The recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) process involves contracting an external recruitment company to conduct the recruitment and selection process for a client. The duration of such a process depends on a number of factors, such as the type and number of positions to be filled, the specifics of the industry and labor market, the client’s expectations and requirements, the availability and quality of candidates, as well as the efficiency and communication between the client and the RPO contractor.
There is no definite answer to the question of how long a typical RPO process takes, as each project is different and requires an individual approach. However, it is possible to distinguish several stages that are common to most RPO processes:
– Analyzing the client’s needs and expectations and preparing a recruitment strategy
– Building a database of potential candidates through various channels and tools (e.g., advertisements, social media, referrals, headhunting)
– Conducting pre-selection of candidates based on resumes, tests or phone interviews
– Inviting selected candidates for interviews with RPO and/or client representatives
– Verifying references, checking candidates’ competencies and skills (e.g., through practical tests, case studies, assessment center)
– Presenting job offers and negotiating terms of employment with final candidates
– Providing support and care for candidates during the onboarding process
Depending on the scale and complexity of the RPO project, each of these stages can take from a few days to a few weeks. On average, it can be assumed that a typical RPO process takes about 2-3 months from the time the contract is signed to the time the employees are hired. Of course, this time can vary depending on the labor market situation, the availability of candidates and the client’s flexibility and commitment.