Partnering with an RPO for your recruiting activities can provide many benefits including improved costs, efficiencies, and return on investment — but it takes the right partner to achieve the highest levels of success. Whether you are new to recruitment process outsourcing or looking to optimize your existing partnership, these are our five recommended steps to achieving the perfect fit and setting the stage for success
1. Define your vision, values, & needs
Before engaging an RPO partner, it’s important to define your vision of success, as well as your company values and hiring needs. This exercise allows you to build a solid foundation for the future, and zero in on partners who share your same philosophy and attributes. Be specific about the types of roles you need to fill, your expected volume of hires, your desired time to fill, and other details to get the most out of your initial conversations.
2. Evaluate culture & capabilities
During the selection process, take time to assess the RPO’s culture and capabilities. Look for partners whose culture is compatible with yours. Consider what they have to offer: their industry experience, expertise, technology, and their ability to scale up and down alongside your needs. Ask for references and review case studies to get a better understanding of what they can accomplish, and what it will be like to work together.
3. Set clear goals & expectations
As you hone in on potential partners, discuss your goals and expectations surrounding process, communication, reporting, and other details. This will help ensure your chosen RPO is committed to achieving your same goals and working in harmony with your team. Outline your goals and expectations clearly, and document them in your contract to ensure nothing is missed or misunderstood. Include desired timelines, reporting requirements, and metrics such as time to fill, quality of hires, cost savings, and candidate satisfaction so everything is clear.
4. Establish a true partnership
As with any relationship, RPO engagements work best when there is a true partnership between your organization and the RPO provider. The best partnerships are reciprocal and built on mutual trust and respect. It’s important to enter your partnership with a commitment to collaboration, regular communication, and feedback.
5. Work towards continuous improvement
Your RPO partner is responsible for recruitment activities, yet it’s important for your organization to provide an open line of communication and collaboration. With regular reporting and quality checks, you can continually strengthen your relationship and results. Check in with your RPO partner regularly and provide candid feedback to help them succeed on all fronts. Be candid about your current priorities and what’s on the horizon to ensure you move in lockstep.
A partnership-first mindset
At Hudson Talent Solutions, we’re committed to providing exceptional service, solutions, and expertise to fast-track your success. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and to discuss your goals and vision of success.
