Sniper vs. Shotgun: How Automation Resolves the Recruitment Dilemma

25.03.24 09:00 AM Comment(s) By Eltic Limited

In the realm of recruitment, professionals often find themselves at a crossroads, choosing between two distinct methodologies: the precision-focused sniper approach and the broad-reaching shotgun strategy. The sniper method, much like its namesake, targets a very specific subset of candidates. Recruiters using this tactic apply stringent filters based on practice area, years of post-qualification experience (PQE), or geographic location, aiming to whittle down the candidate pool to a finely curated shortlist. This approach is underpinned by the belief that a more focused search will yield higher quality candidates who are a perfect fit for the role.

Conversely, the shotgun approach embraces a wider perspective, loosening the reins on the criteria to cast a wider net over potential candidates. This method acknowledges the complexities of the job market and the varied factors influencing a candidate's job choice, such as the growing acceptance of remote work, which has diminished the importance of geographic proximity between a candidate and their potential workplace. By including more candidates who meet broader criteria, recruiters increase their chances of engaging with a larger number of potential hires, thus theoretically improving their odds of finding the right match.

However, this dichotomy leads to a significant challenge: time investment. The conventional wisdom suggests that a shorter, more targeted list should require less time to manage and yield quicker results. Yet, the reality is counterintuitive. Given the industry's average response rates of 2% to 5%, to ensure engagement from just a few candidates, a recruiter must reach out to an exponentially larger group than what the sniper approach typically yields. This necessitates a reevaluation of strategy, questioning whether the time saved in curating a shortlist is truly beneficial if it results in fewer overall engagements and necessitates a fallback to less efficient methods like job advertisements.

Here's where automation becomes a game-changer. By employing automation tools, recruiters can adopt a shotgun approach without the associated time penalty, allowing them to contact a broader pool of candidates while maintaining the same level of personal effort. This strategy ensures that the shortlist, although larger, is still comprised of candidates well-suited for the opportunity, maximizing the chances of successful engagement.

In essence, the shift towards automation-supported recruitment strategies challenges the conventional wisdom of the sniper's precision over the shotgun's spread. It suggests that with the right tools, embracing a broader approach can lead to more effective outcomes, provided the targeting remains sharp. So, if you're still clinging to your sniper rifle in a world where shotguns, powered by automation, offer a better shot at success, it might be time to reconsider.

In the intricate dance of recruitment, the choice between a sniper's precision and a shotgun's breadth no longer needs to be a compromise. The advent of automation in recruitment empowers professionals to harness the potential of longer shortlists, marrying the efficiency of broad outreach with the effectiveness of targeted engagement.

With this technology at your fingertips, you're not just increasing your chances of success; you're revolutionizing the way you connect with candidates. Embrace the opportunity to redefine recruitment success, leveraging longer lists for higher engagement volume and transforming potential into achievement.


Eltic Limited

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