In today’s hyper-connected world, online reviews are more influential than ever. With candidates and clients researching agencies extensively before engaging, a robust online reputation can be the difference between landing a new client or losing them to a competitor.
In fact, 85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations (Bright Local).
For recruitment agencies, positive reviews can elevate your brand, build credibility, and drive new business. However, negative reviews, if not handled properly, can damage your reputation but they also present a valuable opportunity to improve.
Where Can Online Reviews Be Published?
It’s no longer just about your website. Today’s digital landscape offers multiple platforms where candidates and clients can share their experiences. Make sure you’re visible across the key touch points:
- Google Reviews – Critical for SEO and appearing in local search results, and establishing yourself as a reliable recruitment agency.
- Glassdoor – Somewhere that those seeking employment will likely check, it’s essential for employer branding and attracting top recruitment talent.
- Your website – Create a dedicated testimonials page and showcase glowing reviews for your recruitment services on key landing pages.
- Social media – Highlight client and candidate success stories via posts, reels, or video testimonials – you can even show off snippets of the entire recruitment process so potential candidates know what to expect.
- Trustpilot or Feefo – Industry-standard platforms providing verified customer reviews.
- LinkedIn Recommendations – Leverage LinkedIn’s recommendation feature to gather credible peer reviews which will be visible to those who are looking to find a new job.
Why Online Reviews Are More Powerful Than Ever
Modern candidates and clients demand transparency and deep industry knowledge. Recruitment agencies that openly showcase feedback, both positive and negative, are better positioned to build trust and attract business.
Key Benefits of Online Reviews:
- Increased Trust & Social Proof – People trust people. Online reviews humanise your agency by sharing real experiences of the entire process.
- Improved Local SEO & Visibility – Positive Google Reviews help boost your agency’s ranking in local search results, which is critical for attracting candidates nearby.
- Stronger Brand Authenticity – Displaying a mix of positive and thoughtfully managed negative reviews shows you are honest, approachable and care about feedback.
- Candidate & Client Confidence – Publicly addressing and resolving issues demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Competitive Differentiation – A strong portfolio of reviews differentiates sets your recruitment consultants apart in a crowded market and attracts high-quality talent and clients.
How to Obtain Online Reviews Effectively
The key is to ask at the right time and make it easy for people to leave reviews, you want to make reviewing a very smooth process so the reviewer doesn’t feel like it’s too much work. Here’s how:
- Time It Right – Ask candidates for a review immediately after placement at the right job, when they’re most excited and engaged. Request client feedback once a successful hire has been onboarded.
- Use Automation Tools – Implement automated follow-up emails with direct links to your preferred review platforms (e.g., Google, Glassdoor).
- Personalise the Ask – Tailor your request based on the candidate or client’s experience. A personalised message feels more genuine and increases response rates. If you’re reaching out to a candidate, make sure to congratulate them on their dream job, and if it’s a client, establish that it’s been ‘such a pleasure’ to work with them.
- Incentivise Reviews (Ethically) – Offer non-monetary incentives such as entry into a prize draw or charitable donations in exchange for leaving a review.
- Simplify the Process – Provide clear instructions and a direct link to the review page, don’t make them search for it.
- Leverage Positive Interactions – When a candidate or client thanks you, seize the moment to request a review, they’ll be far more likely to elaborate on how extremely grateful they are in the review.
Handling Negative Reviews: The Right Approach
Negative reviews are unavoidable but how you respond defines your brand. Here’s a modern playbook for managing negative feedback effectively:
Respond Quickly and Publicly – Time matters, respond within 24-48 hours to show you take concerns seriously.
Acknowledge and Empathise – Don’t get defensive. Remain extremely professional and acknowledge the issue with empathy and show you’re committed to resolving it.
Example: “We’re sorry to hear about your experience, this isn’t the standard we aim for. Let’s connect to resolve this ASAP.”
Take the Conversation Offline – Offer to discuss the issue via phone or email. This allows for a faster, personal and professional service.
Showcase Solutions – Update the public comment when the issue is resolved to highlight the whole process of how you turn challenges into positive outcomes.
Learn & Improve – Use negative reviews as a learning tool to enhance your processes and make things better for future candidates on their job search, and future clients.
Pro Tips for 2025: Maximising Your Review Strategy
Showcase User-Generated Content – Feature video testimonials and success stories that show why you are the best recruitment agency across Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for a more authentic touch.
Regularly Audit & Refresh – Update your testimonials page and review content to keep things current and relevant.
Promote Your Reputation – Share positive reviews, if you have a review that says what a great company you have been to work with and how absolutely fantastic you were throughout the process, promote that in newsletters, proposals, and client onboarding materials.
Celebrate Positive Feedback – Publicly acknowledge and thank reviewers, it encourages more people to share their experiences.
How Do Reviews Help to Promote Your Recruitment Services?
In today’s digital-first world, online reviews are not just an afterthought, they are business-critical. By proactively collecting and managing reviews, you will:
Attract top talent looking for new job opportunities and high-value clients. Improve SEO and online visibility, enhance brand trust and credibility and create a feedback loop for continuous improvement.
Start today, empower your agency with the tools to harness the power of online reviews and thrive.
