In today's competitive labor market, attracting and retaining top talent is more crucial than ever. According to recent statistics from LinkedIn, 87% of active and passive candidates are open to new job opportunities. This highlights the importance of having an effective hiring process that not only identifies the right candidates but also provides a positive experience throughout. Let's explore a framework that can help you hire the best talent while ensuring a great candidate experience: The 3 P's.

PEOPLE: The Foundation of Effective Hiring

Before you even begin your search, it's essential to identify and align the key people involved in the hiring process. Recent data from Indeed shows that 83% of employers believe that the quality of a new hire is determined by people involved in their hiring process.

Assembling Your Hiring Committee:

When forming your hiring committee, consider these key factors:

• Limit the committee to no more than 4 people – if you need input from others to help shape the role, solicit their input but there is no need to involve more than 4 people in the process.
• Include an HR/Talent Acquisition representative
• Involve the hiring manager
• Add a peer to the role being filled – they can give a realistic job preview
• Sr. Leader or Executive – optional depending on the role

Defining Roles and Responsibilities

Each member of the hiring committee should have a clear understanding of their role:

• HR/TA Rep: Initial screening and overall process management
• Hiring Manager: Technical assessment, team fit evaluation
• Peer: Cultural fit and day-to-day job insight
• Senior Leader: Strategic alignment to the culture, mission, vision, and values of the business

By clearly defining these roles, you ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate from multiple perspectives.

POSITION: Aligning Requirements

Aligning requirements, characteristics, and necessary skills is crucial to conducting an effective and efficient search. This alignment helps create a consistent message throughout the hiring process and improves the candidate experience.

Updating the Job Description

Start by reviewing and updating the job description. According to a recent study by Indeed, 52% of job seekers say the quality of a job description is very or extremely influential in their decision to apply. Ensure your job description:

• Accurately represents the role and responsibilities
• Is specific but not too narrow in order to attract a diverse candidate pool
• Highlights your company's unique value proposition

Defining Must-Have Skills

Identify the non-negotiable skills and qualifications for the role. Be cautious about using years of experience as a hard requirement, as this can limit your talent pool unnecessarily. Instead, focus on specific skills and achievements that demonstrate competence.

Establishing Areas of Flexibility

Determine where you're willing to be flexible. This might include:

• Compensation structure
• Work arrangements (remote/hybrid options)
• Industry experience
• Certain certifications or qualifications

Creating Your Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Develop a compelling EVP by answering two key questions:

1. Why would someone want to work for this company?
2. Why would someone want to work for this specific team or manager?

Recent data from Glassdoor indicates that 79% of job seekers consider a company's mission and culture before applying.

Your EVP should address factors such as:

• Career advancement opportunities
• Training and development programs
• Challenging and fulfilling work
• Flexibility and work-life balance

PROCESS: Streamlined Interviewing and Selection

An efficient interview process is crucial in today's competitive job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average time-to-hire in the US is 36 days. However, top candidates are often off the market within 10 days. To stay competitive, aim to complete your process within two weeks for most roles, and within 30 days for senior leadership positions.

Effective Interview Structure

1. First Interview (30-60 minutes): HR/TA or external Recruiting Partner pre-screening
   • Evaluate general history, skills, and qualifications
   • Assess preliminary technical and cultural fit
   • Gauge candidate interest in the role
2. Second Interview (60-90 minutes): Hiring Manager and/or Team Member
   • Deep dive into technical skills and experience
   • Evaluate leadership qualities (if applicable)
   • Assess cultural fit within the team and company
3. Final Interview (30-60 minutes): Hiring Manager and/or Senior Leader
   • Review candidate's understanding of the role and company
   • Address any remaining questions or concerns – The quality of the questions the candidate asks will provide great perspective on their potential fit

Selection and Offer Process

Once you've identified your top candidate:

1. Have the hiring manager contact the candidate directly about their selection and inform them an offer will be made.
2. Present the initial offer in writing to the candidate with relevant information they will need to make their decision:
   • Salary & other compensation outlined
   • Job Title and reporting information
   • Benefits information
3. Schedule call/meeting with the candidate, hiring manager, and HR representative present
   • Explain why the candidate was selected and why you are eager to have them join the team
   • Communicate the offer details (salary, title, start date, etc.)
   • Review benefits and other relevant information
   • Allow candidate Q&A

4. Allow 48 hours for the candidate to review and respond with a decision or additional questions.

*This personalized approach to offer communication can significantly impact acceptance rates and long-term retention.

