Hueman RPO Blog

RPO Myths & Misconceptions

Written by Zach Coffey | Apr 17, 2023

Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) is becoming an increasingly popular solution for companies looking to improve their hiring processes and talent acquisition strategy. 

However, despite its growing popularity, many myths and misconceptions surrounding RPO may prevent organizations from fully realizing its benefits. 

In this blog, we will explore and debunk some of the most common RPO myths and misconceptions to help you make an informed decision. 

Myth: With an RPO partner, we have no control over the recruitment process

Fact: A good RPO provider supports as much or as little of the recruitment process as their partner needs. 

In an RPO partnership, your company can maintain as much control over the recruitment process as you want while leveraging the expertise and technology of your RPO provider. You will remain in control of setting the goals and expectations that your RPO partner adheres to.

The RPO provider will work closely with you to define recruitment needs and create a strategy that works for you. There will be regular meetings to review metrics and keep you in the loop regarding the progress of your recruitment efforts. 

An RPO partner should be seen as an extension of your human resources or talent acquisition team. 

Myth: RPO is too expensive

Fact: An RPO firm can be more cost-effective than traditional recruitment methods. 

RPO solutions are customized to fit the needs and budgets of every organization. While the overall cost of RPO depends on your specific talent needs, it is typically more cost-efficient than building an in-house team with the same resources. 

RPO providers also offer different pricing models to accommodate different budgets and goals. Plus, the cost of RPO encompasses all recruitment-related expenses, such as:

  • Advertising costs
  • Software
  • Technology
  • Office spaces
  • Recruiter salaries

In addition to the direct cost savings, the efficiencies RPOs offer often result in indirect cost savings. RPOs streamline technology and marketing techniques to source and screen many candidates, reducing time-to-hire. 

Additionally, better candidate quality leads to stronger hires and lower turnover rates, reducing the time and resources spent onboarding new employees.

 

Myth: RPO is only for large organizations

Fact: RPO can benefit organizations of any size, from start-ups to multinational corporations. 

With the flexibility and expertise RPO providers offer, companies of all industries and sizes can benefit from their partnership. Outsourcing can significantly reduce recruitment costs for smaller organizations, as labor is typically one of their highest expenses.

RPO also offers the advantage of greater scalability. As hiring ebbs and flows, adjusting resources quickly and cost-effectively is essential. An RPO enables your company to increase or decrease resources according to your changing demands without impacting internal resources. 

Additionally, a dedicated RPO partner monitors and forecasts talent trends to help you proactively plan for future recruitment needs. 

Myth: RPO is only for permanent hires

Fact: RPO providers can hire for a variety of positions.

RPO providers can help organizations with all types of recruitment needs, including contract and temporary staffing. Whether you are ramping up for specific projects or seasonal needs or sourcing candidates in a particular region - an RPO can help.

Myth: Outsourcing recruitment will impact company culture and employer brand

Fact: A good RPO partner will enhance employer branding and culture. 

Your RPO partner will work closely with you to gain a deep understanding of your culture and values to build a strategy to attract suitable candidates for your organization. Their efforts include:

  • Tailoring job descriptions to reflect your organization accurately.
  • Highlighting your unique selling points.
  • Building a positive candidate experience.

By creating a strong employer brand, you'll be able to attract top talent who align with your company. 

Interested in learning how to hire candidates who align with your values and culture? Download our free eBook: The Answer to Culture Fit in the Modern Age of Recruiting. 

Make an Informed Decision

RPO can be a valuable solution for organizations looking to improve their recruitment process. By debunking these common myths and misconceptions, organizations can better understand the benefits of RPO and make informed decisions about implementing it in their recruitment strategy.

Want to know more about how RPO works and which type of RPO solution is best for your company? Check out our Ultimate Guide to RPO today.