Launch Recruitment

Comparing the top 5 IT recruitment agencies in Melbourne, our review team concluded that Launch recruitment is the 2nd best IT recruitment agency in Melbourne.

Launch recruitment was established in 2009 and is strong values based company.

Melbourne IT companies – Launch Recruitment Review

Pros:

  • Negotiable payment terms
  • Discounts for multiple engagements
  • IT specialist recruiters
  • Very clear and concise terms and conditions

Cons:

  • Fees are third cheapest for low value employees
  • Not discount policy, though discounts can be negotiated
Launch recruitment was established in 2009 and is strong values based company.

Fees

The table below depicts the fee models for our top 5 IT recruitment agencies in the Melbourne area.

$0 - 50K $50 - 80K $80 - 150K $150 - 250K $250K +
Superior People 10% 10% 10% 10% 10%
Launch Recruitment 16% 16% 16% (up to 100k)
18% (more than 100k)
18% 18%
Greythorn 15% 17% 19% 21% 21%
Hudson 17% 17% 17% 17% 17%
Hays 15% ($0 - 30k)
16.5% ($30 -50k)
18.50% 21% 25% 25%

Launch Recruitment fee model is a stepped fee model. Our Launch Recruitment review team found that for salaries $100,000 and under, this agency charges a 16% fee (being 16% of the employee’s annual salary package) and over $100,000 18% fee (being 18% of the employee’s annual salary package).

There is a different fee model for an executive search assignment, with the fee being 20% of the executive’s annual salary package. A minimum placement fee of $3,500 applies whether they are for full time or part time positions. In the event that Launch Recruitment have presented a shortlist for a vacant permanent position and the position is then filled by an internal candidate or cancelled, a fee will be charged to cover some of Launch Recruitment’s costs. This fee will be 20% of the standard permanent placement fee. If the client engages the contractor on a perm basis within 12 months of that contractor being introduced by Launch, the client will pay a permanent placement fee for the employee of equivalent qualifications. The minimum fee is 16% of the annual salary package.

The graph below shows that Launch has a spread of fees for permanent employees as high as 18% and as low of 16%, depending on the salary of the employee (in other words, whether the employee is above or below an annual salary of $100,000. Compared to the other top 5 IT agencies Melbourne wide, Our Launch Recruitment review team found that this is a reasonable fee structure, and is particularly good value for the higher salaried employees.

  • Superior People
  • Launch
  • Greythorn
  • Hudson
  • Hays

Our Launch Recruitment review team found that there were no exclusivity rates on their webpage, however, our review team found that exclusivity discounts are negotiable, and it is up to Launch Recruitment’s discretion.

Compared to other IT recruitment agencies Melbourne, Launch Recruitment up front does not offer multiple engagement discounts, though again these may available in certain circumstances, depending on the situation, as everything is negotiable.

The payment terms differ between whether Launch Recruitment is placing a permanent or temporary employee. For permanent employees, our Launch Recruitment review team found that their fees are payable in full within 14 days of the candidate signing the acceptance of the contract. The guarantee is not valid and/or enforceable against Launch if payment in full of the invoice is not made within the 14 days stipulated. Interest will be payable at a rate of 15% per annum on all invoices not paid by the due date. For temporary employees, wages are paid to contractors fortnightly and therefore fees are payable strictly within 7 days to enable us to maintain our high standards. Interest will be payable at a rate of 15% per annum on all invoices not paid by the due date.

Our Launch Recruitment review team found they can do a retained assignment, payments can be paid in thirds, with the final third payable on signing the contract. Payment terms can be extended as well all negotiable.

Customer Service

The graph below shows the ratings given to each of our top 5 Melbourne IT recruitment agencies, based on their customer service performance when handling customer enquiries via email and over the phone.

Our Launch review team rated this company with 8.5 out of 10 for the level of customer service shown for phone enquiries. Our review team were even more impressed by Launch’s customer service when handling customers’ email requests, and reflected this satisfaction by giving the Melbourne-based IT recruitment agency a high rating of 9.5 out of 10. Compared to the customer service performance of the other top 5 Melbourne-based IT recruitment agencies, Launch Recruitment came equal first in email queries and 4th best via phone.

