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5 ways RPO hits all the right hiring notes
6 min read | Geoff Fawcett | Article | Workforce management | Workforce planning
There’s a lot of noise in today’s world of work. Organisations are all competing to have their voice heard when looking to attract the people capable of realising strategic business goals. But how can you navigate a hotly contested talent market in a cost-effective and scalable way?
Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) enters the stage.
Not to be confused with the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, an RPO talent solution is where an organisation outsources part of, or all, their permanent recruitment function to an expert partner. In the right hands, it’s possible to scale your talent acquisition process up and down to meet demand, add more substance to your employer branding, and leverage the latest tech to find the right people – music to any hiring manager’s ears.
RPO has gained significant traction in recent years, not least among senior leaders: almost three-quarters (72%) of C-suite professionals have implemented RPO, according to our research of over 500 executives. And as organisations face increasingly complex business challenges and skills requirements, nuanced, data-driven hiring approaches such as RPO will only rise in value.
We’ve explored five key ways RPO can overcome your hiring challenges and orchestrate a successful talent acquisition strategy.
A great solo performance can stand out and leave a lasting impression – and a personalised candidate experience is no different in this regard. RPO providers are leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to tailor the recruitment process to individual candidates. From customised job recommendations to personalised communication, these strategies ensure that candidates feel valued and engaged. This not only enhances the candidate experience but also increases the likelihood of attracting the right fit for your organisation – mitigating the chance of a costly mis-hire.
In the fast-paced world of work, agility and scalability are essential for success. RPO providers offer flexible solutions that can be scaled up or down based on your hiring needs. Whether you're experiencing a sudden surge in demand or need to streamline your recruitment efforts during quieter periods, RPO can adapt to your requirements. This flexibility ensures that your talent acquisition process remains efficient and responsive, no matter the circumstances.
Today’s candidates can be a tough audience, but if you’re looking stand out from the crowd, RPO can turn up the volume. The right RPO providers are experts in crafting and promoting compelling employer brands that resonate with candidates and differentiate you from the competition. By highlighting your company's unique culture, values, and opportunities, RPO strategies can attract people who align with your vision.
It's not just about getting people through the door though; a strong employer brand not only attracts top talent but also fosters loyalty and engagement among existing employees. And with 66% of professionals planning on moving jobs in the next six months, according to our Employment Trends survey – 2025 Spring Update, inspiring loyalty is a sound investment.
In a symphony, the conductor's baton ensures precision and coordination – two attributes that workforces could always benefit from. While there’s no magic wand when it comes to talent strategies, data-driven decision making is crucial for guiding an effective talent acquisition performance. RPO providers utilise sophisticated analytics tools to gather and analyse data on candidate behaviour, market trends, and recruitment metrics. This data-driven approach enables you to make informed decisions, optimise your recruitment strategies, and achieve better outcomes.
Just like some of the greatest orchestras, a diverse and inclusive workforce brings together a variety of talents, voices and perspectives. The best RPO providers understand this point – along with the unique composition and demographics of your workforce and customers – and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the recruitment process. By implementing strategies that eliminate bias and ensure equal opportunities, the right RPO expert can help you build a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the world we live in. This not only enhances creativity and innovation, but also strengthens your company's reputation as an inclusive employer.
By focusing on personalised candidate experiences, agility and scalability, employer branding, data-driven decision making, and meaningful DE&I strategies, RPO offers a comprehensive and effective solution for your specific recruitment challenges. Download our RPO guide to find the right model for your needs and realise RPO’s potential.
Ready to orchestrate a winning talent acquisition strategy? Discover how Hays can help you leverage the power of RPO to attract and retain the people you need to keep performing. Cut through the noise and get in touch today.
Geoff Fawcett, Head of Customer Growth, Hays
Geoff has been in the recruitment industry for over two decades. He is responsible for Hays Financial Markets, which provides an integrated recruitment solution to London based Banking & Financial Services organisations. Specialist divisions include Finance, Operations, HR, Marketing, Purchasing, Secretarial, Risk & Compliance, Front Office, Finance Technology and Executive with in excess of 100 consultants.
