The Real Cost of Recruitment: Why Quality Isn’t Cheap

The Real Cost of Recruitment: Why Quality Isn’t Cheap

When talking to potential new clients, almost right off the bat, before we even have the opportunity to talk about how wonderful we are here at Gecko Travel Recruitment (bias we know!) we get asked, “What’s your fee?” or “Can you offer a discount?” And when we dig a little deeper, it comes down to either “Recruiters are too expensive” or “Your competitors are cheaper.”

So, let’s talk about travel recruitment fees. No one really does! It’s certainly fair of potential clients to ask the question around fees, but in short, the answer is simply that quality recruitment isn’t cheap! Recruitment, especially within a niche industry like the travel industry involves a lot of moving parts. It is built on expertise, tools, time and a personalised approach that goes well beyond a job posting. Here’s why:

1. Quality doesn’t just appear overnight - Every successful job placement is the result of a significant investment. There are so many moving parts in the background and our team spends time getting to know your business and the specific demands of the role, ensuring we understand exactly who you’re looking for. We don’t just want to fill the position; we want to find you your golden unicorn! A candidate who will thrive in your company and add long-term value.

2. We don’t just rely on job boards - Recruitment tools and job platforms are essential in today’s competitive market—but they aren’t cheap! We choose to use premium versions of these platforms to ensure that we have access to a larger pool of qualified travel candidates and can directly reach people who aren’t actively looking but might be perfect for your role. The recruitment fee could be slightly higher to compensate for this, but you’re only paying upon a successful candidate placement and it’s worth it to know we’re casting a wide net and leaving no stone unturned.

3. Research and Networking - Every role we take on is like a mini research project. Beyond CV’s and profiles, we dig into candidates' backgrounds, motivations, and potential fit for your company culture. Then comes networking; reaching out, following up, and having dozens of conversations and this takes serious time and effort. We build relationships that help us find the best candidates faster and more accurately, and that relationship-building requires significant investment on our end.

4. Quality Control at Every Stage - When it comes to recruitment, we don’t believe in shortcuts. Before a candidate even lands in your inbox, we’ve already done the work to make sure they’re a strong contender. This includes thorough screening. We’re not just looking for someone who “ticks the boxes” but we’re looking beyond that, we’re considering soft skills, cultural fit and company fit - someone who will genuinely thrive in the role and contribute positively to your team.

5. We Value Long-Term Partnerships Over Quick Wins - Many budget-friendly recruitment agencies operate a “volume” approach —aiming to fill as many roles as quickly as possible. They send a load of CV’s hoping that one sticks! We prioritise building lasting partnerships with our clients, we are so proud that over 80% of our clients are repeat clients and we firmly believe it’s because we have taken the time and put in the effort to get to know their business well. We’re not interested in working with clients who won’t take the time to go into detail about the role, just forwarding a basic JD doesn’t cut it. We’re not just looking for a quick placement.

So, in recruitment, like in most things, you get what you pay for! Budget recruitment options may seem appealing in the short term, but they rarely lead to the high-quality, lasting placements that our team prides itself on providing. By investing in tools, training, and a personalised approach, we aim to be an extension of your business and partner you, giving you a recruitment experience that’s as seamless as possible.

So, if you’re okay with taking the time and risk, a cheaper option might be fine and you might get lucky and fill your role, but if you want it done right—and done once—paying for quality recruitment is the way to go.

If you’re looking to partner a travel recruitment consultancy who find exceptional travel talent and who offer a personalised recruitment service, then reach out to us today https://www.geckotravelrecruitment.co.uk/