Let’s be honest: recruitment isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure industry, and the agency you work for can make all the difference between loving your job and dreading Monday mornings.
If you’ve been feeling a bit ‘off’ about your current agency, it might not just be a bad week – it could be a sign it’s time to explore your options. Here are the key red flags to watch for in your employer (and why you deserve better).
1. High turnover: A revolving door of consultants
If people at your agency are leaving as fast as you can place candidates, that’s a big red flag. High turnover usually points to deeper problems – whether it’s poor leadership, unrealistic expectations, or a toxic work environment. It also means extra pressure on you to pick up the slack when colleagues leave.
What to ask yourself: Are people leaving because they’re unhappy, or because they’ve outgrown the agency? And does your agency do anything to understand why consultants are walking out the door?
2. Unrealistic targets with no support
We all know recruitment is about hitting targets, but there’s a difference between challenging goals and downright impossible ones. If you’re constantly chasing numbers with no support or guidance, it’s a recipe for burnout.
A good agency will push you to succeed, but they’ll also have your back – with proper training, mentoring, and resources to help you smash your targets.
What to ask yourself: Do your managers provide the tools and support to help you achieve your goals, or do they just pile on the pressure?
3. Toxic culture: more drama than a reality show
Is your agency more focused on office gossip than team wins? Or maybe there’s a blame culture where finger-pointing replaces problem-solving. A toxic culture can destroy morale faster than you can say “counteroffer.”
Recruitment is tough enough without dealing with unnecessary drama. You deserve a supportive, collaborative workplace where people celebrate each other’s successes instead of tearing each other down.
What to ask yourself: Do you feel part of a team, or does the office vibe feel competitive and cutthroat?
4. Outdated tools and systems (and outdated thinking)
Are you stuck using clunky CRMs or outdated processes that slow you down? In a competitive industry like recruitment, tech and tools can make or break your productivity. But it’s not just about software – an agency that refuses to adapt or embrace change can be just as damaging.
If your agency isn’t investing in modern systems or sticking with “we’ve always done it this way” thinking, it could be a sign they’re not serious about staying ahead of the curve or supporting their consultants in being as efficient as possible.
What to ask yourself: Are you wasting hours on admin tasks that could be automated? Does your agency listen to feedback about systems and tools? And are they forward-thinking enough to keep pace with industry innovation?
5. Poor leadership: a lack of vision (or communication)
Strong leadership is the backbone of any successful recruitment agency. If your managers lack a clear vision, fail to communicate effectively, or don’t lead by example, it can leave you feeling lost and unmotivated.
Great leaders inspire their teams, provide direction, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. If your leaders are absent, disorganised, or out of touch, it’s time to question if they’re the right fit for you.
What to ask yourself: Do you respect your leaders and do they inspire you to achieve more?
6. No focus on career progression
One of the perks of recruitment is the potential for career growth, whether that’s moving into leadership or specialising in a niche market. If your agency isn’t offering clear pathways for progression – or worse, if they’re favouring a “boys’ club” culture – it’s a sign they’re not invested in your future.
A good agency will encourage you to set career goals and help you achieve them. If they’re not, someone else will.
What to ask yourself: Are you just a cog in the machine, or is your agency helping you grow your career?
7. Money issues: where’s your commission?
Recruitment is all about results and you deserve to be rewarded for yours. If your commission structure is unclear, overly complicated, or you’re constantly chasing what you’re owed, it’s time to take a step back.
And if your agency has a habit of moving goalposts or delaying payments, that’s a huge red flag – it’s your hard-earned money and you shouldn’t have to fight for it.
What to ask yourself: Do you understand your commission structure and do you trust your agency to pay you fairly?
8. Your gut says it’s time
Sometimes, you don’t need a list of red flags – your gut instinct is enough. If you’re waking up every day dreading work, feeling undervalued, or questioning whether recruitment is still the right industry for you, it might not be the job – it might be the agency.
Trust your instincts. The right recruitment agency will challenge you, support you and celebrate your wins.
What to ask yourself: Are you staying out of loyalty, fear, or convenience? And is that enough?
Final thoughts: You deserve better
Recruitment is a tough but rewarding career and you deserve an agency that brings out the best in you. If these red flags are hitting a little too close to home, it might be time to explore what else is out there.
The good news? There are fantastic agencies that value their recruiters, invest in their growth, and foster a positive culture. If you’re thinking about making a move, don’t wait for things to get worse – take control of your career and find an agency that’s as passionate about success as you are.
Thinking of making a change?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recruitment career, we’d love to help. Get in touch for a confidential chat – because finding the right agency could be the best move you make this year.
