Our review team has researched and come to the conclusion, that Hudson compared to the other top 5 IT recruitment agencies based in Melbourne, comes outside the top 5.
Pros:
Cons:
The graph below includes details about the fee models for each of our top 5 IT recruitment agencies in Melbourne.
| $0 - 50K | $50 - 80K | $80 - 150K | $150 - 250K | $250K + | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
10% | 10% | 10% | 10% | 10% |
 |
16% | 16% | 16% (up to 100k) 18% (more than 100k) |
18% | 18% |
 |
15% | 17% | 19% | 21% | 21% |
|
17% | 17% | 17% | 17% | 17% |
 |
15% ($0 - 30k) 16.5% ($30 -50k) |
18.50% | 21% | 25% | 25% |
The fee model for Hudson is different for permanent employees compared to temporary or contract workers. For permanent staff, the fee charged is a flat 17% fee, which is calculated as a percentage of the employee’s annual salary package. The 17% fee is a flat fee, no matter how senior or junior the employee, or how high their salary. Most other IT recruitment agencies in Melbourne (including Launch, Greythorn and Hays), have a stepped or increasing fee structure, where the percentage of fees charged are higher, the higher the annual salary package of the employee. Accordingly, as depicted in the graph above, Hudson’s fee structure is preferable for higher value employees ($80,000 and above), but is the highest fee percentage of our top 5 for low level employees (below $50,000).
For temporary staff, or contract workers, Hudson charge fees that are a flat 15% of their hourly or daily rate. Hudson also offer a buy-out fee, which is when their contractor/ temporary employee is made permanent by the client.
Overall, compared to other IT recruitment agencies in Melbourne, they have a competitive fee model, particularly for employees with high salaries.
The graph below shows that Hudson’s fees are flat at 17% no matter the salary of the employee.
Our Hudson review team found that Hudson are willing to negotiate discounts if the client commits to using Hudson exclusively for the particular job, but discounts will depend on the circumstances and need to be arranged face to face.
Volume discount can be offered depending on the circumstances and is negotiable with the client.
Their payment terms depend on whether the job is an exclusive retrainer. For exclusive retainers, strictly within 7 days of the invoice date as follows: 1/3 of the total estimated fee is paid upon acceptance of the assignment; 1/3 of the total estimated fee is paid upon presentation of the shortlisted Candidates; and the final 1/3 balance is payable upon successful completion of the assignment, which occurs as soon as an offer has been made and accepted by the successful Candidate. If its a non-exclusive job, that isn’t on retainer, the invoice is delivered on the start date of the candidate, and needs to be paid within 7 days.
The graph below shows the levels given to each of our top 5 Melbourne-based IT recruitment agencies, based on their customer service performance when handling customer enquiries via email and over the phone. Our Hudson review team rated the company 8 out 10 for the level of customer service via email enquiries. Email queries were generally 12-24 hours, which gives them a medium rating.
Hudson level of phone customer service was rated 9.5 out of 10 by our Hudson review team. The consultant who assisted our Hudson review team was very professional and explained that Hudson were open to negotiating bespoke arrangement, stating “nothing was set in stone” and emphasised that Hudson’s number one priority is to make sure the client is happy. This Melbourne based IT recruitment agency customer service via phone was one of the highest ratings compared to the other IT Melbourne recruitment agencies.
Hudson was rated relatively strongly by our review team for its phone and email correspondence compared to the other top 5 IT recruitment agencies Melbourne wide.
Their strong customer service was demonstrated in a number of ways:
The graph below reveals how fast our top 5 IT recruitment agencies in Melbourne sent through their standard terms and conditions when our Superior People review team requested them over the phone. Superior People generally sent through their terms and conditions within an hour, which was the equal quickest response time of the Melbourne based IT recruitment agencies.
The image below, taken from our larger Melbourne IT comparison table, show how our top 5 IT recruitment agencies in the Melbourne region were ranked for their speed for sending through their standard terms and conditions when our Hudson review team asked to see them by phone. Our review team rated 4.4 out of 5 for customer service and found its response to customer enquiries was given at a “medium” rating, generally providing a customer with their standard terms and conditions within 12-24 hours of a request to do so over the phone.
The image below is from the Hudson webpage under the ‘contact us’ tab. Compared to the other top 5 IT companies in Melbourne, Hudson’s contact us page is not as user friendly. There is an option to submit an online request by clicking the city name in the below image, but it isn’t very clear or intuitive.
Guarantee Period is the time period that the recruitment agency is obliged to replace a candidate if the employee placed by the recruiter is poorly performing or voluntarily leaves the company within the guarantee period. Different recruitment companies are willing to offer different lengths for the guarantee period.
Hudson’s guarantee period for permanent roles is 3 months (or 6 months for roles done through executive search). A warranty period may also apply if the candidate withdraws prior to commencing and the client has paid the fees in full. Temporary and contractors do not have a warranty period, however they must be engaged at no less that 4 hours at any one time if less then a minimum of 4 hours the client will be charged).
The graph below shows that Hudson’s guarantee period is 3 months.
The guarantee period of 3 month an average length of time compared to the other top 5 IT recruitment agencies Melbourne wide.
The image below was taken from the Hudson webpage, by our Hudson review team. Hudson pride themselves on the differences they can give a client. They do have the average guarantee period length, however they deliver a long term benefit to the client.
Hudson find their employees trough different methods depending on the role. Their database has over 2 million candidates, so if the candidate is not found through there then they can use their networks, job boards, talent pools or contact other consultants in Australia to maybe seek other states. They have strong contacts in the market are with people with over 15 years experience.
Hudson has 2-3 stages in the recruitment process. They like to meet the client to get a good understanding of the client’s culture because this IT recruitment agency based in Melbourne considers this to be very important. They then phone screen, and are able to use technical testing depending on the role. They meet with candidates face to face, or if the candidate is interstate, they use Skype. Once Hudson have compiled the shortlist, they sent this list through to the client.
For a permanent role Hudson generally interviews 6 candidates and shortlist between 2 to 4 candidates, depending on client requirements.
Hudson was established in 2007.
They have 9 recruiters who work cross vertical where consultants specialise in software development life cycle. They cover the major areas of recruitment.
They have recruiters across Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle, Perth, Melbourne, Mount Waverly, and Sydney.
The image bellows shows the areas Hudson recruits. They cover most areas of recruitment so can help their clients cover a range of roles.
The graph below indicates that Hudson has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, as well as Canberra, Newcastle and Mount Waverly.
| Melbourne | Sydney | Adelaide | Perth | Brisbane | |
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Overall, our Hudson review team rated Hudson 3.5 stars which ranked them outside the top 5 Melbourne IT recruitment agencies.
