Recruiters are laser-focused on finding the person that matches their client\u2019s needs, and fast. Any time they choose to invest in getting to know you is only to serve that purpose.<\/em><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nThat\u2019s not to say recruiters are rude and unfeeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most recruiters get a thrill out of placing great people into positions that help them grow their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But you are not their customer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nExecutive search recruiters<\/strong> help employers target hard-to-get people, who aren\u2019t necessarily browsing job boards. Their efforts centre on vetting and persuading top talent they\u2019ve identified, who are often happily employed.<\/li>Generalist recruiters<\/strong> do want to hear from active jobseekers, because they\u2019re keen to build a large talent pool to draw from in future. But they don\u2019t have time to individually nurture everyone that signs up to their database.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you happen to attract the undivided attention of a recruiter, do what you can to make it count: be quick to respond and be prepared to sell yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But don\u2019t invest significant time chasing down recruiters. It shouldn\u2019t be a core pillar of your job search strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
6 Best Generalist Recruitment Firms In Australia.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe quality of an agency is hard to gauge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your experience will almost entirely hinge on the dedication and interest shown by the particular recruitment consultant you engage with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working with recruiters is basically only worthwhile because they have reach that you don\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is why some of the best recruitment agencies in Australia have significant market share – by virtue of the fact they’re placing more roles across more locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For \u2018regular\u2019 professional and management roles, consider contacting one of the top six firms we\u2019ve identified below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1. Hays<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.hays.com.au\/<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHays is a global firm that\u2019s seen as a market leader for both skilled trades and professional roles that run the full spectrum of experience levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Australia, their footprint is impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019ve got offices in all the capital cities, and a strong presence across regional Queensland, NSW and Victoria as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That makes them a highly accessible recruiter with robust employer networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hays places hundreds of thousands of people into permanent and temporary roles yearly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/div>Did You Know?<\/h3><\/div>While it doesn\u2019t speak to the individual care you\u2019ll receive, the firm also offers valuable resources for jobseekers, including a salary checker, salary benchmarking guide, free online learning, and career and industry advice.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
2. Michael Page<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.michaelpage.com.au\/<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nMichael Page started in London in the 1970s before expanding globally across 36 countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It launched an office in Australia in 1996, and has a strong reputation among employers for recruiting roles from mid-management through to C-suite executives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its consultants tend to have good levels of prior industry experience (and networks). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re vying for high-level finance roles, it\u2019s comforting to be working with a former finance professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/div>Important!<\/h3><\/div>Industry depth is another reason Michael Page stands out – it has recruitment experience across almost every professional, technical, industrial, manual and consumer-focused industry.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
3. Robert Half<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.roberthalf.com\/au\/en<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother global firm known for its professional approach to recruitment, Robert Half has offices in Australia\u2019s major capital cities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in New York way back in 1948, Robert Half is now a massive corporation that\u2019s been widely lauded for its innovation and being a great employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It helps Australian employers hire from entry-level to the C-suite across contract and permanent roles, but it\u2019s squarely focused on professional fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/div>Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div>If you\u2019re looking for leadership roles in the accounting, finance or technology sectors, Robert Half is considered one of the most knowledgable and well-connected recruitment agencies.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
4. Chandler Macleod<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.chandlermacleod.com\/<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nFounded in Australia in the 1950s, Chandler Macleod is one of Australasia\u2019s largest recruiters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s represented in Australia\u2019s major city centres, but also has multiple regional office locations across New South Wales and Victoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/div>Expert Tip.<\/h3><\/div>The firm draws heavily on psychometric and skills-based assessments to find best-fit candidates, and primarily recruits across these sectors: accounting and finance, energy and renewables, all levels of government, and mining and resources.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
5. Manpower<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.manpower.com.au\/<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nA global powerhouse, Manpower has offices around the world and boasts that it puts over one million people into jobs every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within Australia, its national presence and well-resourced team means it\u2019s got deep market insights and employer relationships across multiple industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/div>Important!<\/h3><\/div>Manpower offers both staffing solutions and recruitment. Its key sectors include accounting, finance, corporate services, industrial and technical, sales and marketing, and health, safety and environment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
6. Programmed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.jobs.programmed.com.au\/<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nAustralian-based Programmed provides both recruitment and labour hire services, largely into industrial, transport, trades, mining, energy, farming, government and engineering industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company has been shortlisted in the category of \u2018Large Recruitment Agency of the Year\u2019 at the SEEK Annual Recruitment Awards (SARA) for the past four events (and it won the award in 2023). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/div>Did You Know?<\/h3><\/div>Programmed fills over 30,000 jobs annually. It\u2019s a longstanding company that\u2019s been around since the 1950s.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Which Smaller Recruitment Agencies Are Worth Using?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are thousands of generalist recruiters beyond the big names that may be worth your time. Agencies including Haylo People, u&u, people2people, and WorkPac get an honourable mention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smaller firms can also be great, especially if they focus on your specific part of the country or your niche industry\/profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For creatives<\/strong>, marketers and digital design jobs, some popular agencies include Become and Aquent.\u00a0<\/li>For IT<\/strong>, coding and tech professionals some good options include Paxus, Talenza and Clicks IT Recruitment.<\/li>For HR<\/strong>, training and work health and safety pros, some recognised agencies include The Next Step, Civitas Talent, and Sundstrom Recruitment.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
