How to choose a recruitment agency in India
To choose a recruitment agency in India, verify legitimacy and references, confirm the fee structure and replacement-guarantee terms in writing, review screening and assessment methodology, check time-to-hire and sector expertise, confirm data and candidate-confidentiality handling, start with one role, and agree an RPO-vs-contingency model that fits your volume. Strong agencies are clear on fees and guarantees up front.
The 7 steps
- 1
Verify legitimacy and references
Confirm registration, a real office and callable client references. A credible agency like AB7 lists its Mohali Phase 8B office and founding year (2015) and will connect you with a reference in your sector.
- 2
Confirm fees and replacement guarantee
Get the fee in writing — Indian agencies typically charge 8.33%–16.67% of CTC (1–2 months' salary) for permanent roles, or a monthly RPO retainer. Confirm the replacement-guarantee period if a hire leaves early. Short or absent guarantees are a warning sign.
- 3
Review screening methodology
Ask how candidates are sourced, screened and assessed, and how shortlists are quality-controlled. Strong agencies share a structured process, not just a resume forward. Ask to see a sample shortlist with assessment notes.
- 4
Check time-to-hire and sector fit
Confirm typical time-to-hire for your role type and whether the agency has filled similar roles. Niche or senior roles take longer; honest agencies set realistic timelines rather than over-promising.
- 5
Confirm data and confidentiality handling
For ongoing hiring, confirm how candidate data, your hiring plans and any confidential briefs are handled, plus ATS access controls (Greenhouse, Lever, Workday). AB7 administers your ATS under defined access controls.
- 6
Start with one role, then scale
Run a single role before signing an exclusive or volume agreement, to test shortlist quality and responsiveness. AB7 can place a single role or stand up a dedicated recruiter from $1,500/month for ongoing hiring.
- 7
Choose RPO vs contingency for your volume
For 10+ hires a quarter, a monthly RPO retainer is usually cheaper per hire than stacking contingency fees. For occasional senior roles, contingency fits. AB7 offers both and will model the cheaper option for your volume.
Red flags to avoid
- No written fee or replacement-guarantee terms
- Resume-forwarding with no real screening or assessment notes
- Over-promising unrealistic time-to-hire on niche roles
- Won't share references or proof of similar placements
- Pressure to sign exclusive/volume deals before one test role
Questions to ask
- What is your fee, and what is the replacement-guarantee period?
- How do you source, screen and assess candidates?
- What is your typical time-to-hire for this kind of role?
- How do you handle our hiring data and ATS access?
- Is RPO or contingency cheaper for my hiring volume?
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a recruitment agency in India?▾
Verify legitimacy and references, get fees and the replacement guarantee in writing, review screening methodology, check time-to-hire and sector fit, confirm data handling, start with one role, and pick RPO vs contingency by volume. AB7 states fees and guarantees up front and models the cheaper option for your hiring plan.
What is the typical replacement guarantee in India?▾
Most agencies offer a 30–90 day replacement guarantee — if a hire leaves within the window, they refill at no extra fee. Confirm the exact period and conditions in writing. AB7 includes a replacement guarantee and states the terms before you engage.
How do I verify an Indian recruitment agency's legitimacy?▾
Check registration and a real office, confirm a verifiable web/LinkedIn presence, call references, and ask for proof of similar placements. Then run one test role before an exclusive deal. AB7 lists its Mohali office, 2015 founding and references openly.
How much do recruitment agencies charge in India?▾
Typically 8.33%–16.67% of the hire's annual CTC (one to two months' salary) for permanent roles, or a monthly RPO retainer from $1,500 per dedicated recruiter. For high-volume hiring, RPO is usually cheaper per hire. AB7 offers both and will compare them for your volume.
Do Indian recruitment agencies provide dedicated account managers?▾
Good ones do — a single point of contact who owns your roles and reporting. Confirm this before signing, especially for ongoing hiring. AB7 assigns a dedicated recruiter and account manager from its Mohali hub on RPO engagements.
Related
Want to put AB7 through this checklist? Ask anything at +1-321-341-7733 (US) or +91-98780-67778 (India), email director@ab7solutions.com, or book a 30-minute call.