RPO and Talent Management Blog by Ochre House | Ochre Talk

Global Events and RPO

Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi has been in the headlines a lot these past few weeks. Or, Libyan leader Moamar Kadafi has been in the headlines a lot these past few weeks. Or maybe, it is Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi has been in the headlines a lot these past few weeks.

As I’ve watched this story unfold, I’ve observed that while the world agrees on what this guy is (a brutal menace that has to relinquish rule), there is no clear consensus on how to spell this repressive dictator’s name. In fact, The Christian Science Monitor found 112 different english versions. 

The situation with recruitment process outsourcing is just the opposite. While we have almost universal agreement around the name RPO (even though I still occasionally see EPO pop up and a few weeks ago I saw something called RPI in a press release), we just can’t find consensus regarding what we do.

• Is RPO a point solution or an enterprise solution?
• Can the program encompass all talent components or just regular FTEs?
• Is RPO team located onsite, offsite, near site, or blended?
• Is recruiting standardized or customized?
• Does the client supply the ATS or does the service provider bring the ATS technology?
• Is recruitment marketing and background checking bundled or unbundled into the fee structure?
• Is the most important thing RPO delivers cost savings, better consistency and compliance, stronger governance or increased quality?

Since the answer to all of the above questions is “YES.” How is a buyer of RPO going to end up with the right solution and narrow down their choices?
In the past I have recommended attending 2011 RPO Summit and talking with the Industry’s Sourcing Advisors. Another recommendation is to talk with the RPO firm’s solution design experts early on. If your RPO salesperson doesn’t suggest it, then you should. By entering into a dialogue with the solution design group, you’ll get a comprehensive, specific view of the customization options, accessible tools, and range of services available for your organization. In addition, through this exchange, you’ll learn if your company and the RPO organization are a culture fit…which is a critical element to success.

We would like to thank Barry Diamond – VP, Business Development at Pinstripe  (strategic partner of Ochre House) - for this great guest blog.

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