Recruitment is getting a shake-up in Swindon, thanks to a local HR company turning the usual hiring methods on their head.
The HR Dept, already well known for its expertise in people management, launched its Agile Recruitment service after clients asked for help finding new talent. What’s caught attention is the firm’s clever and cost-effective approach, which is challenging the traditional recruitment agencies.
Unlike the usual model, where fees are a hefty slice of the candidate’s salary, the HR Dept charges clients based on the time taken, allowing them to set their own budget. This means fees are significantly lower — a real win for businesses.
Geri Hardy, who heads up Agile Recruitment at the Swindon branch and its sister office in London, explained the difference:
“Traditional recruiters typically charge a placement fee that can range from 15% to 25% of the salary. We don’t do that. Our fees usually work out at around 6%, making us a much more affordable option.”
Geri and fellow recruiter Laura Fairbridge use the same tools as other agencies but offer a partnership style of working that’s proving popular. They began the service in response to direct requests from clients and have seen growing success since.
The model works particularly well when filling multiple roles, such as in hospitality or sales, where the cost savings really stack up.
Clients also benefit from the company’s solid HR foundation, ensuring all recruitment activity complies with employment law.
Geri added that clients can choose the level of support they want — from helping organise processes and best practice, to handling everything from candidate sourcing and interviews through to onboarding.
Lulu Crosthwaite-Eyre, from Cygnus Instruments, is a fan of the Agile Recruitment team.
“Geri and Laura are proactive, friendly and genuinely understand our company culture. Their service is refreshingly cost-effective, and we’ve had great success recruiting with them.”
The HR Dept’s service covers a broad range of sectors — from engineering and finance to manufacturing and the not-for-profit world — with around 80% of clients returning whenever they need to recruit.
“We fill all sorts of roles, from entry-level to six-figure salaries. Our recruitment clients see us as their in-house team, just like our HR clients do,” Geri said.
If your business is looking for a fresh approach to recruitment, you can get in touch with Geri Hardy by emailing geri.hardy@hrdept.co.uk or calling 01793 683 398.
For more information on the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, visit hrdept.co.uk/swindon-north-wiltshire-east-cotswolds.
