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In this guide

In this guide

The Best Recruitment Agencies in Brisbane

Updated 18 March 2023

Summary

  • Recruitment agencies are vital in connecting Brisbane businesses and organisations with top talent, saving time and resources while ensuring a good fit between candidates and job openings.
  • With varying costs and services, you must ask key questions about their experience, processes, and fees to find the right agency for your organisation’s needs. You don’t want to waste time and money with a recruiter that’s out of their depth or inexperienced, as the candidates they generate can hold your business back.
  • In-house recruitment may be an alternative, and we discuss this in detail in our guide to help you make an informed decision.
  • Our guide outlines costs, questions to ask, in-house recruitment, frequently asked questions, and a list of Brisbane’s most trusted and experienced recruitment agencies.

Know This: Recruitment agencies spend much of their time and resources on finding the best candidates for your organisation’s role. They are thorough in their screening process and hire experts. Many recruitment agencies specialise in specific industries such as IT, financing, logistics, insurance, construction, etc.

If you are looking for a suitable recruitment agency to work with, make sure that their expertise aligns with your organisation’s needs. Our list of trusted recruiters below outlines what industries each specialise in.

Recruitment Agencies Brisbane Costs

Recruitment Agency Costs

The cost of using a recruitment agency can vary depending on the type of role, industry, market conditions, and level of expertise required. Generally, recruitment fees are calculated as a percentage of the selected candidate’s annual remuneration package, which includes their base salary plus superannuation contributions. Generally:

  1. For a standard permanent recruitment service, fees typically range from 15% to 20% of the remuneration package. This cost covers the recruiter’s time and effort in sourcing, screening, and interviewing potential candidates. The fee can increase to as much as 25% for hard-to-fill positions requiring specialised skills or in high demand.
  2. Executive recruitment services, which focus on finding top-tier talent for high-level positions, usually charge between 15% and 25% of the remuneration package. These services are more expensive due to the extensive search and selection process in identifying and securing your organisation’s most qualified and experienced candidates.
  3. Temporary recruitment service fees also fall within the 15% to 20% range. The cost incorporates the provision of temporary staff for your business. It can be influenced by industry, market demand, and the specific agreement terms between your organisation and the recruitment agency.

Know This: While the fee percentage (15% to 25%) remains similar across all three types of recruitment services, the actual cost will depend on the nature of the role you are seeking to fill, your agreement with the recruitment agency, and the expertise of the candidates they provide. By understanding the fee structure and working closely with one recruitment agency, you can better manage recruitment costs while securing the right talent for your organisation’s needs.Recruitment Agencies Brisbane Questions to Ask Initial Consultation

Questions to Ask a Recruitment Agency Before Signing an Agreement

By asking critical questions upfront, you’ll understand a recruitment agency’s capabilities, values, and services comprehensively. You can then plan within your team(s) accordingly and ensure you’re not busy or away when the interviews and shortlisting take place. Commonly asked questions include:

  1. How will I be charged for your services? Before signing a contract with a recruitment agency, clarify the payment terms. There are typically two types of fee structures: a retained fee or a contingency fee. A contingency fee, the most common payment method, means you only pay if a suitable candidate is successfully recruited. With a retained fee, you pay a portion of the total percentage upfront, with the remainder due when the candidate starts work. Understanding the fee structure will help you manage costs effectively and minimise your risk.
  2. Do you have experience in recruiting for similar roles in my industry? It’s essential to ensure that the agency understands the type of position you need to fill and the ideal candidate profile. Ask for examples or case studies demonstrating their experience placing candidates in similar roles. This will give you confidence in their ability to find the right candidate for your workplace.
  3. What is your replacement or clawback policy if the candidate leaves early? Some agencies offer a fee reimbursement or replacement guarantee if a candidate leaves within a specified time frame, usually within the first few months of employment. Not all agencies provide such a guarantee, so it’s crucial to inquire and negotiate a suitable refund or replacement arrangement that protects your organisation’s interests.
  4. What is your recruitment process, and how do you source and screen candidates? Understanding the recruitment agency’s process, from sourcing candidates to conducting interviews and reference checks will give you insight into their approach and the quality of candidates they provide. This will also help you gauge the level of communication and support you can expect throughout the hiring process.
  5. How do you handle client communication and updates during the recruitment process? Effective communication is critical when working with a recruitment agency. Ask about their communication methods and frequency of updates to ensure you’re kept informed about the progress of your search. Knowing how they handle communication will help you establish a successful working relationship. 
  6. Can you provide references from other clients in my industry? Request references from other clients within your industry who have used the agency’s services. This will give you a better understanding of their capabilities and the level of satisfaction among their clientele.
  7. What is your success rate in filling positions within the agreed-upon time frame? Ask about the agency’s track record in successfully filling positions within the time frame agreed upon in the contract. This will help you assess their efficiency and reliability in delivering results.
  8. How do you manage candidate expectations and ensure cultural fit with our organisation? A candidate’s cultural fit is crucial for long-term success in your organisation. Ask the agency about their approach to evaluating candidates’ alignment with your company culture and values and how they manage candidate expectations regarding the role and your organisation.
  9. What is your approach to diversity and inclusion in the recruitment process? Diversity and inclusion are increasingly important in the modern workplace. Inquire about the agency’s commitment to promoting diversity and its strategies for sourcing a diverse pool of candidates. This will help ensure your organisation’s recruitment process aligns with your values and supports a diverse workforce.
  10. How do you handle difficult-to-fill or niche roles? If you anticipate needing to fill specialised or niche roles, ask the agency about their experience and strategies for sourcing candidates with unique skills or qualifications. This will give you an idea of their adaptability and resourcefulness in meeting your organisation’s hiring needs.

