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Reimagining the Definition of Direct Sourcing

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Reimagining the Definition of Direct Sourcing

As talent acquisition strategies continue to adapt to the turbulent times we are living in, ensuring your talent is aligned to your organization's employment brand is more important than ever. Utilizing that brand to build 1:1 relationships with candidates is critical, even for your contingent workforce. That's why nowadays, more and more companies are incorporating direct sourcing solutions into their talent acquisition strategy to find the best contingent talent.

As organizations continue to adapt to the workforce changes that have occurred over the past few years, their top priorities are changing, and talent acquisition teams are turning to contingent labor to be more agile. They are now looking for cost-effective ways of curating a deep pool of top contingent talent, and direct sourcing strategies have evolved to provide just that.

Direct sourcing strategies will not only save your company money by building contingent talent pools in-house, but it will boost brand awareness by utilizing technology and automation to connect your organization directly to the talent that you need. But first, we need to get what we once thought direct sourcing was out of our heads and embrace how it has evolved.

 

The New Definition of Direct Sourcing

 

It's Not Just for Known Talent Anymore

When you think of direct sourcing, you often think of it as a way to recruit known and boomerang talent for internal positions. That's not the case anymore. Now, it's time to start thinking of it as a way to curate new talent pools of contingent and gig workers.

Think about it; 90% of job seekers are looking online. You can utilize direct sourcing tools - or even a direct sourcing partner - to connect with contingent talent directly where there are looking by using your curated brand and automated technology. Then as you build these talent pipelines for contingent positions, it can grow into a talent pipeline that can be used to also recruit for full-time positions or any other recruiting goals your organization may have.

 

Leveraging Your Company Brand

According to Staffing Industry Analysts, a branded direct sourcing strategy leverages an organization's brand to engage talent pools and place workers on a contingent basis, as needed, while building brand loyalty.

Remaining top of mind to potential contingent candidates is key right now, as organizations ramp up and back down to adjust to the fluctuating market needs. Expanding your employment brand strategy to your contingent sourcing will help you stand out from the competition as you continue to build your talent pool.

 

Treat Potential Contingent Candidates as You Would Potential Customers

As a salesperson, building a connection with a potential sales prospect can be what makes or breaks a deal. Making them feel special, valued, and tailored to is important in keeping your prospects warm. Why not apply this to your contingent sourcing as well? By utilizing direct sourcing technology, and especially technology that is partnered with your VMS, you can not only find the successful talent you need now, but you can also use automation to keep them warm for future opportunities.

 

Treat Contingent Candidates as You Would Full-Time Candidates

Having the mindset that you are searching for full-time employees and leveraging that to look for your contingent employees makes a more significant difference than you would think. By changing your mentality, you will approach each candidate differently and make them feel more valued. That will make them want to come back for future opportunities or come on full-time if the opportunity presents itself. Some refer to this as "modern-day talent acquisition."

Building successful contingent onboarding programs and processes is just as important as the search. First impressions are important, and working with a Managed Service Provider to ensure the process is seamless for you and the candidates can help you mitigate risks and make a lasting impression on top talent. 

 

Why Partnership Is Important in Direct Sourcing

 

Why is an MSP Important?

Utilizing Direct Sourcing and Managed Service Providers together can produce significant cost savings and time-to-productivity improvements within an organization. It better fulfills the client's need to hire quality talent at the right time, place, and price. The MSP can oversee the processes and staff that manage the direct sourcing program, making sure they run seamlessly and are adjusted as needed for continuous improvement and better results.

Direct sourcing is a successful strategy for many categories of workers, and the benefits extend far beyond just filling existing open roles. Over time, the MSP can use this strategy to build talent communities for its long-term recruiting goals.

 

Why is VMS Important?

Automated talent attraction strategies are a vital part of direct sourcing, and it's absolutely necessary that it works in tandem with your existing Vendor Management System (VMS). A VMS plays a crucial role in direct sourcing contingent labor because it manages your contingent workforce program, ensures you are compliant, and helps mitigate risk.

 

Once you open your eyes to what direct sourcing means in finding the best of the best in contingent labor, you may find yourself organically filling more roles, having repeat contingent hires, building a better talent pool for your long-term talent acquisition program and much, much more.

 

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About the Author: Kevin Poll is the Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and D&I Champion for Willhire, a Direct Sourcing Platform that can service, attract, curate & engage your contingent workforce by leveraging your employer brand with direct sourcing and building a pathway to total talent management.

 

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