You should’t use a recruitment agency.

TalentBuzz Podcast Summary with Guest Matthijs Welle from Mews

Key Insights from Matthijs Welle:

• In-House Talent Acquisition vs. External Agencies:Matthijs emphasizes the advantages of having an in-house recruitment team. They can more effectively understand the company's culture and the nuances of specific roles compared to external agencies, which require continuous education about the company's needs. However, he acknowledges that agencies can be useful in certain scaling or specialized recruitment situations.
• Balancing In-House and Agency Recruitment:Matthijs suggests a balanced approach, where in-house teams handle the majority of recruitment, complemented by agencies during rapid scaling phases or for specialized roles. This approach ensures efficiency while avoiding the pitfalls of relying solely on external recruiters.
• Onboarding External Agencies:Mews initially used success-based payment models with recruitment agencies, paying a portion upfront and the rest upon successful hiring. In contrast, their in-house recruitment team is compensated with a regular salary, not directly tied to hiring success. This setup avoids the pressure to fill positions hastily and focuses on long-term team stability.
• Building Talent Pipelines:Mews prioritizes building talent pipelines, especially in areas like hospitality and SaaS, where specific skill sets are crucial. This proactive approach allows for faster hiring and replacement, contributing to a more dynamic and responsive team structure.
• Utilizing Agencies for Specific Needs:While Mews primarily relies on their in-house team, they occasionally engage with agencies for niche roles, particularly when expanding to new market segments or hiring senior positions.
• Employer Branding:Mews recognizes the importance of employer branding in attracting talent. They have a dedicated director for employer branding, focusing on different platforms like Instagram for culture representation and LinkedIn for professional content. This strategic approach helps in attracting talent in preferred hiring hubs.

Matthijs Welle's experience at Mews illustrates the value of an effective in-house recruitment team, supplemented by external agencies when necessary. The emphasis on employer branding and building talent pipelines also highlights key strategies in modern talent acquisition within the SaaS industry.

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