Know the difference: Agency versus corporate recruitment

Agency and corporate recruiters offer jobs to well-qualified candidates, but not all job-seekers know the difference between the two such as how to prepare for interviews or how job offers from either one can impact future earnings.

Recruitment agency:
Recruitment agencies use both recruiters and account managers to interview candidates and fill positions for companies. If you have an interview with a recruitment agency, you may be surprised to know that you would have to pay them a percentage of your salary if you land a job as a result of working with them. This is because agency recruitment is primarily focused on sales gained by developing business for the agency. Although agencies may charge a commission fee on your future earnings, agencies carry many benefits for candidates including interview coaching, CV assessments, and offering help with negotiating benefits and salary with a potential employer.

If you're looking for an agency to represent you to one of their clients, here are a few tips to prepare for the first interview:

1. Articulate exactly what you are seeking in your next employer such as temporary versus permanent work, career development etc…
2. Rehearse your answers to behavioural questions (i.e. "Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision") and situational questions that may require you to describe a work process so the recruiter can gauge your technical or functional expertise
3. Compile a list of jobs and companies to which you have applied (or would enjoy working for) and the names of other recruitment agencies where you are registered (to prevent conflicts of interest and show initiative).

Corporate Recruitment:
If you have an interview with a company recruiter or HR, you can expect a less sales or business-driven approach during the interview process, as HR work for one company, screening and interviewing candidates. Also, it is important to both the recruiter, as well as their firm, that candidates maintain a high level of professionalism and responsiveness throughout the interview process, so corporate recruiters will focus more on building relationships and rapport with candidates.

When preparing for the first interview with a corporate recruiter, be prepared to:

1. Tell the recruiter about your professional history and why you may have left your last job
2. Explain why you are interested in the position and why you want to work for the company
3. Ask engaging questions of the recruiter to show enthusiasm

Most importantly remember the difference in questions agency and corporate recruiters want the answers to – recruitment agents what clients and positions you are match for and HR in an organisation would like to know if you are a good match for the role and the company. Regardless, if you are preparing for a first interview with an agency or corporate recruiter, it is important to be professional and straightforward throughout the interview process.


By Jerry Grimes