Recruitment Agencies Brisbane DIY Options and Considerations

Is In-House Recruitment a Viable Alternative to Using a Recruitment Agency?

Organisations can choose to recruit candidates in-house instead of engaging a recruitment agency, and it’s not uncommon within Brisbane businesses and even some government organisations. While the fees associated with using a recruitment agency may seem high, it’s essential to consider the additional costs and time commitments involved in managing the recruitment process internally. When recruiting on your own, you will be responsible for the following:

  1. Advertising the position: You’ll need to create and publish job advertisements on relevant job boards, social media platforms, and your company website, which can be time-consuming and costly.
  2. Screening resumes: Sorting through the influx of applications and identifying potential candidates requires significant time and attention to detail.
  3. Arranging and conducting interviews: Coordinating schedules, preparing interview questions, and conducting multiple rounds of interviews with candidates can be a lengthy process, particularly for busy organisations.
  4. Checking references and conducting background checks: Verifying a candidate’s professional history and ensuring they are a good fit for your organisation involves contacting previous employers and conducting thorough background checks.
  5. Managing the offer and negotiation process: Crafting an attractive offer and negotiating employment terms, such as salary and benefits, can be complex and time-consuming. Is it your talent, and if not, would it take someone else’s time and focus away from your core business?

Know This: In-house recruitment can be a lot of hassle and lead to less-than-perfect results.

  • While some organisations may have the resources and capacity to manage these tasks effectively, many find that the time and effort required for in-house recruitment can be just as costly as engaging a recruitment agency.
  • Furthermore, recruiting on your own may result in a longer hiring process, potentially leading to lost productivity and increased pressure on existing employees. Unless you and your team have the networks to recruit from, then going it alone can be a big risk.
  • Partnering with a recruitment agency can save organisations significant time and effort by handling the entire recruitment process on their behalf.
  • Additionally, agencies often have access to a wider pool of candidates, specialized industry knowledge, and expertise in identifying the right candidate for the role.
  • Ultimately, recruiting in-house or using a recruitment agency will depend on your organisation’s needs, resources, and hiring goals.

Recruitment Agencies Brisbane Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do recruitment agencies work?

Recruitment firms operate as a liaison between clients and candidates. Clients will approach recruiters with job openings that need to be filled. The recruitment agencies will publish the openings on various platforms, including their websites, SEEK, relevant trade publications and/or a series of newspapers. In addition, they will have a database of individuals they can search through to build a short list of suitable candidates and advertise for the post that needs to be filled. The recruiter will then prepare the applicants for interviews with the companies, and the employers will decide whether or not they are satisfied with the candidate then.

How involved will I be in the hiring process?

Generally, agencies will allow you to be as engaged in the hiring process as possible. You will be able to work with the agency to find the ideal candidate for you whether you or someone from your organisation want to be present at every interview or if you merely want to give a description of what you are looking for and allow the agency to take care of the rest. How long does the recruiting process take? The time it takes to find the ideal applicant for your organisation’s position will be primarily determined by how difficult the role is to fill and the talent pool available. Agencies are constantly searching for people to fill their organisational and other clients’ vacancies as quickly and efficiently as possible.

How do recruitment agencies ensure a good fit between candidates and the job opening?

Recruitment agencies use a combination of methods to ensure a good fit between candidates and job openings. This may include pre-screening interviews, skills assessments, background checks, and evaluating candidates’ cultural fit with the company. Additionally, many agencies will work closely with clients to thoroughly understand their needs and preferences.

What is the cost of using a recruitment agency?

The cost of using a recruitment agency can vary depending on factors such as the type of placement (permanent or temporary), the level of the position, and the agency’s fee structure. Fees can be calculated as a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary, a flat fee, or through other arrangements. Therefore, discussing pricing with the agency upfront is essential to avoid any surprises.

How do recruitment agencies handle confidentiality during the hiring process?

Recruitment agencies take confidentiality seriously and will typically have measures to protect the client’s and candidate’s information. This may include signing non-disclosure agreements, securely storing data, and ensuring that only relevant team members can access sensitive information. It’s crucial to discuss any confidentiality concerns with the agency to ensure your organisation’s needs are met.

What if the candidate doesn’t work out after placement?

Many recruitment agencies offer a guarantee period, which means that if a candidate doesn’t work out within a specified timeframe, the agency will either find a replacement candidate at no additional cost or provide a refund. The length and terms of the guarantee period may vary, so it’s essential to discuss this with the agency during the initial stages of the hiring process.