Embracing Assessments:

While they play a crucial role in modern hiring processes, it's important to use assessments judiciously. Reserve them for select positions, typically executive-level roles, and ensure they evaluate both hard skills (IQ) and soft skills like emotional intelligence (EQ).

By following this comprehensive framework, you'll be well-equipped to hire the best talent while ensuring a positive candidate experience. Remember, in today's job market, the hiring process is as much about selling your company to the candidate as it is about evaluating their fit for the role.

Asking thoughtful questions during an interview is a powerful way to differentiate yourself and demonstrate your interest in the role and organization. It shows that you've done your research and are genuinely curious about what it’s like to work at the company. But more than that, the right questions can help you assess whether the company aligns with your career goals, values, and needs.

Here are the 10 questions to ask in an interview, along with why each one matters:

1. What qualities do successful employees at this company share?
This question reveals the values and traits the organization prizes. Understanding what makes employees thrive in the company can help you assess whether your own strengths and characteristics align with its culture.

2. How would you describe the company’s/your leadership style?
Leadership dynamics play a significant role in shaping the work environment. Knowing how the company is managed can help you determine whether it’s a place where you’d feel supported and motivated.

3. What is the company’s approach to professional development and career growth?
Showing interest in long-term growth communicates that you’re invested in more than just the job at hand. The response will also indicate how the company nurtures its employees and helps them succeed.

4. How does the company celebrate team or individual achievements?
Recognition of accomplishments can make a significant difference in workplace satisfaction. This question uncovers how much the company values and appreciates its employees’ contributions.

5. What are some challenges the company is currently facing?
Asking this shows strategic thinking and an interest in the bigger picture. It also gives you a chance to understand the company's priorities and identify ways you can make a meaningful impact.

6. How does the company support work-life balance?
This tactful inquiry addresses flexibility and well-being without being overly direct. You’ll gain insight into the company's stance on working hours, remote options, and employee wellness initiatives.

7. What’s the most significant change the company has undergone in the past year?
This question highlights the organization’s adaptability and how it handles challenges or shifts in the industry. It also sheds light on the company's stability and resilience.

8. How do employees typically collaborate across teams or departments?
Effective teamwork and communication are critical in many workplaces. This question gives you a glimpse into the company’s culture and how well departments work together.

9. What’s the biggest misconception people have about working here?
This often leads to candid, insightful responses. It can reveal nuances about the company culture or expectations that might not be evident from job descriptions or external reviews.

10. Why did you choose to work here, and what keeps you excited about your role?
Ending with a personal question builds rapport and encourages an authentic conversation. It also provides a unique perspective on what makes the organization a fulfilling place to work.

Why These Questions Work

These questions are designed to highlight your curiosity, and emotional intelligence, and focus on both the big picture and day-to-day realities of the role. Asking them positions you as a thoughtful, engaged candidate who’s serious about finding a role that aligns with your goals and values.

By incorporating these questions into your next interview, you’ll not only make a great impression but also walk away with a clearer understanding of whether the company is the right fit for you.

Looking for more career advice? Check out our Insights Page for tips on job searching, resume building, and interview preparation!

When it comes to hiring leaders and key personnel, organizations face a critical decision: do it themselves, engage with contingency recruiters, or opt for a retained search model. Each approach has its advantages and limitations, and understanding these can help companies make informed choices that align with their hiring goals. At Requisite Talent Partners, we believe the retained search model offers unparalleled value for strategic and leadership roles, emphasizing partnership and long-term success. Here, we break down the differences and help you decide what’s best for your organization.

