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Hiring has never been more challenging – and the stakes have never been higher. According to our latest Talent Trends report, 29% of employers in Taiwan say hiring has become harder over the past 12 months.

Employers are grappling with a complex, fast-moving talent landscape, marked by widening skills gaps, rising salary demands, and the growing importance of flexibility.

If you've lost top talent to competitors, struggled with salary expectations, or found yourself repeatedly posting the same role, you're not alone. Many companies are now partnering with recruitment agencies not just to fill vacancies, but to boost hiring outcomes, reduce time-to-hire, and remain competitive in a candidate-driven market.

A practical guide to partnering with a recruitment agency

This step-by-step guide explains how to work with a recruitment agency effectively helping you hire smarter, faster, and with more confidence.

Working with a recruitment agency can be a strategic move for businesses looking to improve hiring efficiency and eventually achieve positive outcomes. Recruitment agencies collaborate closely with companies to understand their workforce needs and deliver tailored recruitment solutions.

From accessing a diverse database of specialist talents, acquiring the latest workforce insights to reducing time-to-hire, a recruitment agency can help streamline the entire process, supporting a company's specific hiring needs in Taiwan – especially when internal resources are limited.

In this article, you will find out about

  • The benefits of working with a recruitment agency
  • What to know about fees and guarantees
  • Defining your hiring needs
  • Choosing the right agency
  • Briefing the recruitment agency thoroughly
  • Reviewing the shortlisted candidates
  • Conducting interviews and assessments
  • Create offers and onboarding candidates

Benefits of working with a recruitment agency

Recruitment agencies are crucial in Taiwan's dynamic job market, expertly connecting professionals with employers. They use their extensive market knowledge and vast talent networks to offer customised hiring solutions, addressing both immediate staffing needs and long-term workforce strategies.

For employers, partnering with an agency means quick access to top-tier talent, efficient hiring, and reduced risk of job scams. Agencies manage the entire hiring process, from writing job descriptions to negotiating salaries, ensuring a smooth and professional experience. Their expertise and high standards make them a credible and reliable choice for comprehensive staffing solutions.

Fees and guarantees: What employers should know

When partnering with a recruitment agency, it's essential for employers to understand their recruitment services, fee structures and guarantees. Reputable agencies are transparent, clearly detailing all costs and included services.

Many agencies offer guarantees on candidate quality or placement success, giving employers peace of mind. Discussing these upfront, including any post-placement support, ensures a smooth and successful recruitment experience aligned with your business goals.

For growing SMEs or HR leaders, a clear understanding of these aspects, as outlined in our step-by-step guide, will help you navigate the recruitment process effectively and achieve successful outcomes.

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1. Define your hiring needs 

Before contacting a recruitment firm, clearly define your hiring needs. A detailed understanding helps the recruiter align their sourcing strategy with your business goals and team dynamics.

Consider both immediate and long-term requirements: are you filling a vacancy, building a new team, or addressing underperformance? Clearly identifying specific positions ensures the right talent is matched efficiently.

Beyond technical skills, industry background, and experience, don't overlook culture fit and adaptability, especially in hybrid or fast-paced environments.

Key questions to ask

  • Are you hiring for a permanent, temporary or contract position?
  • What qualifications or certifications are essential?
  • What soft skills and working style would complement the team?
  • What is the urgency and expected start date for this hire? 

Having these answers ready will make for a much more productive first conversation with your recruitment partner.

💡 Need help benchmarking salaries or defining the role scope?
View our latest Salary Guide for Taiwan

2. Choose the right recruitment agency 

At Michael Page, we specialise in mid to senior-level recruitment and executive search across diverse industries. Our recruiters leverage deep local market knowledge and a global talent network to quickly find the right talent for you.

Selecting the right recruitment company is critical. You need a partner who understands your industry, speaks your language, and can professionally represent your brand to job seekers. Not all agencies offer the same level of service or specialisation, so due diligence is essential.

Research agencies with experience in your market or function. Look for a track record of strong placements, industry recognition, or a consultative approach that goes beyond simply submitting CVs. Agencies that demonstrate innovation in their recruitment strategies are often better equipped to attract and retain top talent. The right agency will also proactively advise you on hiring strategy, talent availability, and salary expectations.

🔎 Looking for a recruitment partner with proven industry expertise?
Talk to a Michael Page consultant today

3. Brief the recruitment agency thoroughly 

Once you’ve chosen a recruitment agency, provide a clear and detailed brief covering the role, team culture, business goals, and any challenges. This allows the recruiter to represent your brand authentically and target candidates who are both technically and culturally aligned.

A strong agency will guide you through the process – fine-tuning the job opportunities description, managing expectations, and positioning the role competitively. At Michael Page Taiwan, our recruitment consultants support you at every stage, from initial consultation to post-placement follow-up.

What to share 

  • Job title, responsibilities and reporting lines
  • Key skills and qualifications required
  • Company culture and team environment
  • Salary range, benefits and flexibility (e.g. hybrid or remote options)
  • Timeline, interview stages and decision-makers 

This information equips your consultant to act as an informed ambassador for your brand – which ultimately improves candidate engagement and retention. 