  • Superior People
  • Launch
  • Greythorn
  • Hudson
  • Hays

Their strong customer service was demonstrated in a number of ways:

  • Launch Recruitment are specialists in IT recruitment. This can assist the client, with their in depth knowledge of the IT industry when discussing particular needs of the client.
  • The recruiters are patient, and don’t rush through the conversation. They elaborate appropriately, which can assist to clarify the client’s needs.
  • When discussing terms and conditions, Launch recruiters are straight forward, cover a lot of bases and when asked for more information they are factual and straight to the point.
  • Exclusivity discount can be negotiated with the contract division manager. Exclusivity can provide the peace of mind of dedicated IT recruitment specialists on an assignment.
  • Our Launch Recruitment review team found the post communication from the initial call was a professional email which message was strong about building professional relationships and meeting the client’s needs. Compared to the other top 5 IT Melbourne recruitment agencies this was one of the more professional post emails sent.

The graph below reveals how fast our top 5 IT recruitment agencies sent through their standard terms and conditions when our review team requested them over the phone. Launch usually send their terms and conditions within 1 – 12 hours of being requested to do so, which is a fast response time compared to the other top 5 IT recruitment companies Melbourne wide.

  • Response time for quote
  • Response time to initial email request

The table below show the comparison of overall customer service performance and overall speed of their replies to customer enquiries, for the top 5 IT Melbourne recruitment agencies Melbourne wide. Our Launch review team gave Launch 4.5 out of 5 for customer service and found its respond to customer enquiries was rated a fast rating.

This image below is one of the testimonials from Launch Recruitment’s clients. From these reviews, our Launch Recruitment review team found that professional and excellent was a recurring topic. The testimonial below also does highlight one of the strengths Launch has which is great customer service.

( Source: https://www.launchrecruitment.com.au/services/ )

The image below is from the Launch website, under ‘contact us’. ‘Launch makes it simple and easy to be able to contact them with your query. They also have on the contact page all contact info for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane offices.

( Source: https://www.launchrecruitment.com.au/contact-us/ )

Guarantee Period

Guarantee Period is the period of time that the recruitment agency will guarantee to replace a candidate should they perform poorly or leave the company within the guarantee period. The guarantee period for Launch is 3 months.

All permanent placements are covered by a guarantee period. If a candidate leaves employment within 12 weeks of their commencement date, Launch will try to replace them with no additional fee. If they are unable to find a suitable replacement within 12 weeks, credit will be offered. Credit can be used for an alternate recruitment assignment within 12 months of the candidate exit date. Refunds will not be offered. Replacements are not transferrable, unless upon prior agreement.

The guarantee is only valid on the following basis:

  • If the fee has been paid in full
  • The departure has not been brought about by a restructuring of the position, misrepresentation of the role by the employer, redundancy, redevelopment or relocation.
  • Launch have been given the exclusive opportunity to replace the candidate.

Overall our team deemed the protection offered by the guarantee period as strong.

For a temporary assignment where a contractor ceases work on an assignment prior to its completion, Launch Recruitment’s liability will be limited to taking all reasonable steps to replace that contractor and will endeavour to do so within 4 hours of notification by the client. Our review team found that this replacement will be free.

The graph below confirms that Launch guarantee period is 3 months.

Our Launch review tea found Launch guarantee period of 3 months is the most common length of time for a recruitment agency, and the second longest of the top 5 Melbourne based IT recruitment agencies.

Methodology

Launch Recruitment prefers to find their candidates through their large network. Due to having specialised IT recruiters they are able to head hunt, source through referrals and advertise. Head hunting is through competitors is likely to find the candidate the client is looking for as they are usually working with the competitor. Technical or behavioural testing can be provided if required.

The number of stages in Launch Recruitment’s interview stage is 2. They use phone screening, face to face or skype if logistically challenged and then a brief is provided to the client. Sometime the client prefers to do the testing and the client does 1 or 2 interviews.

The number of candidate’s phone screened is around 20 depending on the role. If the employee can be found within network, the process will be even quicker. The number of candidates that Launch Recruitment will do face to face interviews is likely to be 5.

Our Launch Recruitment review team found that this agency prefers to only provide their clients with 3 candidates for the short list, which is comparable to the other 5 top IT recruitment agencies Melbourne city based.

Expertise

Launch recruitment was established in 2009 and is strong values based company. They have dedicated IT recruitment specialists, which can have its advantages when a client is in need of a niche specific role.

The image below shows the areas Launch recruitment specialise in. They have dedicated IT and telecommunication recruiters. They operate in all major cities, and have offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

( Source: https://www.launchrecruitment.com.au/services/ )

The graph below indicates that Launch has offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Melbourne Sydney Adelaide Perth Brisbane
Superior People
Launch Recruitment
Greythorn
Hudson
Hays

In Melbourne, they have one office in the CBD. They will recruit nation wide and will come through the to physical offices to manage.

Overall, our review team rated Launch 4 stars, which ranked them 2nd out of our top 5 companies.