The Recruitment Landscape: Your Options Explained

Recruitment can be broadly categorized into four methods, each suited to different hiring scenarios:

1. Networking and Referrals: Leveraging your employees' networks can yield strong candidates, particularly in tight-knit industries or for roles that are easier to fill. Referral programs and incentives often enhance success in these cases.
2. Direct Hire Through Advertising: Many candidates actively search for roles online. Advertising on job boards, career pages, and social media can attract a wide range of applicants, though the volume doesn’t always equate to quality.
3. Contingency Recruitment: In the contingency model, multiple recruiters compete to fill the same role, with payment due only if a successful placement is made. This approach is widely used but comes with significant drawbacks.
4. Retained Recruitment: The retained model involves an exclusive partnership with a recruiter, focusing on strategic planning, deep discovery, and customized processes to identify the best-fit candidates. It’s a premium service designed for leadership or high-impact roles.

Key Differences Between Contingency and Retained Recruitment

Contingency Recruitment

• Process: Contingency recruiters operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, often working on multiple roles simultaneously. Speed is prioritized, leading to a competitive environment and a transactional relationship.
• Candidate Pool: Sourcing methods are typically transactional, relying on existing databases and generic advertising. Screening is minimal, and clients are responsible for the bulk of candidate assessment.
• Fee Structure: Fees range from 15-25% of the candidate’s first-year salary, paid after the candidate’s start date. Rebates or replacements are typically offered on a reduced scale over 90 days.
• Challenges: The competitive nature often results in duplicate candidate submissions, insufficient screening, and a lack of alignment with organizational culture. This can lead to higher turnover and less impactful hires.

Retained Recruitment

• Process: Retained recruiters work exclusively on a role, investing time to deeply understand the client’s needs. This includes tailored campaign planning, targeted sourcing, and robust candidate assessment.
• Candidate Pool: A proactive approach ensures access to both active and passive candidates, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Screening includes cultural fit, behavioral assessments, and competency evaluations.
• Fee Structure: Fees range from 22-30%, typically divided into three installments. Retained recruiters often offer extended replacement guarantees, reflecting their commitment to long-term success.
• Advantages: By fostering a true partnership, retained search ensures alignment with the client’s strategic objectives, delivering better hiring outcomes, higher retention rates, and stronger cultural fit.

Why Retained Recruitment Delivers Superior Outcomes

Successful Placement Rates and Retention

• Retained searches boast higher fill rates due to the recruiter’s dedicated focus and customized process.
• Retention rates after 12 months are significantly better, reducing turnover costs and ensuring stability in leadership roles.

Quality and ROI

• The comprehensive assessment in retained recruitment leads to hires who excel in productivity, cultural alignment, and job performance.
• While upfront fees may be higher, the long-term cost savings from reduced turnover and higher employee satisfaction provide superior ROI.

Strategic Partnership

• Retained recruiters work as extensions of your team, offering insights into market trends, candidate motivations, and the competitive landscape. This partnership results in a more refined and effective hiring process.

When to Choose Contingency vs. Retained Recruitment

Contingency recruitment may be suitable for roles that are transactional, easier to fill, or where the candidate pool is abundant. However, for niche, leadership, or high-impact positions, retained recruitment is a clear choice. The exclusive, strategic focus ensures that you’re not just filling a role but finding the right talent to drive your business forward.

The Requisite Talent Partners Difference

At Requisite Talent Partners, we specialize in retained search for leadership and strategic roles, offering a tailored, results-driven approach. Our process emphasizes deep discovery, precise candidate alignment, and a commitment to your long-term success. By choosing the retained model, you’re not just hiring—you’re building a partnership that enhances your organization’s future.

Ready to elevate your talent acquisition strategy? Let’s start a conversation.

