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Talent Acquisition icon

Determine the Right Recruitment Process Outsourcing Solution

Increase efficiency by outsourcing talent acquisition activities to free up time for strategic projects and in-house upskilling.

  • There are a number of recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) vendors in the market; finding the one that is best suited for your organization's specific needs can be daunting.
  • An RPO solution is not always the best fit. Organizations must determine if outsourcing is the right decision and, if so, which model of outsourcing is most appropriate.
  • A vendor relationship has to be nurtured to ensure the RPO solution succeeds in meeting its objectives.

Need Extra Help?
Speak With An Analyst.


  • Get on-demand project support
  • Get advice, coaching, and insight at key project milestones
  • Go through a Guided Implementation to help you get through your project

Our Advice

Critical Insight

  • The performance of the talent acquisition (TA) process can be elevated by outsourcing tactical activities to an RPO provider, freeing up resources to focus on strategic projects and in-house upskilling.

Impact and Result

  • Investigate the pain points when it comes to current TA processes and requirements to determine what is driving the need to outsource.
  • Conduct market research either informally or through an RFI to get an understanding of the vendor landscape and those capable of meeting TA needs.
  • Use a defined RFP process to solicit proposals for RPO and form a proposal evaluation committee to objectively evaluate vendor responses.
  • Proactively prepare the vendor for a successful and collaborative relationship by being clear about expectations and providing them with essential organizational information required to customize service delivery.

Determine the Right Recruitment Process Outsourcing Solution Research & Tools

2. Conduct RPO market research and issue an RFP

Create an RPO vendor evaluation committee that will map out a selection process, generate a list of RPO vendors, assess them against evaluation criteria, and issue an RFP.

3. Select your RPO vendor and prepare to manage the relationship

Negotiate a contract with an RPO vendor that can meet organizational needs and equip them with the information needed to successfully deliver the RPO solution.

Determine the Right Recruitment Process Outsourcing Solution preview picture

About McLean & Company

McLean & Company is an HR research and advisory firm providing practical solutions to human resources challenges via executable research, tools, diagnostics, and advisory services that have a clear and measurable impact on your business.

What Is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your HR problems.

Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.

Need Extra Help?
Speak With An Analyst

Get the help you need in this 3-phase advisory process. You'll receive 7 touchpoints with our researchers, all included in your membership.

Guided Implementation 1: Decide if RPO is appropriate
  • Call 1: Discuss the stakeholders to include and how to use the Talent Acquisition Pain Points Assessment Workbook.
  • Call 2: Review the assessment summary to determine whether to proceed with an RFI/RFP and discuss the degree of outsourcing needed.

Guided Implementation 2: Conduct RPO market research and issue an RFP
  • Call 1: Determine the stakeholders involved in the vendor evaluation committee and discuss RPO market research options.
  • Call 2: Review RFI responses (optional) and vendor shortlist, and discuss vendor evaluation criteria.
  • Call 3: Review the customized Request for Proposal Template.

Guided Implementation 3: Select your RPO vendor and prepare to manage the relationship
  • Call 1: Evaluate vendors against criteria and how to make the vendor decision.
  • Call 2: Prepare to manage the vendor relationship.

Contributors

  • Kim Benedict, Co-Founder & CEO, TalentMinded Inc.
  • Ljuba Bogdanovich, Account Director, WilsonHCG
  • Paul Dodd, Head of Canadian Engagement, WilsonHCG
  • Ryan Frook, Manager, Bids & Contracts, Info-Tech Research Group
  • Camille Galindez, Former HR Generalist, FCB Global
  • Steven Jeffery, Director Research, Vendor Management, Info-Tech Research Group, author of The Art of Creating A Quality RFP: Don't Let a Bad Request for Proposal Waste Your Time, Money and Resources
  • Susan Mabardi, Senior Account Director, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Allegis Global Solutions
  • Joe McIninch, Vice President of Operations, Project Recruitment, Lannick
  • Meryl Rosenthal, Founder & President, HirePower Inc.
  • Lisa Thomason, CHRP, Recruitment Consultant, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
  • Maria Vilshanski, Former Director of Talent Acquisition, EllisDon
  • Audrey Wong, Senior Executive, Client Services, WilsonCTS (formerly Head2Head)