RPO – Recruitment Process Outsourcing, What Are You Paying For?

Recruitment Process Outsourcing is a popular trend, particularly in Canada. In fact, I was “headhunted” or “approached” by two RPO firms in the last week. With every alternative model for outsourcing hiring, from HR consulting to hiring an executive headhunter exist pros and cons. The companies that contacted me definitely showed some of the cons, but that being said, there are lots of positives about using a hiring service.

First I was approached for an HR Manager job in an industry I worked in about 13 years ago. I was asked right away if I wanted to move 1,099 kilometers to do something I knew over a decade ago I didn’t want to do. But if the recruiter had recognized the stage of my career and asked me who I know in the industry she could reach out to, then she would have developed a great contact. I have 305 HR Manager connections on Linkedin and hundreds through my recruiting work.

Secondly, I was approached for an assembler job at pretty close to minimum wage in Vancouver, about 135 kilometres away.  Does anyone move over 100 km’s for a minimum wage job in this country? The answer is no, and although I like assembling my son’s toys and my 4×4 truck on weekends, it is nowhere in my resume!

If an employer is considering using an RPO service, they should know who they are contacting on their behalf and what the response rate is. These recruitment agencies that reached out to me are doing a poor to terrible job on behalf of their clients. For anyone considering Recruitment Process Outsourcing, I would highly recommend weekly updates on who is being contacted and what the response rates are as a minimum.

What other checks should a client do on their RPO provider?

Kael Campbell is President and Lead Recruiter of Red Seal Recruiting Solutions, a company providing recruitment services in mining, equipment and plant maintenance, utilities, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. When he is not recruiting, Kael spends as much time as possible with family in the great outdoors and on the water. He volunteers his time as a Board Member of the Entrepreneurs Organization of Victoria and a Member of Victoria Marine Search and Rescue. You are invited to subscribe to our employer newsletter or submit your resume.