Creative Staffing and Recruiting

I'm on a mission - trying to save the world from bad creative staffing - one client at a time.

The problem with our industry IS OUR INDUSTRY! As a recruiter, is charging a client 10%-30% of an applicant's annual wage really fair? And what about freelance? How long is it OK to markup (spread) over and above the talent's wage? It's not right. I know it, you know it, and talented advertising and marketing professionals know it. Hence... my mission.

Merge the best of two of the industry's most popular recruiting methods: Job Boards and Staffing Agencies. More specifically, what do you think of this approach: Charge a client a nominal fee to post a job on a job board (just like monster or career builder). However, unlike a job board, do NOT pass all applicants through to a hiring manager. Filter the talent pool as an agency would; removing inexperienced or under-qualified applicants. In addition, allow employers to contact and hire talent directly. Cut out the middle-man. Save the employers' money and let the workers earn the wages they deserve - without my sticky fingers in the pie.

I am going for it - I've developed a pretty sophisticated system to make it all possible. For employers, it may look (and cost) like a traditional job board. But that is where the similarities end. Employers' receive only pre-screened and pre-qualified talent from the applicant pool. What's more, we check professional references, display visual samples with artist descriptions of involvement, and present candidates in a uniform, easily navigable way.

Sounds like a lot, I know. But I have had this up and running now since April 2011 and my clients are loving it. So far I have had the pleasure of demonstrating this product/service with such noteworthy employers like : Perry Ellis, The United Way, and several cruise lines.

And, most importantly it's working.

Let's face it, reading minds is not the most common skill in our profession, and its one I certainly don't possess. So, in order to help you find the best qualified talent for your budget, a few pieces of information would be very helpful.

So, how does this new approach to recruiting and hiring sound to you? I'm interested in your thoughts.