In a recent webinar from our partner Broadleaf Results, industry experts Brian Scanlon, VP of Talent Acquisition, INSIGHT2PROFIT, and Jason Krumwiede, Executive VP, Enterprise Sales and Strategy – Broadleaf Results, discussed the increasing importance of project-based Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) as a flexible and scalable solution for talent acquisition. As businesses face shifting economic conditions and evolving workforce needs, project-based RPO is emerging as a powerful strategy to adapt to these changes. 

The Growing Need for Flexibility in Hiring 

Jason Krumwiede opened the discussion by highlighting current market trends, particularly the economic uncertainties impacting hiring in 2024. With election cycles and fluctuating interest rates, many industries are experiencing stagnant or reduced hiring volumes. Krumwiede pointed out that as we move into 2025, companies will likely see a resurgence in demand, making project-based RPO a strategic asset. This approach enables organizations to ramp up or scale down their recruiting efforts in response to immediate needs, without the long-term commitment of a traditional RPO. 

The Power of Hyper-Communication 

Brian Scanlon stressed the importance of hyper-communication between hiring managers, stakeholders, and RPO partners. “Engagement and responsiveness are crucial,” he explained. Without open and frequent communication, trust can erode, leading to inefficiencies. Scanlon emphasized that building trust early on is critical, as miscommunications that surface months into a project can lead to setbacks and jeopardize results. 

Maintaining transparency and ensuring alignment on expectations helps both the client and the RPO provider navigate potential challenges, allowing them to course-correct before issues escalate. 

Project-Based RPO as a Strategic Tool 

As businesses prepare for a potential spike in hiring demand, project-based RPO offers a unique advantage. It allows organizations to target specific hiring projects—whether seasonal hiring, rapid growth periods, or short-term workforce needs—while staying agile and cost-effective. By leveraging the expertise of an RPO provider, businesses can focus on strategic growth without the overhead of maintaining an in-house recruitment team for long-term projects. 

Krumwiede also touched on how the current workforce is evolving. Many professionals have expressed uncertainty in the job market but are looking for a sign of positivity to re-enter it. As confidence grows, project-based RPO will be an effective way for businesses to seize new opportunities and bring in talent when they need it most. 

Looking Ahead: A Dynamic Approach to Talent Acquisition 

The conversation concluded with a reflection on the future of RPO. Both Scanlon and Krumwiede anticipate a shift in how companies approach talent acquisition in the coming years. With economic uncertainty and evolving workforce needs, the ability to scale recruitment efforts quickly will be vital. 

Project-based RPO provides businesses the flexibility to adapt and thrive in unpredictable markets. By aligning with an experienced RPO provider, companies can take advantage of tailored, scalable solutions that respond to immediate needs, ensuring they stay competitive. 

You can watch the webinar on broadleafresults.com, or learn more about Acara’s RPO solutions here.

Wondering if RPO is the right solution for your organization? Take our quick RPO assessment, or connect with Brian Scanlon and Jason Krumwiede on LinkedIn to explore how project-based RPO could be the key to unlocking your company’s recruitment potential in the near future.