Generalist or Specialist Recruitment?
A question many clients have when they start exploring the idea of reaching out to a recruiter is whether they should procure services from a generalized or specialized recruitment agency.
A general recruiter recruits for a wide variety of job roles across many different industries. While a specialist recruiter has hones in on one industry or job function.
The New Zealand tech market roughly has 20% of candidates actively looking. They’re between roles, or they’re ready to move. Another 20% are completely happy where they are, they have no plans to move and are not interested in being approached.
But the real story is in the third pool, the passive market. Around 60% of candidates aren’t actively job hunting, but they’re open to the right opportunity if it’s put in front of them by someone they trust.
Generalist recruiters are focused on the active candidates.
They work across industries and job types, from marketing to admin to logistics. That broad reach means they’re fast and flexible. They are a great option if you are hiring in bulk, or filing generalist, or non-specialist positions. They might post an ad, screen the applicants, and send through who’s interested. If your ideal candidate is swimming just outside that pool, you might never see them.
While generalist recruitment might bring breadth, specialist recruiters bring depth. This is where we add our value.
Specialist recruiters are in the passive market.
Specialist recruiters, like Gambit, spend our time in the passive pool. We know who is quietly open to new opportunities. Maybe they are doing great at work but are feeling underchallenged, they are not applying for job ads but will take our call.
Because we are in the pool, we know what motivates them, their skill sets, tech stack, and values, and how to bring them a new opportunity. That means we can tap them on the shoulder before you’ve written a job description. Sometimes, we can introduce you to your next great hire before you’ve even realised you need them.
We don’t just throw in the hook and hope. We already know where to cast.
What this means for clients and candidates
For businesses, partnering with a specialist recruiter, means fewer interviews, sharper alignment, and market-savvy decisions. You’ll also unlock top talent that job boards simply don’t reach.
For candidates, it brings more meaningful conversations, introductions to roles that genuinely align with your goals, and a trusted advocate who can showcase your value in a fast-moving market.
If you’re hiring into a tech team, or thinking about your next move, and want to work with someone who knows the market we’re it.
At Gambit, we work exclusively across software, data, and infrastructure. If this sounds like the kind of hiring partner you need, we’re here to chat.
Thomas Hoksbergen | Founder | 09 355 8324 | thomas@gambitrecruitment.co.nz