HR Recruitment FAQs

What does an HR recruitment agency do? An HR recruitment agency specialises in helping organisations attract, assess, and hire qualified human resources professionals, from entry-level HR Assistants to senior HR leadership roles such as HR Directors and Heads of People.

At Ashdown Group, we manage the entire recruitment process, including sourcing and screening candidates, coordinating interviews, and negotiating offers. Our consultants have in-depth HR expertise, allowing us to identify candidates with the right technical skills, employment law knowledge, and cultural fit.

Working with a specialist HR recruitment agency reduces time-to-hire, improves candidate quality, and minimises the risk of costly hiring mistakes.

Why use a specialist HR recruitment agency? HR is a critical business function requiring a unique combination of interpersonal skills, commercial awareness, and technical knowledge. A specialist HR recruitment agency understands these nuances and has access to a network of pre-qualified candidates who may not be actively seeking roles.

Using a specialist agency such as Ashdown Group ensures a more targeted and efficient hiring process. We can quickly identify candidates with experience in your sector, whether you require generalist HR support or expertise in areas such as employee relations, organisational development or reward.

This leads to faster hires, improved retention, and a stronger HR function.

How long does HR recruitment take? The time to fill an HR role varies by seniority, location, and market conditions. Entry-level and mid-level roles are typically filled within 2–6 weeks, while senior positions, such as HR Directors, may take longer due to a smaller candidate pool.

For urgent requirements, HR contractors can often be deployed within a few days, providing immediate support for projects such as restructures, TUPE transfers, or policy implementation.

Factors influencing hiring timelines include HR salary competitiveness, role flexibility such as hybrid working, and interview process efficiency.

How much does HR recruitment cost? HR recruitment fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the candidate’s starting salary for permanent roles. The percentage depends on factors such as role seniority, market demand, and assignment exclusivity.

At Ashdown Group, we offer transparent and competitive pricing, with 15% of basic permanent salary for sole agency assignments and 20% when working alongside other recruiters. We also provide a 3-month rebate guarantee for added protection if a placement does not work out.

For contract roles, fees are typically included in a daily or hourly rate. We are happy to provide a tailored quote based on your specific requirements. Read more on our fees and rebate.

What HR roles are hardest to recruit? Some HR roles are more challenging to fill due to skill shortages and high demand. These include:

Should I hire an HR contractor or a permanent employee? The decision to hire an interim HR contractor or a permanent HR employee depends on your business objectives.

HR contractors are ideal for:

• Short-term projects
• Maternity cover
• Business transformation initiatives
• Immediate resource gaps

Permanent HR employees are better suited for:

• Long-term strategic roles
• Building organisational culture
• Ongoing HR operations

A specialist recruitment agency can help assess your needs and recommend the most effective solution.

What skills are most in demand in HR? In today’s market, employers seek HR professionals with a blend of technical expertise and strategic capability.

Key in-demand skills include:

• Employment law knowledge
• Employee relations management
• Change and transformation experience
• Data-driven HR and HR analytics
• Talent acquisition and employer branding
• Learning and development strategy

Professionals who combine these skills with strong communication and stakeholder management abilities are especially valuable.

Do you recruit HR professionals across London and the UK? Yes, we provide HR recruitment services across London and throughout the United Kingdom.

We support organisations of all sizes, from SMEs to large corporates, providing access to a broad network of HR professionals. This includes candidates seeking office-based, hybrid, and fully remote roles.

Our national reach allows us to identify top talent regardless of location while maintaining strong local market knowledge.

What qualifications should an HR professional have? Most HR professionals hold a recognised HR qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), such as Level 3, Level 5, or Level 7.

While qualifications are important, practical experience, commercial awareness, and interpersonal skills are equally critical. Many employers prioritise candidates who demonstrate real-world HR impact alongside formal credentials.