What makes a client a good client?

Whats your definition of a good client’?

The success of any recruitment business is heavily influenced by the collaboration between clients and recruiters. A positive partnership can lead to finding the ideal candidate who seamlessly integrates into the company’s culture and meets the organization’s needs without stress for either party.

But what are the characteristics that make a “good client” in the world of recruitment?

First lets talk about the basics, you need respect between both parties and clear and open communication is a key starting point.

• A clear job description & company overview. A good client experience starts with recognizing the importance of a detailed job description. They provide a comprehensive overview of the role, including responsibilities, qualifications, and the ideal candidate profile. Additionally, they are transparent about budget constraints, timelines, and expectations throughout the hiring process.
• Open communication – One of the most important characteristics of a good client is communication. This includes being available for discussions, responding promptly to queries, and actively participating in feedback. Good clients keep lines of communication open, informing recruiters of any changes or delays, ensuring a smooth and efficient hiring process.

So how do you establish a Recruitment Partnership?

Start by asking yourself these questions.

Where will your best return come from? What makes a ‘good client’ for a recruitment agency?

The answers to these questions are crucial but also nuanced because you have to address the short-term need to fill jobs now – that is our business, after all. The factors defining a ‘good client’ may change depending on the market. Recruiters must be constantly assessing and evaluating because you simply cannot afford to invest time in clients who are not compatible with your goals.

The market right now is a case in point. Most recruiters need more work. In some cases, desperation has set in. So, ‘any client is a good client’ might be the prevailing attitude. But beware of the opportunity cost. While you slave away on the job description and hiring, the client might be messing you around. You could be investing in a better-quality client or even hunting for new customers.

What’s Syntech’s client checklist?

• Works hard to attract and hire good people
• Knows their people are their biggest asset.
• Works in partnership with you, as proven by their rapid response times, constant updating on job status and exclusive working agreement.
• Moves fast – they get back to you on shortlists, interview promptly, give swift, thoughtful feedback and make an offer when a decision needs to be made.
• Takes advice on the job description, marketing,  salaries, market and process.
• Can sell their company and internal roles
• Understands that ‘the power’ in hiring is often with candidates.
• Pays on time and without debate, seeing your value and agreeing with your terms
• Is a client candidates want to work for!
• All the points are essential, but the last one is the deal-breaker. You get paid for ‘acceptances’, not ‘offers’, so work with clients for whom your candidates want to work. That means understanding both in-depth candidate motivation and what each client offers in compensation, culture, ethos, training, flexibility and much more.

Many recruitment agencies are not used to ‘selecting clients’. We do it with candidates, but clients are somehow sacred. They select us. This has to change and we need to be selective on who we choose to work with.

Regardless of the above, I advise you to put your effort & energy into clients that work to your list and share the same values.