Blog – 3 Common Reasons Why Companies Outsource Recruiting

We often hear about the hundreds of applications dropped onto the desks of hiring managers, and the overwhelming task of sifting through an endless pile of resumes and cover letters. We do not, however, hear much about alternatives as a way to alleviate them of these tasks. This is where outsourcing recruitment comes in to make several lives easier.

What Does It Mean to Outsource Recruiting?

When companies consider outsourcing recruitment, they look at external sources to take care of some or all of the responsibilities on behalf of the HR team. These external sources are HR specialists. Three reasons companies might choose to outsource recruiting would be for the sake of saving time, to allow for a more diverse panel of hiring experts and to reduce bias with the screening of potential candidates. Let us explore these three reasons a little further.

1: Time-Efficiency

Consider a hypothetical Ronda in Sales who just retired and needs her pension package organized, and Randy in Manufacturing who requires a report to be filed for a serious injury he sustained while at work. Now include Bob who requires an intern for a new project he is overseeing. All of this is directed toward HR. Although separately they may appear minimal, the accumulation of tasks can be a daunting undertaking for any individual or team. It can result in delays with the completion of tasks, potential errors with report submissions, financial deficits for the company and a lack of thorough applicant screening for new hires.

Outsourcing recruitment allows for additional support for any HR team. An outside hire would mean allowing for HR professionals to take on the bulk of the hiring process in an attempt to make the process a little easier for the hiring managers. HR services could include, but are not limited to, talent acquisitions, calling references, examining background checks and conducting interviews.

2: A Diverse Range of Expertise

Screening candidates for roles of a higher rank might pose a few challenges to some HR managers, for it may require a different set of expertise unfamiliar to them. Managers may not have the experience or skills in all facets of HR to accurately interview candidates for higher-level leadership positions. Outsourcing HR specialists for recruitment may help the company, as the specialists are trained and have the knowledge and experience needed to carry out interviews with these potential candidates.

Furthermore, as more millennials scope out the job market, the war for talent is becoming more prominent among hiring managers. They are starting to think outside the box in an effort to broaden their appeal to higher-quality candidates. Instead of solely looking at expertise, talent and personality are also important to be considered in potential employees.

All companies have their own distinct organizational culture. Always a team effort, hiring managers discuss their preferences for new employees with the recruiters they hire. They may not be experts in all fields within the company; however, based on the more successful employees in the company and the areas they are employed in, the managers consult the HR specialists, giving them detailed accounts on what they look for in potential new employees. An example would be seeking like-minded individuals who could mirror the positive attributes visible in current employees.

3: A Less Biased Panel

Considering candidates for a position within a company can sometimes be accompanied with a degree of objectivity. The hired recruiters screen applicants based on qualities and experiences that would fit the organizational culture. Therefore, seeking help from HR specialists can reduce conflicts of interests, biases, and one-stream thinking when examining applicants for a position