The Argument for Agency. An Overview Of The Reasons You Should Stay Working In An Agency Setting
The buzz of an Agency is unbeatable.
Phones ringing, celebrations when candidates say yes, the hum of people talking, deals being done, sales coming in, envious looks at your ‘big’ placement, candidates visiting the office, and drinks on payday.
That is a ‘vibe’ that needs bottling.
There's nothing like it. When things are going well, working in an Agency provides some of the best and most exciting times you will experience.
Not many people defend working in an Agency with the passion it deserves.
This reluctance may stem from fear and dislike of sales, selling, and the accountability that Agency life demands.
There is an appeal to this kind of work and environment.
However, I had some great experience working in some interesting places so I cannot complain. Okay, I am British so complaining and grumbling is a national sport.
However, the time I spent in agencies was a great learning experience. However, Access Group cited Bad Culture as one of six reasons that Agencies do not grow, so ensuring there is a cultural fit as you progress is always vital.
Below are the reasons I believe that you should consider staying in the Agency setting.
However, before we begin, take a minute to think up reasons why a Recruiter might decide to stay working in an Agency setting.
###Reason 1: Money Motivated
One of the main reasons people stay in Recruitment, especially at agencies, is for the sales commission.
At the end of the day, work is about the money.
Those lovely £££ or that roll in on payday are a powerful motivator. In an Agency, your potential for earnings through commissions is often significantly higher than in In-House roles.
If you're driven by financial rewards and enjoy the thrill of closing a deal, the Agency environment is ideal for you.
Those lovely £££ or that roll in on payday. It is one of the things that makes the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, and the emotional journey of Recruitment is bearable for many.
There is nothing wrong with wanting or enjoying working in a sales role for the commission and money.
If Money motivates you, just be honest.
But always remember as Frank Bettger said “If you don’t believe in what you’re selling, neither will your prospect.”
###Reason 2: Hate Administration
The joy of working at an Agency is the freedom it offers, as long as you keep billing. Taking a move In-House will up the amount of administration and internal ‘housekeeping’.
Administration is a part of life, however, the Agency is more focused on time and money than the average organisation with an In-House Recruiter.
According to HR Review, Recruiters spend one entire day a week on Administration.
So you will have to deal In-House with loads of long meetings, lots more mindlessly long and pointless round-robin emails and occasionally town hall-style meetings. All of these suck time, motivation and energy from your day.
Agency, generally have a lot less of this kind of thing, and if you bill well, it is amazing that you can offload or avoid a lot of this boring stuff.
###Reason 3: Love Socialising
Let's face it, if you're a people person, working in an Agency setting allows you to socialize with clients, candidates, and fellow staff members.
In many agencies, there is a real culture of socializing and it forms the bedrock of post 5 pm (or 7 pm) drinks.
Some In-House companies and organisations can be very sociable, others are not. It can be a real mixed bag. If socialising at work is important to you, this is another reason to stay in an Agency setting.
###Reason 4: Making An Impact
We've all been stuck in never-ending, pointless meetings. As Thomas Sowell said, “People who enjoy meetings should not be in charge of anything.” In an Agency, you can avoid many of these and focus on impactful meetings that can change organisations' and candidates' destinies.
It is the bane of modern life sadly. Luckily as you work in an Agency you can go out into the world and have plenty of useful, important and impactful meetings that can change organisations' and candidates' destinies.
On the other hand, one of the biggest pain points of working In-House is the plethora of useless meetings.
###Reason 5: Enjoy Being A Specialist
My favourite period in Recruitment was during my hyper-niche days as a Royal Town Planning Recruiter specializing in political engagement professionals during the early planning application process. I Focused on the regions outside of London.
This is what I call a niche and I loved it. I got under the skin of industry and thrived.
Going deep allows you to build expert knowledge and a network of contacts who can add value to your day-to-day activities and who you can help out.
This is an excellent reason to stay working at an Agency. This specialism will give you feelings of control, and mastery and allow you to become an industry ‘face’.
###Reason 6: The ‘Buzz’
Let's be honest, selling can be exhilarating, especially if you thrive on it.
When you are part of a big team, sales and placements are a tremendous feeling. The banter. The buzz. The feeling as you walk onto the sales floor is with all the noise and people making “things” happen.
It is a very good feeling.
When you move In-House the pace does lessen. So if you love the buzz, the pace and the feeling of sales.
Moving into an In-House Recruitment role might not be for you.
###My Agency Experience
While working in various agencies and consultancies, the one thing I always loved was the sales aspect, the 'buzzy' part of the process. The chase down of candidates and clients to make that placement. It could be thrilling (and stressful).
Sales is a rollercoaster, the ups and downs make it fun and interesting.
I loved my time In-House and I learned a lot. However, there is no way I would trade that decade in an Agency and run my own boutique to go In-House sooner.
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I have also published two recruitment books, Recruitment Hacks and The InHouse Roadmap, both available on Amazon.