CBI Way: How RPO Affects Your Brand

Guest blog spot by Outside-In® Team Member Alex Patton

The CBI Way series has been discussing the value and importance of strong candidate engagement, and just as important, customer engagement. We spoke to some of the problems that are created with a lack of engagement, such as poor time-to-fill and loss of qualified candidates. Also discussed were a couple tips for curving weak engagement between partners, a daily or weekly meeting, for example. But what about the customer’s brand and reputation when it is outsourcing talent acquisition?

Working in an RPO partnership, the provider is essentially an extension of the customer, which cannot be forgotten. Think about it, the designated recruiters are reaching out to candidates and other professionals on behalf of their customer, even when just networking. While actively recruiting, the brand the candidates hear isn’t the provider’s, but the client’s, the business with the open requisitions. If the candidate feels overlooked, awaiting feedback, not only might he or she lose interest, but the customer’s brand and reputation can be negatively impacted.

Constant communication and alignment is essential to prevent any negative impact that could occur. Commitment to asking questions about the requisitions, company culture, and an equally strong effort from the client can be the difference between success and failure. Gather as much information as possible that can be applied to the job, company, and hiring process during the recruitment efforts, ultimately creating a better candidate experience.

Again, RPO is a partnership, and a commitment to the process and its many layers can be the difference between a frustrating situation and an efficient, brand-building placement.

The CBI Way blog series explores the tools and practices used in Talent Acquisition. CBI Way is CBI Group’s recruiting approach and methodology – it’s how we do what we do! Check in with CBI Way for insights around workforce education and training, the latest trends in recruiting technology, and how to best utilize these tools towards improving your own recruiting practices.