Working with a Recruitment Agency: Big vs Small

When it comes to hiring, many companies eventually face the same question: Should we partner with a recruitment agency? And if so, what type of agency should we choose?

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, decisions is whether to work with a large, well-known recruitment agency or a smaller, boutique firm. Each option comes with its own set of strengths and challenges, and understanding these can make the difference between a seamless hiring process and a frustrating experience.

At CareerBee, we’ve worked with clients who have tried both and in our CareerBee Talks podcast, our Recruiting Lead and Co-founder, Luca Planert, shares insider insights on what companies should consider before choosing their partner.

In this blog post, we’ll unpack the benefits and disadvantages of working with both big and small agencies, so you can make a decision that truly fits your hiring needs.

Why the Size of Your Recruitment Agency Matters

Recruitment agencies may share the same goal: To find you the right candidate. But how they operate can differ dramatically depending on their size.

• Big recruitment agencies often have more resources, larger candidate databases, and established brand recognition.

• Small recruitment agencies tend to offer highly personalized service, deep industry specialisation, and flexible processes.

The “right” choice depends on your hiring volume, the type of roles you need to fill, your budget, and how closely you want to collaborate with your recruiter.

What Is a Big Recruitment Agency?

Big recruitment agencies are typically national or global firms with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of recruiters. Think of names like Adecco, Hays, or Randstad. They operate across multiple industries and have vast internal databases.

Key traits:

• Multiple office locations

• Large teams of recruiters

• High brand recognition

• Standardized processes

✅ Advantages of Working with a Big Recruitment Agency

1. Extensive Candidate Reach
   Large agencies have massive databases and global networks, making it easier to source candidates quickly, especially for common roles or high-volume hiring.

2. Established Processes & Technology
   Big agencies often use advanced applicant tracking systems (ATS) and automated tools to manage candidate pipelines efficiently.

3. Multi-role Capability
   Need to hire 20 sales reps across 5 cities? A big agency has the scale and manpower to handle high-volume recruitment without delays.

❌ Disadvantages of Working with a Big Recruitment Agency

1. Less Personalised Service
   With a high client load, recruiters may have limited time to truly understand your company culture or unique needs.

2. Risk of Being “One of Many”
   Larger agencies often prioritise bigger accounts, so smaller clients may feel overlooked.

3. Less Specialisation
   While big agencies cover many industries, they might lack the deep, niche expertise that smaller firms can offer.

What Is a Small Recruitment Agency?

Small or boutique recruitment agencies typically have a team of 2–20 recruiters who focus on a specific market. For example, engineering, sales, or tech talent in a certain region.

Key traits:

• Small, close-knit teams

• Specialised industry focus

• Direct access to senior recruiters or founders

• Highly tailored processes

✅ Advantages of Working with a Small Recruitment Agency

1. Personalised Approach
   You’ll often work directly with a senior recruiter who takes the time to deeply understand your business, culture, and ideal candidate profile.

2. Specialised Expertise
   Boutique agencies often focus on one or two industries, giving them insider knowledge and a strong talent network in that niche.

3. Flexibility & Speed in Decision-Making
   Smaller agencies can adapt their processes to fit your needs and move quickly without layers of internal approval.

❌ Disadvantages of Working with a Small Recruitment Agency

1. Smaller Candidate Pool
   While they may have strong networks in their niche, boutique agencies usually can’t match the sheer volume of candidates that big firms can reach.

2. Capacity Limitations
   A small team might not be able to handle very high-volume recruitment without extending timelines.

3. Less Brand Recognition
   While not always a disadvantage, some candidates may feel more trust towards big-name agencies they already know.

💡When to Choose a Big Recruitment Agency

A large recruitment agency might be the best choice if:

• You’re hiring for multiple roles across different industries.

• You need to scale quickly and fill many positions at once.

• You prefer a structured, standardized recruitment process.

💡 When to Choose a Small Recruitment Agency

A small recruitment agency could be the better fit if:

• You need specialised talent in a niche industry.

• You value close collaboration with your recruiter.

• You want a tailored approach that adapts to your company’s culture and hiring style.

How to Decide: Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Recruitment Agency

Whether you’re leaning towards a big or small agency, here’s a checklist of questions to guide your decision:

1. What’s your experience in my industry?

2. How do you source candidates?

3. Who will be my main point of contact?

4. How many clients do you work with at once?

5. What’s your success rate for roles like mine?

6. How do you ensure cultural fit?

7. What’s your replacement or refund policy if a hire doesn’t work out?