What is RPO? Recruitment Process Outsourcing: Explained

The massive disruption of the pandemic and crippling change in the labor market created widespread workforce instability across all industries. Not only were companies contending with The Great Resignation, but they were doing so within an era of significant hiring challenges due to changing candidate demands. This was all on top of a severe lack of available talent and a labor shortage that is expected to continue for the next three to five years, according to Everest Group. And, in fact, some industries may never recover based on current candidate trends.

Our FlexRPO solution has become one of Broadleaf’s most prominent and effective recruitment service offerings. I’m here to help simplify the meaning of RPO and educate our potential clients on the value that it can add to their business.

What is RPO?

The term “RPO” stands for recruitment process outsourcing. RPO is known as a talent acquisition solution that allows employers to transfer recruitment responsibilities to an outside service provider. In many organizations, HR leaders don’t have the time, resources, or financial means necessary to efficiently discover talent. Instead, these companies call upon RPO providers to help meet their hiring demands and handle the recruitment process for them.

Who uses RPO?

Businesses of all shapes and sizes can utilize RPO services to their advantage. Thanks to the scalability options that come with this service offering, organizations can outsource some or all of their recruiting tasks depending on their needs and budget. Unlike traditional recruiting models, RPO providers perform all job marketing as an extension and to amplify their client’s brand.

At Broadleaf, we offer three different options—on-demand, project-based, and enterprise—through our FlexRPO to provide your organization with a custom-fit solution that aligns with its specific hiring objectives. As its name implies, FlexRPO is designed to be completely scalable and flexible to the benefit of our customers.

Related: [E-book] A Common Sense Guide to RPO for Manufacturers

Do you have an example of a successfully implemented RPO?

One of the fastest-growing hospitality companies in the United States with a penchant for acquisitions engaged Broadleaf to fill a variety of corporate, management, and hotel roles. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Broadleaf’s large-scale RPO program helped the organization almost double the size of its workforce.

Due to continued growth and expansion, Broadleaf was tasked with keeping pace with an exceptionally high volume of requisitions. The client’s inefficient hiring processes proved challenging when trying to source, interview, and onboard candidates within tight hiring windows. To connect with niche, hard-to-find prospective workers, Broadleaf’s recruiters utilized creative strategies like video job descriptions and texting campaigns to connect with a wider target audience.

Since initiating the client’s RPO program, Broadleaf has filled over 600 positions to support the organization’s corporate and hotel roles. We generated nearly 31,000 prospects, phone screened more than 7,400 candidates, and lessened our client’s interview-to-offer ratio from 8:1 to 4:1. Moreover, we enabled the client to maintain business continuity while integrating a high number of acquisition properties.

Read the entire case study here.

How can RPO providers connect my organization with more candidates?

Today, top players in the talent acquisition world have designed technology-driven platforms called applicant tracking systems (ATS) and candidate relationship management systems (CRM) that allow companies to discover candidates faster than ever before. To maximize recruitment productivity, organizations should look to partner up with an expert RPO provider and reap the benefits of an ATS.

Broadleaf’s applicant tracking system has access to a candidate pool of over five million job seekers. An ATS allows our recruiters to expedite the recruiting process by matching qualified candidates with open position requirements. In addition, Broadleaf’s offshore sourcing team can parse through potential applicants with ease in search of a perfect match for your company. Through the utilization of an RPO, there’s never been a better way to connect with candidates.

Broadleaf’s teams have also found success in leveraging direct sourcing platforms that lean heavily on artificial technology (AI). With a proactive recruiting approach, direct sourcing builds employer-branded talent communities from which to hire.

Related: Webinar Recap: Enabling Total Talent Acquisition With Direct Sourcing

Why is RPO right for my company?

  • The recruiting process is complex and can be a compliance and administrative burden for your organization.
  • Supporting an internal recruitment team with fluctuating hiring needs can weigh down a company’s budget.
  • Sourcing platforms and recruiting tools require annual licenses that can prove to be too costly and ineffective.
  • Understanding market trends, forecasting future needs, and elevating your employment brand may not be within your business’ wheelhouse.

Herein lies the beauty of RPO providers. With a team of specialized, tech-savvy recruiters, cost-effective pricing models, and industry expertise, RPO service offerings can help your organization to find the right talent at the right time. By posting your hiring needs to a number of professional job boards, RPO suppliers can also increase your company’s reach and appeal to a greater number of candidates with the expertise and scale to filter through and identify the very best talent.

Related: [E-Book] Navigating RPO: A Roadmap to Recruitment Process Outsourcing

Related: Broadleaf’s Jason Krumwiede Discusses Workforce Management Trends in RPOA Webinar

Still curious about RPO? Watch the video to learn more.

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What is Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)?


Our Broadleaf promise

At Broadleaf, we know that our flexibility equals your satisfaction. No matter your talent acquisition challenges, we can work hand-in-hand with your HR team to craft workforce solutions that deliver exceptional results. Not only are we well-equipped to tackle your immediate hiring needs, but we can also aid your organization in improving the overall candidate experience and suitably strategize your long-term recruitment plan.

Interested in learning more about Broadleaf’s FlexRPO service offering? Connect with Jason on LinkedIn or email him at krumwiedej@broadleafresults.com.