Managing a Preferred Supplier List of Recruiters: Overcoming Common Challenges
In the ever-changing landscape of talent acquisition, businesses often use preferred supplier lists (PSLs) to streamline their recruitment processes. While PSLs can offer numerous benefits, such as cost savings and improved efficiency, managing a list of preferred recruiters comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common hurdles faced by businesses when running a preferred supplier list of recruiters and offer strategies for overcoming them.
1. FINDING THE RIGHT RECRUITMENT PARTNERS
The first challenge in managing a PSL is finding the right recruitment partners who align with your business values and needs. It’s important to choose recruiters who have extensive knowledge and experience in your industry. You should also look for recruiters who are transparent about their fees and processes.
To overcome this challenge, start by reviewing the credentials and track record of potential recruitment partners. Consider conducting interviews with shortlisted candidates to get a sense of their communication style, level of expertise and how well they understand your business goals.
2. ENSURING COMMITMENT FROM SUPPLIERS
Once you’ve identified your preferred suppliers, it’s essential to ensure that they remain committed to working with you over time. One common issue is that some suppliers may prioritise other clients over you or not provide enough resources to fill your vacancies.
To overcome this challenge, make sure that you have clear agreements in place outlining expectations around communication, performance metrics, and priorities. Regular check-ins can also help keep suppliers accountable while ensuring that they remain aligned with your business objectives.
3. MANAGING SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE
Another key challenge in managing a PSL is monitoring supplier performance effectively. Without proper tracking mechanisms in place, it’s difficult to know if suppliers are meeting agreed-upon service level agreements (SLAs) or delivering high-quality candidates consistently.
To overcome this challenge, consider implementing technology solutions such as applicant tracking systems (ATS) to track candidate progress from application to hire. You can also ask suppliers to provide regular reports on candidate quality, time-to-fill metrics, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
4. MAINTAINING SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS
Finally, it’s essential to maintain strong relationships with your preferred recruitment suppliers. Good communication and collaboration are key to ensuring that suppliers remain motivated and aligned with your business goals over time.
To overcome this challenge, consider organizing regular meetings or events for suppliers to share best practices and discuss challenges. You can also provide feedback on areas for improvement while recognising successes and achievements.
Managing a PSL of recruiters comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s worth the effort to ensure that you have the right recruitment partners in place. By following the strategies outlined above, you can build strong relationships with your preferred recruitment suppliers while streamlining your talent acquisition processes.