permanent recruitment, without the jargon.

how to cut through the noise and hire with confidence.

Recruiting permanent staff should feel strategic—not stressful. But with so much jargon flying around, it can feel like you need a dictionary just to hire your next team member. At Randstad, we believe recruitment works best when it’s clear, human, and aligned with your business goals. Here’s our no-nonsense guide to permanent recruitment—what it means, how it works, and what to expect from a great partner.

what is permanent recruitment, really?

Put simply, permanent recruitment is about finding someone to join your team on a long-term basis—usually with a permanent contract, full onboarding, and growth potential.

Unlike temporary or contract workers, who are often hired for short-term needs, permanent hires are an investment in your team’s future. This kind of recruitment is ideal when stability, long-term value, and culture fit matter most.

why businesses use recruitment partners (and what they’re really buying).

When you work with a recruitment partner, you’re not just buying CVs—you’re buying:

• access to wider talent networks (including passive candidates)
• market knowledge and benchmarking insight
• skilled sourcing, screening, and selection
• faster hiring and reduced cost of vacancy
• a partner who handles the admin, so you can focus on the bigger picture.

Leverage constantly evolving industry expertise and forward-thinking recruitment strategies - for now and for the future. 

the steps of a great permanent recruitment process.

Here's what a solid, straightforward recruitment process looks like:

1. Briefing and alignment – We get to know your business, culture, and the role.
2. Market insight and salary benchmarking – Real data to guide your offer.
3. Sourcing and attraction – We promote your role and proactively search for top talent.
4. Screening and shortlisting – We assess skills, experience, and potential fit.
5. Interview and offer support – We prep candidates and manage expectations.
6. Onboarding and aftercare – We stay involved even after the hire.
    

what to expect from a great recruitment partner (like randstad).

Here’s what we think “good” looks like in a recruitment partner:

• Clear pricing and process from the start.
• Honest market advice (even when it’s tough).
• Proactive communication—you won’t be left chasing updates.
• Long-term support, including post-placement check-ins.
• Supportive insights and guidance, backed by data and industry knowledge.
• Working to future-proof support as well as delivering on the ‘here and now’.
• Utilisation of AI and technology to provide efficiencies for your business.

mistakes to avoid in permanent hiring.

Some common traps we help our clients avoid:

• Hiring in a rush from a too-small pool.
• Judging only on CVs, not future potential.
• Biased recruitment, rather than developing a diverse workforce.
• Using too many agencies, which can create confusion and reduce accountability.
• Creating a clunky candidate experience, which turns great people off.

why language matters: cutting the jargon means better decisions.

We believe the best recruitment partnerships are built on clear communication. When both sides understand the process—and the language—it’s easier to make confident hiring decisions.

At Randstad, we don’t just throw terms at you. We guide you through the process in plain English, helping you make smarter choices and deliver better outcomes for your team.

need help hiring your next permanent team member - without the jargon?

Talk to our team at Randstad UK. We’ll help you find the right person, not just fill a vacancy.