We have had our business in the region for 12 years and in that time I think our competitors change every two years.
The region chews up recruitment agencies and spits them out. Even the big players like Randstad and Morgan McKinley pulled the plug on the region.
Most of the remaining home-grown brands have substantially shrunk. Very few have actually managed to grow and scale outside the region like we have.
New recruiters and agencies pop up all the time as glorified lifestyle brands for founders, and they either go bust after a couple of years or the founders leave the UAE with nothing left behind to keep the business going so it is left to wither on the vine.
The MENA market is rife with “agencies” who don’t invest in training, don’t hire qualified recruiters, and frankly speaking, don’t respect or value the industry, and everyone gets a poor experience.
Dealing with the right recruiter
Very few have stood the test of time and very few even have a business plan other than “try and place a few people”, which was what a “founder” recently told me who shall remain nameless; needless to say he left the region.
If I was a company looking to partner with a firm, I would pay particular attention to length of time in the region, reputation, and always ask for client references.
An international footprint will also offer you access to a global pool of talent faster than anyone else.
I think companies need to be more particular about who they choose to partner with, if they did that rather than go for the cheapest agency option, then I am sure standards would improve.
With the barriers to entry being so low, I am afraid that our industry can attract this reputation.
Not all brands are like this, and the region does possess some brilliant recruiters. You just need to do your homework before selecting one.
Justin McGuire, is the co-founder and CEO – APAC and MENA at DMCG Global
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