In today’s corporate world, the biggest misconception is that small businesses struggle to stay afloat when large corporations yield considerable influence over markets. In some cases this may be true, however, in the staffing industry there are many advantages to forgoing resume mills in favor of small, boutique firms. When hiring a staffing partner, here are six reasons why you should go small:

Talent Pool Competition

How often have you heard from a  potential vendor, “We have an extensive database with thousands of qualified candidates waiting to be placed”? The truth about these exceptional databases may disappoint you. Not only do they exist everywhere in the staffing industry, they may hold thousands of unavailable and unqualified candidates. Large staffing firms operate on volume, and their databases may hold vast records of candidates, but this is no guarantee that the candidates are available or properly vetted.

Boutique styled staffing firms have extensive databases as well, but due to a lesser client count, they are able to more diligently vet candidates and stay up to date with top performers. Stronger connections and deeper understanding often supersede the sheer volume of larger firms.

Experience

Large staffing firms can have thousands of recruiters working for them. It is easy to assume that the more recruiters focusing on one project, higher quality candidates will eventually be presented. However this is far from the truth. Many large staffing firms are more likely to hire inexperienced recruiters because they have the resources to train. But more often than not, these greenhorns have six months to a year under their belt. Further, staff responsible for their training often have no staffing experience at all!

Smaller staffing firms stand out with industry experience. Reputation and efficiency allow these businesses to stay one step ahead. They do not have time nor resources to take risks on unproven employees. Smaller staffing firms are filled with seasoned recruiters who are extremely knowledgeable in the industry and have a clear understanding what their clients are looking for, and what the market can provide.

Quality over Quantity

Large staffing firms scramble to rapidly expand client lists in order to generate volume and billing. This turns into a numbers game and nothing more. Smaller staffing firms have fewer resources so they take time understanding each client’s culture and needs, and take immense pride in each candidate they submit. As a hiring manager, would you rather review 30 poorly qualified resumes, or 3 stellar candidates?

Stronger Relationships

Since smaller staffing agencies carry fewer, industry focused clients, they take more time getting to know their clients on a personal level. Staffing partners at these agencies cherish relationships and make themselves readily available at all times, flexible with each individual position, and reliable when it comes to future needs. They cannot afford to taint their reputation, while larger firms move quickly onto a new client.

Agility

Once a candidate is placed, it can feel like a century until their paperwork is pushed through. Smaller staffing agencies enjoy flat, agile corporate structures. This means that the most senior members of the organization are readily available. Contracts can be negotiated quickly and concerns promptly addressed. If contracts need to be signed or background checks need to be validated, these can get done in minutes rather than days because they have lost their red tape rolls!

Turnover

Studies show that boutique shops have a lower turnover rate compared to large firms. Large staffing firms fill most of their recruiting positions with entry-level employees and rarely provide them the necessary resources to thrive. In turn, these green recruiters don’t understand the methods, the industries or positions they are working with. They often burn out in under a year. Smaller staffing firms are filled with well trained, seasoned veterans who have built a career in the recruiting industry. They are supported and well compensated and often enjoy strong work-life balances. Happy recruiters are effective recruiters! They are more likely to stay for the long haul, allowing clients the peace of mind that comes from a long-term relationship.

If you are looking for a partner instead of a quick fix, look for a smaller staffing agency to lighten the load for years to come!