The Pitfalls of Multi-Agency Recruitment
Why “casting a wide net” damages your hiring process
Working with multiple recruitment agencies on the same role might seem like a smart strategy to find talent quickly.
The logic appears sound: more agencies mean more candidates, which should lead to faster placements. However, in niche industries like beauty, cosmetics, and personal care, this approach often backfires in ways that hiring managers rarely anticipate.
Reputational Damage in a Small World
Our industry is smaller than many people realise. Professionals know each other, move between companies, and talk constantly. Being approached by several agencies for the same role creates the impression that the position is difficult to fill or that the company is desperate.
We’re often asked “What’s wrong with this company? Why are they having trouble filling this role?”.
Understandably, many people are reluctant to join a business that appears unstable or poorly managed in their recruitment practices.
The Priority Problem
Recruitment is fundamentally relationship-driven, particularly in specialised industries. When an agency knows they’re competing with others for the same placement, your position naturally falls lower on their priority list.
Consider the situation from the recruiters’ perspective: Why would an agency invest significant resources researching candidates, conducting thorough screenings, and performing detailed background checks when the likelihood of placement is significantly diminished?
Instead, they’ll allocate their best resources to retained roles and exclusive partnerships where their expertise is valued and compensated fairly.
The best recruiters – those with the strongest industry connections and the most refined candidate pools – typically work on retained assignments or exclusive roles because these arrangements reflect a true partnership with mutual investment.
The False Economy of Budget Recruitment
It’s like choosing a car for an important journey… Ok, you might get there in an old banger, but with a sore neck, sore back and shaken bones, sweating profusely or freezing cold! Far from the luxurious experience of driving a quality car, you might not reach your destination at all.
And if the budget option breaks down, as they often do, you’ll have to call for specialist help anyway. Which is why we frequently step in to rescue recruitment projects for companies that have wasted valuable time and resources.
Quality recruitment is an investment, not an expense. Industry-specialist recruiters give you access to industry knowledge, candidate relationships, and market intelligence. They provide you with a pool of thoroughly vetted candidates who match not just the skills requirements but also your company culture and growth trajectory.
Your Team Drives Your Success
Your staff are your most important business asset. They determine your company’s tone, quality, and growth potential every single day. Doesn’t it make sense to invest in recruiting the very best talent through an agency that truly understands your industry?
With 23 years of experience, and 100% of our clients willing to recommend our services, we focus on building meaningful partnerships with companies who understand that quality recruitment is an investment, not an expense.
The Partnership Approach
The most successful placements come from true partnership. When we understand your business objectives, company culture, and specific needs, we can leverage our extensive industry network to find candidates who will thrive in your environment.
Work exclusively with us and you’ll do more than fill roles; you’ll build a team that will drive your business forward for years to come.
Arthur Edward is a leading beauty, personal care & FMCG recruitment agency. We find top talent along the product lifecycle to innovate, launch and market bestselling cosmetic and beauty products.
If you’re looking for a job or looking for staff in the industry, we can help you find your perfect match. Contact us today!