The Best Recruitment Agencies in Brisbane

The Best Brisbane Recruitment Companies

Robert Half

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Dedicated to their work and provide assistance throughout the entire recruitment process.
  • Offer reliable and professional advice during the recruitment process and have excellent communication skills.
  • Listen to requests, and assist with enthusiasm.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, accounting and finance, business support, risk and compliance, technology.

Hudson

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Knowledgeable about the job market and job opportunities.
  • Good communication and makes the process of contracting seamless.
  • Friendly and professional team.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice, accounting & finance, analytics, business support, engineering, human resources, marketing, communications & digital, project services, policy & program.

Hays

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Excellent communicators with a transparent process.
  • Provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure the success of placements.
  • Professional and friendly team.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

Page Personnel

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Professional and efficient in finding suitable jobs for candidates.
  • Honest and kind agents who are helpful and responsive to the needs of candidates.
  • Provide a great experience for candidates and are quick to respond to questions.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search, in-demand sectors.

people2people

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Help job seekers find the right position that matches their skills and goals.
  • Provide guidance and support throughout the job search process.
  • Connect job seekers with potential employers and facilitate the hiring process.

Services offered (but not limited to): HR solutions, interview guidance, job search, hiring advice.

Bayside Group

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide access to job opportunities and connections that may not be available through other channels.
  • Offer support and guidance throughout the job search process, including resume and interview preparation.
  • Help to match candidates with appropriate job openings based on their skills, experience, and career goals.

Services offered (but not limited to): Talent sourcing, on-hired employment, permanent recruitment, workplace consulting, people management, payrolls, employment compliance, managed services, workplace safety management.

Talentpath

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Friendly, professional, and supportive of candidates during the application and interview process.
  • Provides a positive and stress-free experience for candidates.
  • Go the extra mile to help candidates succeed in their job search. 

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

Sapphire Recruitment

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Skilled at finding roles that match the experience and skills of candidates.
  • Professional, responsive, and approachable team.
  • Excellent communication and support throughout the recruitment process.

Services offered (but not limited to): Accounting jobs, career planning, interview guidance, resume writing, accounting recruitment, vacancy.

anzuk Education

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provide a respectful, supportive, and positive work environment for contractors.
  • Offer a good work-life balance and advance notice of shifts, as well as competitive wages and timely payment.
  • Caring and supportive agents who are organised and efficient in their processes.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

MW Recruitment

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Take the time to get to know candidates and understand their skills and experience.
  • Provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure the success of placements.
  • Great advice and guidance to candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

Robert Walters

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Professional and supportive.
  • Dedicated to finding the best employment match for their clients.
  • Efficient and effective process, with a focus on the needs of the candidate.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice, temp recruitment, perm recruitment, volume recruitment, executive recruitment, hiring advice.

Volare Recruitment

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Go above and beyond to support candidates and address any issues that may arise.
  • Professional and knowledgeable about the roles and companies they represent.
  • Comfortable and informal interview process.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

Drake International

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Personalised and supportive assistance.
  • Professional attitude and proficient in what they do.
  • Help to find training and development opportunities.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

Youngbrook Recruitment

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Genuinely strive to find roles that are suited to the skills and interests of candidates.
  • Ongoing support and check-ins to ensure the success of placements.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

Edison Talent

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Focus on understanding the needs of the hiring company and providing quality candidates for positions.
  • Strong track record of success in finding candidates through various methods.
  • Provide excellent customer service.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment (executive appointments, software development, data analytics, admin, human resources, accountant and many more), job search training program, career advice, hiring advice.

CV2ME

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Consistently provided excellent service to its clients for extended periods of time.
  • Genuinely interested in the progress and fit of new hires for their clients.
  • Offers a cost-effective and efficient recruitment process, with a no-fuss approach.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

Morgan Consulting

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provides valuable advice and support to candidates during their job search, 
  • Strives to understand their client’s needs and goals.
  • Approachable and easy to work with.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment (technology, digital, HR, business support, marketing, supply chain), job search training program, career advice.

Finite IT Recruitment Solutions

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Friendly and helpful team.
  • Provide excellent communication and support to candidates and clients.
  • The agency can offer a high level of service to its customers.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment (technology, digital, data and analytics, business transformation, project services, risk management, insurance), job search training program, career advice. 

Stenhouse Recruitment Brisbane

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Provides personalised and thorough support throughout the recruitment process.
  • Skilled and professional recruiters who are able to effectively interview candidates and draw out their skills and goals.
  • Caring and attentive to the needs and well-being of candidates.

Services offered (but not limited to): Job recruitment, job search training program, career advice.

OnTalent

Overview:

What customers like:

  • Timely communications with clients and candidates.
  • Take the time to understand the unique needs and concerns of each client.
  • Genuine interest in the success and journey of their candidates.

Services offered (but not limited to): Career management, recruitment, executive search, individuals, job search.