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We’re here to help you find the perfect talent for your organisation. Reach out and let’s start a conversation.

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031-8237900

Address

Cato Road, Glenwood,
Durban

Email

sue@thehrco.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

A recruitment agency helps organisations identify, assess and secure suitable candidates for open roles.

The process typically includes:

  1. Understanding the vacancy – job requirements, technical skills, culture fit and salary range 
  2. Candidate sourcing – using databases, networks, referrals and targeted searches 
  3. Screening and interviews – evaluating skills, experience and suitability 
  4. Shortlisting – presenting the best candidates to the client 
  5. Interview coordination – arranging interviews and managing feedback 
  6. Running Reference and Verification Checks – checking applicants backgroups
  7. Offer and placement – assisting with negotiation and acceptance 

A good recruitment consultancy acts as a partner to the hiring company, ensuring the candidates presented match the role requirements and organisational environment.

Companies typically use recruitment agencies when:

  • The role is specialised or difficult to fill
    • Human resources managers/ Line Managers / Business owners lack time to screen large numbers of applicants
    • Confidential recruitment is required
    • The organisation wants access to passive candidates not actively applying for jobs
    • Internal recruitment has not produced suitable candidates

Recruitment agencies can significantly reduce recruitment time by providing pre-screened and qualified candidates.

The recruitment timeline depends on the role, but typical hiring cycles are:

Role Type

Typical Time

Entry-level roles

1–3 weeks

Mid-level professionals

3–6 weeks

Senior or specialist roles

6–12 weeks

Delays often occur due to:

  • unclear job specifications
    • slow interview feedback
    • counter-offers from current employers
    • unrealistic salary expectations

Working with a recruitment consultancy helps streamline the process.

Recruitment agencies typically charge a placement fee, usually calculated as a percentage of the candidate’s annual salary.

Typical structures include:

  • Contingency recruitment – fee payable only once a candidate is placed
    Retained search – partial fee paid upfront for senior or specialised searches

Fees generally range between 10% and 20% of annual salary, depending on the role complexity and recruitment model.

A strong recruitment consultancy focuses on quality of candidates rather than volume of CVs.

Key indicators include:

  • Consultants with HR or industry experience
    • A strong understanding of the client’s business and culture
    • Structured candidate screening processes
    • Honest feedback on the emoloyment market
    • A focus on long-term placements rather than quick placements

Clients should expect well-matched candidates, not large numbers of unsuitable CVs.

This usually happens when:

  • The recruiter does not fully understand the job requirements
    • The job specification is unclear or unrealistic
    • Recruiters focus on volume rather than suitability

A professional recruitment consultancy spends time understanding:

  • the technical requirements of the role
    • the team structure and culture
    • the practical day-to-day responsibilities
  • the nature of the industry

This ensures candidates presented have the skills and experience required for the role.

Many recruitment consultancies specialise in specific sectors such as:

  • Manufacturing
    • Supply Chain & Logistics
    • FMCG
    • Engineering
    • Finance
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Human Resources
    • Information Technology

Specialisation allows recruiters to build deep networks of qualified candidates within specific industries.

No.

One of the key advantages of using a recruitment consultancy is access to passive candidates — professionals who are not actively applying for jobs but may be open to the right opportunity.

These candidates are often:

  • experienced professionals
    • currently employed
    • selective about career moves

Recruitment consultants maintain relationships with these professionals and can approach them when suitable opportunities arise.

To find the right candidates, companies should provide:

  • detailed job description
    • key technical skills required
    • salary range
    • reporting structure
    • company culture information
    • career progression opportunities

The clearer the brief, the easier it is for recruiters to identify the most suitable candidates.

Successful employment often depends on:

  • clear job specifications
    • realistic salary expectations
    • efficient interview processes
    • quick feedback to candidates
    • strong employer branding

Companies that move quickly and communicate clearly are far more likely to secure strong candidates.