There are subtle differences between recruitment companies. It depends on what you want to take from it. 

All firms have a culture embedded within them. Some may be centred on self-interest and materialism, some may have a highly competitive nature about them and some may have a partnership ethic at their roots.

For the most part, particularly with niche industries such as construction recruitment, there are similarities between consultancies, but that’s ok. Jason Drinkwater, Director, explains, “Many candidates are registered with the same agencies, so to some respects for an employer, they could say that everyone looks the same. They all fish from the same pond. However, it’s what fish you put on the plate that matters.”

“For instance, there are many housing developers in the UK, but all have a slight variation. Some may be known for the more cost-efficient end of the market, whilst others could specialise in luxury developments. It’s the differences that others notice, that is important. Yes, recruitment companies look the same from the outside, but it’s how people operate that varies. Everyone has a different ethic, ours is where the relationships matter.”

Building a good business that doesn’t look and feel like the choices available, comes down to shifting from your needs first, to putting others first. Russell Drinkwater, Director, explains, “People might think you can place a role such as an engineer, into every company, but people work with people and what might fit for one company may not work for another. Similar to many other recruiters, we work in the same space as them and many candidates may be resourced from multiple places. However, the difference is how you treat people. Some candidates only want to work with us, when there are others options available. This is why consultancies are not the same based on the strong bonds they have with those around them.”

“The time and effort you put in as a recruiter, matters. For example, a freelance candidate had been struggling with the balance between work and family life. Taking a few weeks away was the best step. We kept in contact and updated on how the marketplace was, for when they were ready. Knowing others and their circumstances is what becomes a differentiator for many recruiters.”

Jack Bond, Director, believes in integrity and the difference in attitude between a national brand and an independent recruitment consultancy, “When you work for a big brand, it’s the name that almost becomes the safety net, in terms of reputation and industry clout. When it comes to smaller firms, it is the alliances made and interactions that are key to everything. For instance, if we let someone down, it could affect the business. What makes consultancies different is the standard that each company sets.”

Whilst the construction recruitment industry could look the same to some in terms of the marketplace they operate within, the differences lie in:

• Relationships made
• Listening and knowing others around you
• The ability to empathise with clients and candidates
• A look to the long term, rather than the now
• The insights provided and the knowledge gained over the years

Just because a recruitment company is industry-specific, alongside other recruiters, it is safe to say that it’s the values of each business is what sets them apart. It depends on what matters to both employers and candidates.

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