Identifying talent for a role can be tricky for recruiters. Of course, the more specialized the role, the narrower the potential talent pool. Sure, you might be able to review numerous candidates for a retailer role, but what if businesses want to find a TikTok creator to help them highlight their brand?
In short, they need to hire a talent acquisition consultant. Big companies will require consultancy with offices around the globe. A worldwide talent acquisition company like Elements has offices in Singapore, Sweden, the UK, Australia, and Malaysia. Finding the perfect talent for companies like big tech can require a massive search.
But what exactly do they do? Let’s take a look.
Talent Acquisition vs. Recruitment
Although these two terms are used interchangeably, the differences between the two roles are stark. The only commonality between them is that they have the same objective – identifying the right candidate for a vacancy.
In very basic terms, recruitment is about filling open vacancies for, let’s say, an admin assistant, customer service agent, warehouse operative, even project manager or insurance broker. Talent acquisition is an ongoing strategy to find specialists, leaders, or future company executives. The talent that will drive your business or organisation forward. Long-term human resources planning.
What Is a Talent Acquisition Consultant?
As you’ve likely gathered from the above section, there is an obvious difference between a recruiter and a talent acquisition consultant.
For organisations and businesses to hire the talent that will drive them forward, it’s paramount that they align their HR planning and talent acquisition strategy across different departments. This will allow them to cherry-pick those ideal candidates.
This is where a talent acquisition consultancy comes in. Not only will consultants attract, source, interview, hire, and onboard candidates, but they will also ensure that those selected have an ethos, the experience, required drive and determination, and, of course, skills, to add real value to a business.
The people chosen by talent acquisition consultants are not just there to make up their numbers, they have been hired for their ability, experience, and value to a business or organisation.
So Much More than Just a Recruiter
As you’ve probably gathered, when you hire talent acquisition consultants, you get so much more than a recruiter. They work with your businesses to make sure that your HR is aligned with all commercial goals.
Not only that, choose the right talent acquisition consultancy and they’ll promote your brand across a mixture of platforms, initiatives, and events. Develop and communicate your branding and make sure that this is communicated to potential candidates.
This is done in several ways. Consultants will highlight the key differentiators between your business or organisation and competitors. Showcase the value of your products and services. Demonstrate the value of the business or organisation. Clearly state the value and potential to candidates of working at an organisation. Even lean into reputation. All of which is done to appeal to in-demand and high-value candidates.
Anything Else?
Yes – there’s more. A talent acquisition team will manage the candidate lifecycle, from initial application to the final job offer with transparency and finesse.
Let’s not forget that talent acquisition consultants take ownership of retaining essential employees – those who will drive commercial success and improve general morale.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, if you want another cog in the wheel, you go to a recruiter. If you want to identify in-demand, high-value candidates who will propel your business forward, you need to hire a talent acquisition consultant. It’s that simple.