When acquiring talent, understanding the difference between vertical and lateral recruitment is crucial for successful outcomes. These two approaches not only target distinct types of candidates but also demand unique strategies for sourcing, messaging, and flexibility. 

Imagine your organization is poised for growth and you need to decide whether to seek out industry veterans or fresh perspectives from different fields. Knowing when and how to use vertical versus lateral recruitment can be the key to securing the talent that will drive your organization forward. 

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the nuances of each recruitment approach and offer actionable insights to help you make informed decisions and optimize your talent acquisition strategy. 

Vertical Recruitment: Climbing the Career Ladder

What is Vertical Recruitment?

Vertical recruitment focuses on attracting talent for roles that offer a significant step up in their career. These positions typically come with increased responsibilities, a higher title, and the potential for long-term growth within the company. 

Vertical recruitment is often about aligning with the company’s future goals and securing leaders or key players who can help drive the business forward.

In vertical recruitment, employers are generally less flexible because they are looking for specific skills, experience, and leadership qualities. They have a clear vision of what they need to achieve their long-term goals. 

On the other hand, the candidate may need to be more flexible — whether it’s relocation, adjusting to a higher level of responsibility, or aligning with the company’s future vision. Candidates in vertical recruitment are typically running toward something — seeking career advancement, leadership opportunities, and the chance to make a significant impact.

How to Reach Vertical Recruitment Candidates:

• Focus on Ambition: Target candidates looking to advance their careers and those motivated by growth opportunities.
• Emphasize Leadership and Impact: Highlight the role’s importance in shaping the company's future and how the right person can significantly impact success.
• Be Selective: Prioritize candidates with a proven track record in leadership or those who have demonstrated their ability to step into more significant roles.

Lateral Recruitment: Moving with Purpose

What is Lateral Recruitment?

Lateral recruitment involves acquiring talent for roles similar to their current position but at a different company. In these scenarios, talent is often running away from something — a toxic work environment, dissatisfaction with current leadership, or a lack of career satisfaction.

In lateral recruitment, the company needs to be more flexible because candidates in these situations are often less willing to compromise. They know what they want and are looking for a better fit in terms of work environment, culture, or compensation. This means the candidate is less flexible about what they are willing to accept.

How to Reach Lateral Recruitment Candidates:

• Highlight Cultural Fit: Emphasize how your company’s culture and values align with the candidate’s needs and desires.
• Focus on Immediate Benefits: Showcase the tangible benefits of the role, such as work-life balance, compensation, and job satisfaction.
• Tailor the Approach: Understand that these candidates have specific requirements and be prepared to meet them with specific ways your organization addresses those requirements.

Critical Differences Between Vertical and Lateral Recruitment

Understanding the core differences between vertical and lateral recruitment can help you craft more effective recruitment strategies:

1. Flexibility:
   • Vertical Recruitment: Employers are less flexible, and candidates must be more adaptable to meet the demands of the role.
   • Lateral Recruitment: Companies need to be more flexible, as candidates are typically less willing to compromise on their requirements.
2. Motivation:
   • Vertical Recruitment: Candidates are generally motivated by growth and career advancement — they’re moving toward new opportunities.
   • Lateral Recruitment: Candidates may be motivated by the need to leave an unsatisfactory situation — they are moving away from current issues.
3. Focus:
   • Vertical Recruitment: This approach is aligned with the company’s future state, focusing on long-term goals and objectives, organizational change, and growth.
   • Lateral Recruitment: This strategy addresses present needs, such as filling immediate gaps or improving team dynamics.

Tailoring Your Recruitment Strategy

Both vertical and lateral recruitment are vital to building a successful team but require different approaches and considerations. Understanding the unique dynamics of each strategy will help you better align your recruitment efforts to attract the right candidates.

At Requisite Talent Partners, we understand the intricacies of both vertical and lateral recruitment. Whether you're looking to bring in a leader who can shape your organization's future or need a skilled professional to enhance your team’s current performance, we’re here to guide you through the process with tailored strategies that meet your specific needs.