It might seem unusual for a recruitment company to say this, but not every business should use an agency. Recruitment only works when there is genuine partnership, shared understanding, and care for the outcome. The truth is that many agencies still operate in a way that does not serve their clients or candidates properly. So, if an agency is not listening, not communicating, or not putting your best interests first, you should not use them.
When recruitment becomes a transaction
Recruitment often goes wrong when it becomes about filling a gap rather than finding the right person. Too many agencies work on volume. They rush through CVs, push for quick placements, and treat recruitment as a numbers game. The faster they fill a role, the faster they get paid.
That approach rarely ends well. A rushed hire can cause tension within your team, create extra work, and damage morale. It also gives clients the sense that they have paid for little value. Recruitment should be a thoughtful, consultative process that saves you time, not a scramble that creates more problems than it solves.
When you work with an agency that prioritises commission over quality, you lose control of the process. You are left managing candidates who have not been vetted, receiving poor communication, and wondering if the recruiter ever understood your brief. That is not partnership. It is a transaction and businesses deserve better.
What the right partnership looks like
Good recruitment feels different. It is built on understanding, honesty, and genuine interest in your success. The right recruiter acts as part of your business, not as an outsider sending CVs at random. They take time to learn how your team works, what values matter to you, and what kind of person will add the most to your culture.
This partnership is based on trust and communication. A good recruiter will keep you informed, ask questions, and give honest feedback, even when that means saying something you might not expect. They will not promise what they cannot deliver or push you to make a quick decision just to close a deal.
When a recruiter treats your vacancy with care, they are not just finding someone to do a job. They are representing your brand, your standards, and your reputation in the job market. That responsibility should never be taken lightly.
At Green Bee, we see ourselves as an extension of your team. We invest time in getting it right because your success is our success.
When to walk away
If your recruitment agency does not communicate, if they send CVs without explanation, or if they push for fees rather than fit, it is time to walk away. The right recruiter will make your life easier, not harder. They will give you confidence in every step of the process and save you time by filtering out unsuitable candidates before you ever meet them.
Choosing the wrong agency can cost more than the placement fee. It can lead to wasted hours, missed opportunities, and poor hires that damage your business. The best agencies focus on long-term results, not short-term wins.
The truth is that you should not use recruitment agencies that do not act in your best interests. You should only work with recruiters who listen, communicate, and care as much about your business as you do.
Recruitment is about people, trust, and growth. When you find a partner who shares that view, the results will always be worth it.
