Looking to recruit
Recruitment is often measured by placements. We see it a little differently. For us, success is built on the relationships behind those placements — the businesses that trust us to act as an extension of their team, and the candidates who trust us with the next chapter of their career.
Trust, respect and market knowledge sit at the heart of every conversation we have. Without them, recruitment becomes transactional. With them, it becomes a genuine partnership — which is why businesses across Hampshire, Dorset and London come back to us time and again.
Whether you want permanent or contract people, we’ll be your go-to partner, not just another agency. We lead with honesty rather than a sales pitch, and we like to think outside the box — and by doing so, you end up with high-performing teams and a great culture.
By the numbers
of our candidates stay past the six-month mark
of our business is repeat business
of our team are passionate about real partnerships
of our vacancies are in Dorset & Hampshire
How we work
We get to know all about your business — because the right hire is about far more than a tick-box CV. Here’s how a partnership with Dovetail works.
The personality of your business matters as much as the vacancy itself. We come and meet you to get a real feel for your culture, the role and exactly the type of person you’re looking for — so the people we send are ones you’ll actually want to employ.
It starts with us listening. We want to know everything about your ideal person, where the skill gaps are, what’s worked before and what hasn’t. Personality fit is just as important as skill set — skills can be trained, personality can’t be changed.
Everyone who knocks on your door has been thoroughly interviewed by us to make sure they’re a good fit for your role and your business. No CV firehose — just the people who genuinely match the brief.
Throughout, we advise and give clear, honest feedback to both you and the candidate. We take your feedback on board and adapt our process as we go — keeping the whole thing stress-free and as easy as possible.
What you get
Everything you need from a recruitment partner — and a few things you might not expect. Nothing is too much trouble; just ask.
Pricing
Here’s the part that keeps us in business! Our pricing is simple, transparent and built around delivery — we only succeed when you do.
Unless we’re working on a retainer, you won’t pay a penny — or be invoiced — until your candidate has started on day one. Each role carries a fee, typically a percentage of the annual salary.
Prefer a set figure? In some cases, depending on the role, we can work to a fixed fee. We’ll discuss it with you upfront and make sure it works for everyone.
Hiring regularly? A retainer is usually a fixed quarterly fee covering an agreed number of roles — always tailored to what you actually need, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Invoices are generally due 14 days from the date of invoice.
On the rare occasion a candidate doesn’t work out, we have a rebate schedule in place.
Our sectors
From FMCG to IT & Technical, our consultants run dedicated desks. Can’t see what you’re looking for? There isn’t much we haven’t done — just get in touch.
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what the businesses we work with have to say.
We worked with Dovetail on a recent recruitment drive and successfully appointed two excellent sales candidates who have proved to be a great fit. As a fast-growing business, it’s great to work with an agency who really understands our business and culture.
I’ve worked with Dovetail for the last few years. They really take the time to understand our business and the qualities I’m looking for, so I can rely on them to give me several strong contenders for a role. They just know who’s going to be a great fit.
I’m very happy to give Dovetail a full five-star review. I’ve used them over the past few years to recruit for my team. They pre-screen candidates, so I can be confident the CVs they pass over are relevant — and many have gone on to become key contributors.
I worked closely with the team for 12 months and found them resilient and self-reflective throughout a challenging recruitment drive, always taking feedback on board. I’d recommend Dovetail — they give a great service and represent a brand brilliantly to candidates.
Get in touch
Share a few details about the role and the right consultant will be in touch to talk it through. No obligation, and no jargon.
Vacancy enquiry
The more we know, the faster we can find the right person. All we really need to start is your name, company and a line about the role.
Ready to hire?
Still not sure? Have a chat, no strings attached — and take a look at our latest jobs, news and blog while you’re here. We’ve recruited across Dorset and Hampshire since 2013.
Stay connected
Dovetail Recruitment are an independent Recruitment Agency in Bournemouth. Follow us to keep up to date with The South’s Job Market Report, Recruitment in Hampshire & Dorset + HR news, as well as our latest jobs, career tips + everything else related to your working world.
