A great hire starts with a process you can trust. From understanding the role to presenting a shortlist, our consultants – each averaging 19 years in tech recruitment – thoroughly screen and validate every candidate before they reach you, backed by a 100% fit guarantee and market rate benchmarking. For many roles, we also give you the chance to see and hear from candidates through an optional video introduction, so you can make faster, more confident decisions before you commit to an interview. Here’s how it all works, from first brief to final hire.
A Team You Can Rely On
Our consultants specialise in tech recruitment and work closely with you throughout, so you always know where things stand and can expect a considered, well-managed process from first brief to final hire.
Our Process
A structured nine-step process, each stage checked before we move on to the next, so every candidate we put forward has been thoroughly vetted.
Video Introductions: Meet the Person Behind the CV
We give every candidate applying through Deerfoot the option to record a short, unscripted video introduction alongside their CV. It's optional, as we'd never want a great candidate overlooked for choosing not to, but many do, giving you a real feel for the person before deciding who to interview. Here's why it works:
Recorded Video Interviews for Critical Hires
For senior, confidential or business-critical roles, one of our consultants can hold a live, recorded video interview with each shortlisted candidate, asking questions you set. You can watch it back whenever suits you, before deciding who to meet.
Why Choose Deerfoot
Beyond a thorough process, our standard terms and market insight reduce your risk and help you build a stronger team for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take, from brief to first shortlist?
It depends on the availability of talent and your own timelines, but we're usually able to submit an initial batch of candidates within a few days, then continue sourcing and delivering further batches for as long as it takes to fill the role.
Do you work on an exclusive basis?
We do our best work when engaged exclusively, as it gives us the time to properly map the market and speak with candidates, rather than racing other agencies to submit CVs quickly, which risks candidates not being properly assessed. We're happy to work on a multi-agency basis too, though our 100% refund guarantee doesn't apply and the fee may be higher to reflect the added risk.
How do your fees work?
Our standard permanent terms include milestone billing and a 100% refund if a hire leaves within the first six months. Contract rates are agreed per role. See our terms.
Do you recruit for contract and interim roles?
Yes. We recruit for permanent, contract, interim and fixed-term roles, and can move quickly when you need someone in place fast.
Which roles and locations do you cover?
We specialise in IT and technology roles, including software engineering, cloud and DevOps, data, AI, cyber security, infrastructure, architecture, project management, business analysis and technology leadership. Our remote-first team is based across Hampshire, London, the South West and the North, and we recruit for clients across the UK.
Do you handle interview scheduling and offer negotiation?
Yes. We can handle as much or as little of the process as you'd like, including interview scheduling and offer negotiation.
Can you tell us what the role should pay?
Yes. Our benchmarking service gives you current salary and day rate data for tech roles, so you can make a competitive, informed offer.
Is a video introduction included for every candidate?
On permanent roles, every candidate is invited to record one. It's entirely their choice, and a strong candidate is never held back for choosing not to. On fast-moving contract roles, we offer it on request, as it can slow the process down.
Do video introductions replace our own interviews?
No. They help you decide who to interview, not replace meeting the candidate yourself.
Can we get a recorded video interview for senior roles?
Yes. For senior, confidential or business-critical roles, one of our consultants can hold a live, recorded video interview with each shortlisted candidate, using questions you set. You can watch it back whenever suits you.
