether I can help, and decide if we’d be a good fit to work together.

You’ll only ever be asked to pay recruitment fees if and when we agree a project and get going.

How do I find a good recruitment agency or partner?

Ask around. Seriously.

The best recruiters are usually found through word-of-mouth. Recruitment is a people business, and it’s about trust as much as expertise.

You’ll often find that recruiters move between agencies, or set up on their own, due to the pressures and targets in the industry. So don’t just ask for agency names, ask which people your peers have had a good experience with.

When you find someone, look for someone who:

Listens more than they talk
Asks about your values, not just your vacancy
Cares about long-term fit, not just a quick hire

Final thoughts: how to work with a recruitment agency successfully

If you’re planning to hire, and you’re thinking about outsourcing, here are a few ways to make recruitment fees work for you:

Be upfront about your expectations and budget
Treat your recruiter as a partner, not a supplier
Ask questions about their process, not just their price
Value the time, skill and experience they bring

At People Finding Consultancy, I’m not an agency. I’m your in-house recruiter, working alongside you to find the right person, not just any person.

If you’re thinking about hiring and want someone you can trust to take the weight off, I’d love to talk. No charge, no pressure, just a proper conversation.