What is the difference recruitment and talent acquisition?

by | Feb 25, 2021 | Clients, Knowledge Centre

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What is the difference between recruitment and talent acquisition

 

Talent acquisition and recruitment share many similarities so it is easy to confuse the two; after all both share the same objective of hiring people to fill their open positions.

 

The differences may be subtle but can have a huge impact on staff retention.  The two main points to consider:

 

 

Difference 1:

Perhaps the biggest difference between recruitment and talent acquisition is that recruitment is reactive and momentary whilst talent acquisition (done properly) is proactive and continuous. The former can lead a hiring manager to feel they are wasting their time and experience unnecessary stress.  Unless the hiring manager has an established relationship with a recruiter (who understands their business and needs) it can be like going on a trip without a map. Yes, you may get to your destination via a few wrong turns/bumps in the road but on the whole it is not an enjoyable experience.

Difference 2:

Another significant difference between talent acquisition and recruitment is the mindset of the business. Are you looking for people to fill current vacancies or are you seeking to implement a larger strategy to increase your growth and innovation?  Both hiring approaches are important and have a significant role to play.  Understanding what your business needs and when, can positively impact quality, cost to hire and time to hire.

 

Knowing these differences will help you identify which approach would be the best fit and goal for your business. Both approaches work and depending on your needs can be deployed effectively and successfully.

 

In summary, just remember that while recruitment fills immediate vacancies, your business should develop a long-term strategy to make your hiring efforts more efficient and more productive. If your business is expecting a massive and faster growth in the next several months or years, then partnering with a firm that understands talent acquisition is the best way to find the right people that will help bring your company closer to it.

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