In architecture and design, hiring top-notch talent is critical. Yet, many hiring managers hesitate to engage a recruiter, often citing cost as the primary deterrent. But do they truly consider the hidden costs of recruitment when handled internally? Let’s break it down.
The Hidden Costs of Internal Recruitment
- Time Spent by Hiring Managers: A manager who spends roughly two hours daily on recruitment amounts to approximately $5,000 per month, assuming an hourly wage for a $ 100,000-a-year employee over four weeks.
- Cost of an In-house Recruiter: Employing an in-house recruiter instead costs an average of $80,000 annually, excluding administrative overheads associated with this role, such as training, office space, and benefits.
- Lost Productivity: A hiring manager engaged in recruiting rather than focusing on core responsibilities can cost about $2,000 in hard costs per month, along with numerous soft costs like missed deadlines, decreased employee engagement, potential turnover, and even manager burnout.
- Administrative Burden: Additional expenses may include the burden placed on high-level employees involved in the hiring process and the cost of multiple decision-makers participating in each interview.
- Prolonged Hiring Process: If a prolonged interview process results in losing a candidate to another offer, the recruitment process must start from scratch, incurring further costs.
- Recruitment Tools: Essential tools like a Linkedin Recruiter license cost around $10,000 per user per year, an added expense that many fail to factor into their recruitment budget.
The Value of an Architecture and Design Recruiter
Given these factors, the real cost of recruitment, when done internally, can be significantly higher than anticipated. So, how can we mitigate these expenses? The answer lies in hiring a specialized recruiter.
- Industry-Specific Expertise: A skilled recruiter in the field of architecture and design is not just an added expense but a strategic investment. They come with industry-specific knowledge, advanced tools, and proven methods for sourcing and vetting candidates.
- Reduced Overheads: Enlisting a recruiter’s help allows your hiring managers to focus on their core responsibilities, reducing the risk of burnout and ensuring your team remains productive, engaged, and motivated.
- Access to Quality Talent: The associated cost of hiring a recruiter is far outweighed by the benefits brought by a streamlined hiring process, improved employee morale, and, ultimately, the high-quality talent brought into your organization.
The Bottom Line
The perceived cost of hiring a recruiter is only a small part of the bigger picture. The real value of a recruiter lies in their ability to save time, enhance productivity, and deliver the right talent that will drive your company forward. With these substantial benefits in mind, it’s hard to put a price on the value a competent recruiter brings to your organization. The real question is, can you afford not to hire one?