4. Review shortlisted candidates

Once the talent search begins, your recruitment consultant will screen and shortlist candidates based on your agreed brief. This is a major benefit of working with a recruiting firm: they filter out unqualified applicants, conduct initial interviews, and only present high-potential talent for your review.

When you receive candidate profiles, it's crucial to review them promptly and provide feedback, even if it's a "no". Managers are key here, as their involvement ensures shortlisted candidates align with decision-makers' expectations.

Timely feedback not only keeps the process moving but also helps your consultant adjust the search if needed. Throughout the review, the agency offers expert guidance to help you make informed decisions and navigate any uncertainties.

Best practices 

  • Keep review cycles short to avoid losing strong candidates
  • Share specific feedback on what worked or didn’t
  • Be open to consultant suggestions on transferable skills or culture fit 

This collaborative approach increases your chances of securing the right hire – especially in fast-moving markets where top talent is in high demand. 

5. Conduct interviews and assessments

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Once candidates are shortlisted, your internal interview process begins. A recruitment agency can provide critical support here – helping you coordinate logistics, communicate timelines and even prep candidates beforehand to ensure they arrive well-informed and confident. 

Many agencies also offer value-added services such as behavioural assessments, skills testing, or tailored interview questions. These tools can help you evaluate candidates more objectively, particularly for technical or senior roles. 

How a recruitment agency can support 

  • Schedule and confirm interviews with all stakeholders
  • Keep candidates informed and engaged
  • Conduct reference checks or skills assessments where applicable
  • Advise on interview structure and evaluation criteria

Agencies that go the extra mile can also provide additional support, such as free consultations or comprehensive candidate filtering, ensuring a smoother and more effective hiring process.

This supports not only enhances candidate experience but also reflects positively on your employer brand – a key consideration in today’s candidate-driven market.

6. Make the offer and onboard successfully 

Once you’ve identified your top candidate, the next step is extending an offer. This phase can be sensitive – particularly if candidates are considering multiple offers or negotiating terms. Your recruitment agency can help facilitate the conversation, manage expectations, and offer insights on market-aligned compensation.

In some cases, the consultant may act as a neutral third party to overcome sticking points in salary, benefits or notice periods – improving offer acceptance rates and reducing the risk of drop-offs.

Your consultant can also support onboarding by checking in with the candidate during their first few weeks. Effective onboarding helps new hires integrate into the workplace, fostering a positive environment and supporting long-term retention.

Final steps 

  • Benchmark salary with tools like our Salary Guide
  • Manage notice periods and pre-boarding tasks
  • Prepare backup candidates in case of counter-offers
  • Ensure a positive and structured onboarding experience 

A smooth onboarding is just as important as a smooth hiring process – and a good agency will help with both. 

 7. Provide feedback and build a long-term relationship 

After the hire is complete, don’t let the relationship end there. A good recruitment partner wants to hear how the placement is performing, what could be improved, and how they can support you in the future.

Organisations benefit from ongoing recruitment partnerships by improving workforce management, leveraging tailored HR strategies, and staying ahead with innovative recruitment solutions.

This feedback loop strengthens your long-term hiring strategy. It also gives your recruiter the context they need to refine future searches or proactively introduce talent that fits your evolving needs.

Stay engaged even when you’re not actively hiring. Trusted recruiters can offer market updates, candidate insights and workforce planning advice year-round – not just when a vacancy opens up.

Why feedback matters 

  • Improves candidate fit in future searches by incorporating helpful feedback from both clients and candidates, leading to better outcomes
  • Supports long-term workforce planning
  • Builds a consistent pipeline of pre-qualified talent
  • Gives you early access to in-demand profiles

Hire with Michael Page Taiwan now

At Michael Page Taiwan, we view every client relationship as a long-term partnership. Whether you're actively hiring or planning ahead, we’re here to provide ongoing support, talent insights and market trends to keep your business ahead of the curve.

A committed recruitment company will continue to support your hiring needs, demonstrating dedication to your long-term success even during periods when you are not actively hiring.

Whether you’re recruiting for a single role or planning for future growth, partnering with a recruitment firm gives you a competitive advantage in attracting the right talent – and keeping them. Staying connected with your agency ensures ongoing communication and continued success for your organisation.

Explore market insights and talent trends to stay ahead of shifts in candidate expectations, salary movements and in-demand skills.

Knowing how to work with a recruitment agency is a valuable skill for any employer looking to hire smarter, faster and more effectively. The right partner brings not just CVs, but insight, strategy and accountability to your hiring process.

Whether you’re recruiting for a single role or planning for future growth, partnering with a dedicated team gives you a competitive advantage in attracting the right talent – and keeping them.

Looking to hire quickly and confidently? Let Michael Page guide your search with expert insights and tailored recruitment support. Connect with our consultants today and transform your hiring experience.

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