Myth #1: All Recruitment Agents are commission hungry sharks

Every day we are asked commonly themed questions about misperceptions in the recruitment and resources sectors by contacts, clients or contractors. 

Agents have historically been likened to door-to-door sales people, promoting the longstanding stereotype that we do as little as possible to be rewarded with big fees or commissions. 

It is true that there are still many companies operating under a “commission is king” mentality and are surviving quite nicely on placing people in Client organisations only to poach them days after their guarantee period expires. But to say this is indicative of all Agents is a grossly inaccurate and inappropriate generalisation. 

Recruitment and Contractor Management service expectations in the oil and gas industry have shifted from the bygone excesses of the 80’s & 90’s. Now it is expected to operate high volume, low margin competitive service options. Contractors have also evolved into savvy individuals who work in ever-changing, challenging and diverse environments. As a result there are many niche agencies operating highly professional, non commission based teams.

Having worked in large generalist agencies, I became disillusioned with their “bottom on a seat” placement mentality largely driven by their commission focus. I made a conscious decision to move and align myself to a company who offered a more professional non-commission based structure, promoting “value add” services to Clients and Candidates in the resources sector. Now I find myself at such an organisation, where I can work in an exceptionally capable regional team, with a large talented Contractor base and recruiting for high profile Clients.

So, whether you are a Client, Contractor or Candidate – take the time to find out how your Agent really operates.  Depending on the answer, you could well have very different experiences.