5 Best Retained Executive Search Firms In Australia.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYou can expect a more personalised experience if you\u2019re tapped on the shoulder by a head hunting firm. But the bar to impress executive search consultants is also higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a senior executive, it\u2019s worth understanding the key players in the executive search market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are five market leaders, collectively referred to as SHREK firms: Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, Egon Zehnder, Korn Ferry, and Russell Reynolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
1. Spencer Stuart<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.spencerstuart.com\/<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nSpencer Stuart has over 60 locations in more than 30 countries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its Australian presence includes Sydney and Melbourne branches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The firm has a range of proprietary techniques and tools it uses to build a comprehensive picture of candidates for high-level roles in industries including tech, finance, consumer, education, healthcare, industrial and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The local consulting team is led by Samantha Marks, who\u2019s an expert in CEO succession and leadership development, with a background in financial services and professional services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
2. Heidrick & Struggles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.heidrick.com\/en<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nA global executive search and leadership consulting firm, Heidrick\u2019s Australian operations includes offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some core industries they recruit in include healthcare, technology, consumer markets, industrial and financial services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you might expect, its Perth chapter has a particular emphasis on recruiting for the energy, natural resources, mining and infrastructure sectors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
3. Egon Zehnder<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.egonzehnder.com\/<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nEgon Zehnder has bases in Melbourne and Sydney alongside its impressive global consulting operations, which are headquartered in the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Melbourne-based country lead, Fiona McGauchie, is a former lawyer with infrastructure and logistics industry experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The firm takes a special interest in connecting companies with talent in situations like the creation of new positions, replacing incumbent leaders and people needed to drive large-scale transformational changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
4. Korn Ferry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.kornferry.com\/au<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nKorn Ferry takes pride in its proprietary IP designed to collect and analyse data about potential candidates for assessment purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also actively encourages candidates to register for its \u2018candidate community\u2019, which it uses to help identify executive search talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Australian operation of this global firm includes offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Graeme Bricknell heads up the Australian and NZ executive search function, and specialises in placing C-suite roles in the financial services industry as well as key governance roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
5. Russell Reynolds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWebsite: https:\/\/www.russellreynolds.com\/en\/<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nFounded in New York in the late 1960s, Russell Reynolds now spans the globe and claims to take a data-driven approach to executive search. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The firm is particularly focused on helping employers fill roles like CFOs, COOs as well as compliance, HR, growth and sustainability leaders \u2014 across industries such as professional services, finance, education, tech, and industrial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Russell Reynolds\u2019 Australian-based offices can be found in Melbourne and Sydney. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its country manager is Alistair Macrae, who handles search assignments across all sectors, and was CFO at Fairfax Media earlier in his career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
4. Boutique Executive Search Firms To Be Aware Of.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are a number of executive search boutique firms in Australia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019re usually a great option because many were started by SHREK alumni, but there\u2019s less competition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That means you\u2019ll have better odds when reaching out to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some firms to consider, include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Johnson Partners<\/strong>, an Australian firm founded by Jason Johnson in 2005: https:\/\/johnsonpartners.co\/<\/li>Future Leadership<\/strong>, which claims a reach of 20% of Australia\u2019s exec talent: https:\/\/futureleadership.com.au\/<\/li>Cordiner King<\/strong>, an Australian firm founded by Sean Davies, formerly of Egon Zehnder: https:\/\/cordinerking.com.au\/<\/li>W&Co Search<\/strong>, whose Director Ashley Wilkes won Sourcr\u2019s exec search recruiter of the year: https:\/\/wcosearch.com\/<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions About Working With A Recruiter.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nGetting a recruiter\u2019s attention, and keeping it, can feel like a mysterious dark art. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But when you know a bit more about how the industry works, you can direct your efforts where they\u2019ll have the most impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Why Do Recruiters Ghost Me After Reaching Out?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile finding the \u2018best fit\u2019 for a role definitely guides a recruiter\u2019s work, they\u2019re also in a race to find them. And they cast their nets wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe you got a friendly message from a recruiter via LinkedIn asking about a role? Chances are, they sent the same email to 20-30 other people with similar qualifications and experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If 10 people responded before you, the recruiter may have enough to keep them busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dealing with a generalist recruiter often feels transactional in nature. Don\u2019t get your hopes up and decide whether to engage while knowing to expect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few <\/strong>annoying hoops to jump through.<\/li>A lack <\/strong>of responsiveness.<\/li>A lack <\/strong>of personalised attention.<\/strong><\/li>A lack <\/strong>of useful or detailed feedback.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n