This is an example of when more is less. On a first view, the more agencies a Hiring Manager (HM) engages in a search, the better the candidates they will get to apply for the job.

A second view shows a very different outcome.

Agencies are private enterprises that need to achieve profit with limited resources, including database views to the big 4 (CareerBuilder, Monster, Dice and HotJobs) plus all other professional and social networks that charge us, the time of the Recruiters, etc. etc. When the chances of making a placement (and generate a profit) are one in too many (as many agencies as you invite to bid), simple math indicates that abstention or limited engagement are the best option for the Agency. We live (and die) by the numbers.

Candidates, when they are contacted by multiple recruiters, realize that for them too, competition will be fierce, so they walk away as they don’t want to use their references (one of their most precious commodities) over and over. References get ‘call fatigue’ and stop providing feedback on the candidates. This often results on the HM losing out on the best workers.

Carefully selecting 2 to 3 Staffing Agencies with solid credentials, reasonable fees and fast turnaround, is the best alternative for a Hiring Manager, in our opinion.