Isn’t it wonderful when a client runs an outstanding recruitment process? After 25 years in the recruitment industry, having worked with thousands of businesses—big and small, famous and unknown—I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the truly exceptional. Some businesses have stellar reputations, but their recruitment processes can be far from ideal. Others, lesser-known but more forward-thinking, have crafted processes that set a new standard.
It’s fascinating to observe how different companies approach recruitment. As the industry evolves, I’ve noticed an increasing number of businesses prefer to keep recruiters at arm’s length, often conducting everything via email or talent management systems. This can create a sense of distance between the recruiter and hiring manager, making the process less personal and often more rigid. However, every once in a while, you encounter a client that reminds you what a truly exceptional recruitment process looks like.
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with one such client, and I wanted to share some insights on what made them so brilliant to partner with.
Prioritizing Time and Communication
The first thing that stood out to me was the time this business invested. They didn’t rush through the process or skip crucial steps. Instead, they took time to understand my business, my approach, and the candidate I was presenting.
Even before we got into the specifics of the job role, they were genuinely interested in understanding how I work. This is rare but incredibly valuable. Often, businesses focus solely on their needs without investing time to understand how the recruiter operates or builds relationships. This client broke that mold.
They also made sure that communication was clear and responsive. We arranged multiple conversations over a few days, and they were prompt in their responses. The dialogue was thorough—not just about their company’s needs but also about how I could provide value and how we could work together effectively.
This approach immediately signaled that they were committed to building a productive partnership. They weren’t simply checking boxes—they were building a relationship.
Respect for Terms and Transparent Negotiation
Another key point that made this client stand out was their respect for the terms I set. Many businesses, when discussing fees or terms of service, will often try to negotiate down the rates, sometimes undermining the value of the service being offered. But not this client.
When I explained my terms, they didn’t try to haggle or chip away at my rates. Instead, they appreciated the value I brought to the table. This created an atmosphere of mutual respect and made the process much smoother.
Knowing your worth as a recruiter is crucial, but having a client who recognizes and honors that is a rare and valuable thing. It creates a foundation of trust and sets the stage for a strong, long-term working relationship.
A True Two-Way Process: Mutual Understanding
One of the most impressive aspects of this client’s approach was their understanding that recruitment is a two-way street. Too often, I see businesses treating the interview process as one-sided, with all the pressure on the candidate to impress. This client, however, recognized that it’s just as important for the company to sell itself to the candidate as it is for the candidate to present their skills.
They spent considerable time explaining their business, their culture, and what they were looking for. They didn’t simply expect the candidate to prove themselves without offering a clear picture of what they could provide in return. This is such an important element of recruitment that often gets overlooked. Candidates are not just applying for a job—they’re considering whether your business aligns with their values and career goals.
This two-way process not only made the candidates feel valued but also ensured that both parties had a clear understanding of each other, which significantly reduced the chances of a mismatch later down the line.
Flexibility and Efficiency in Scheduling
Another aspect that made this client stand out was their flexibility. When arranging interviews, they were accommodating to the candidate’s schedule and made sure the right people were available at the right times. They understood the importance of efficiency in the recruitment process and didn’t drag it out unnecessarily.
I’ve worked with many clients who seem to believe that because they hold the power to offer a job, they can take their time or make the candidate jump through hoops. This client, however, was focused on making the process as streamlined as possible. They respected the candidate’s time as much as their own, which left a positive impression on all involved.
Clarity and Open-Mindedness in Job Requirements
The job spec this client provided was crystal clear. They knew exactly what they were looking for in terms of skills, experience, and cultural fit. But what made them truly exceptional was their ability to remain open-minded.
They had a clear vision of the candidate’s career path within the company, but they weren’t so rigid that they rejected candidates who didn’t tick every single box. They were willing to consider people with slightly different backgrounds or skill sets, provided those individuals brought something valuable to the table. This kind of flexibility allowed them to tap into a wider pool of talent and ultimately make a better hire.
Constructive and Balanced Feedback
The feedback this client provided throughout the process was timely, balanced, and constructive. In many cases, feedback can either be overly harsh or frustratingly vague. Not with this client.
They gave feedback quickly—usually on the same day or by the next morning—and it was always a balanced mix of positive and developmental points. Even when they had reservations about a candidate, they communicated it in a way that felt helpful, not critical. This kind of open and transparent communication ensured that everyone involved remained on the same page throughout the process.
A Thorough and Inclusive Selection Process
What truly set this client apart was the thoroughness of their selection process. It wasn’t just a standard interview and background check—they went above and beyond to make sure they were choosing the right person.
They incorporated scientific methods like psychometric testing, which they didn’t use as a pass/fail mechanism but as a tool to understand how the candidate would fit into their leadership team. This approach was thoughtful, focusing not only on whether the candidate matched their current needs but also how they could contribute in unique and meaningful ways.
They took the time to analyze the results with both the candidate and the business, making the process feel inclusive and collaborative. This ensured that the decision wasn’t just based on gut feeling but on a well-rounded understanding of the candidate’s potential.
A Well-Matched and Confident Hiring Decision
The decision-making process took about two to three weeks, which may seem lengthy, but it was worth the time. The candidate felt that the process was well-thought-out and that the company was making a deliberate decision, rather than a hasty one.
This gave the candidate confidence in the business, knowing they weren’t just another number being rushed through a recruitment funnel. The company’s methodical approach resulted in a well-matched hire—someone who truly fit the company’s culture, vision, and values.
Long-Term Success and Loyalty
The company’s history of well-thought-out recruitment processes is evident in their incredibly loyal, highly engaged workforce. Their employees are fully aligned with the business’s vision and values, which makes it a great place to work. They understand that a deliberate, respectful, and inclusive recruitment process leads to long-term success for both the company and its employees.
I was genuinely thrilled to have worked with this business. This was my first opportunity to partner with them, but based on this experience, it certainly won’t be the last. Their commitment to excellence reminded me of what great recruitment looks like. It’s a business I would go above and beyond to work with again, and any time they have a vacancy, I’ll be championing them because I know first-hand what a great process they run and the exceptional results it leads to.
Patrick Bell is a specialist recruiter for the Accountancy Practice sector, focussing on senior appointments across the north west of the UK the business is now expanding its services to the Yorkshire, North East and Midlands.
If you are interested in exploring opportunities or have a need to hire then please feel free to request a confidential conversation to discuss. https://calendly.com/patrick-genesis/chat-with-patrick-bell-genesis