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The Candidate Experience: Confusion and Frustration
In retail and hospitality, speed and quality in hiring are crucial. Many businesses, eager to fill roles quickly, engage multiple recruitment agencies at the same time. On the surface, this might seem like the best way to access a wide talent pool and speed up the process. However, from a candidate’s perspective - and often from a hiring efficiency standpoint - this approach can create more problems than it solves.
When multiple agencies are working on the same role, candidates can end up being contacted several times about the same position. This might seem harmless, but in reality, it causes several issues:
It looks unorganised – Candidates can be put off if they receive the same job details from different agencies. It raises questions about how well-managed the hiring process is.
It creates uncertainty – A candidate may wonder which agency has the strongest relationship with the employer, which can affect their confidence in the opportunity.
It can damage trust – If one agency sends a candidate’s details first and another agency does the same later, it can lead to confusion over who is representing them. In some cases, this can even lead to disputes between agencies, which isn’t a good look for the employer.
Top talent - especially in a competitive market like retail and hospitality - want to feel valued and assured that the company they’re engaging with is structured and professional. A chaotic hiring process can result in candidates walking away altogether.
Why Building a Strong Relationship with One Specialist Agency Works Better
Rather than casting the net wide and hoping for the best, partnering with one trusted recruitment agency can bring better results. Here’s why:
A specialist agency understands your business – A recruiter who works closely with your company will develop a deeper understanding of your culture, brand, and hiring needs. This means better-quality candidates and a stronger long-term fit.
Better candidate experience – When candidates are approached by one trusted agency, the process feels more professional. They receive clear communication and a consistent message, which builds confidence in the company.
Less admin, more focus – Managing multiple agencies means keeping track of different recruiters, duplicate CVs, and multiple points of contact. A single, specialist agency simplifies the process, saving time and reducing confusion.
Long-term success – A recruitment partner who truly understands your business will provide long-term hiring support, not just a quick fix. This results in better retention and higher-quality hires.
How to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Recruitment Partner
If you’re working with a specialist recruitment agency, here are some ways to ensure the partnership delivers results:
Be transparent about your hiring needs – A strong relationship is built on trust and open communication. Share your challenges, expectations, and long-term hiring plans so your agency can find the best solutions.
Commit to a partnership, not just a transaction – If you view recruitment as a short-term fix, you’ll never get the best out of your agency. Treat them as an extension of your business, not just a CV-sourcing service.
Give feedback – A good agency wants to refine and improve their service. If something isn’t working, be honest. The more they understand your preferences, the better they can deliver.
Trust their expertise – Specialist recruiters know the market inside out. They can advise on salary benchmarks, talent availability, and hiring strategies that will help you attract the best candidates.
Final Thoughts
Using multiple agencies may seem like a way to cover more ground, but in reality, it can damage your employer brand and create unnecessary complications.
The best approach? Work with ONE specialist agency that truly understands your sector, your business, and your hiring needs.
If you're hiring in retail or hospitality and want a recruitment partner who adds real value, let’s have a conversation.