The New Gold Standard: Why Quality of Hire Beats Speed

by Liz Carey

Image of a race track with runners competing in their lanesThe race for talent has shifted gears. For a long time, the prevailing wisdom in recruiting was to fill open positions as quickly as possible. Speed was the primary metric of success. However, a significant transformation is underway. Organizations are now recognizing that the long-term value of a great employee far outweighs the short-term win of a rapid hire. This pivot from speed to quality of hire is not just a trend; it’s a strategic business imperative.

Volatile business conditions demand a workforce that is not just capable, but also adaptable and resilient. The “Great Reshuffle” of recent years saw many companies prioritize quick fills to keep operations running, often at the expense of thoughtful decision-making. Now, as hiring slows and every new team member represents a significant investment, the focus has swung back to quality. This post will explore why quality of hire has become the new benchmark for success, the challenges in measuring it, and the strategies your firm can adopt to attract and retain top-tier talent. Read the rest of this entry »


Maximizing Profitability: Key Metrics Every Recruitment Firm Owner Should Track

by Veronica Blatt

Are you tracking the right numbers to guarantee your firm’s growth and profitability? Intuition and experience are valuable, but data-driven decisions are what separate good firms from great ones. By focusing on a handful of key performance indicators (KPIs), you can gain a clear picture of your business’s health, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately, maximize your bottom line. Here are some essential metrics every recruitment firm owner should be tracking. Read the rest of this entry »


Mastering Recruiter Motivation in a Tough Market

by Veronica Blatt

Recruiting is a profession of peaks and valleys. When the market is strong, the wins are frequent and rewarding. But what happens when the economic cycle shifts? Tough business cycles can test the resolve of even the most seasoned recruiters. Maintaining high levels of recruiter motivation becomes the critical factor that separates firms that thrive from those that merely survive.

Whether you lead a team or operate as a solopreneur, navigating a downturn requires a specific mindset and a strategic approach. It’s about shifting focus from what you can’t control—the broader economy—to what you can: your actions, your team’s morale, and your own perspective. Read the rest of this entry »


An Effective Internship Program Can Build Your Talent Pipeline

by Veronica Blatt

As a hiring manager, you’re constantly seeking innovative ways to strengthen your recruitment pipeline while managing costs and reducing time-to-hire. Have you considered how an internship program could transform your approach to talent acquisition?

The answer lies in building relationships with potential employees before you need them. Smart companies are leveraging structured internship programs to create a steady stream of qualified candidates who already understand their culture, processes, and expectations. Read the rest of this entry »


Navigate Your Promotion Successfully

by Veronica Blatt

Today’s guest bloggers are Bill Benson and Jeff McGraw with WilliamCharles Search Group located in Grand Rapids, MI and Pittsburgh, PA. WilliamCharles is an executive search and professional recruiting firm specialized in finding managerial and executive talent in finance, HR, operations, sales/marketing as well as president/CEO roles. They have a concentration of clients in Michigan, but they also work across the US. Bill and Jeff are both former chairs of the NPAworldwide board of directors. Read the post below for some tips on successfully transition to a role as an executive leader.

Congrats, you have been promoted from a functional leader to a broader, more strategic role with a seat at the executive table! This article explores key areas you can evolve to make the transition as successful as possible. Additionally, we think this is a great roadmap for CEO’s and leaders who are helping an employee navigate this transition. Read the rest of this entry »


Thinking About Hiring In-House Recruiters? Maybe You Should Reconsider.

by Veronica Blatt

Hiring in-house recruiters might seem like the logical choice for controlling costs. After all, third-party recruiters often charge 20–30% of a successful hire’s salary, making their fees appear significant. However, there are plenty of scenarios where outsourcing your recruitment efforts is not only more cost-effective but also more efficient.

Here’s a closer look at when hiring in-house recruiters might not be the best strategy and why partnering with a recruitment agency can give you an edge. Read the rest of this entry »


Top Behavioral Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

by Kerry Crockett

Behavioral interview questions are designed to reveal how you’ve handled situations in the past to predict your future performance. Employers use them to assess skills like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Being prepared with thoughtful, structured responses can set you apart from other candidates and leave a lasting impression.  Read the rest of this entry »


How the New US Economic Bill Impacts Recruiters

by Liz Carey

Picture of a darkened government buildingThe newly introduced economic bill has brought sweeping changes to immigration policy, tax incentives, compliance pressures, and infrastructure spending in the United States. For recruiters, these legislative changes presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. Understanding and adapting to these implications is vital for talent acquisition teams looking to stay competitive. Here’s a breakdown of key takeaways and actionable strategies for recruiters navigating this evolving terrain. Read the rest of this entry »


AI and Executive Search: The Marriage of Machine and Mind

by Veronica Blatt

Our guest blogger is Andrew Thoseby of 1st Executive Pty Ltd  in Melbourne, Australia. 1st Executive is a boutique executive search, executive recruitment, interim executive and advisory firm providing custom designed people solutions for clients across a broad spectrum of industries on a local, regional, national and international basis. The firm’s recruiting activities are focused on executive, professional, technical and managerial placement for its clients. 1st Executive includes a growing interim management service in its business mix and has successfully placed interim CEOs, CFOs, sales and operational executives. Andrew is currently a member of the NPAworldwide Board of Directors.

Much like the arrival of the fax machine or the dawn of LinkedIn, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked declarations of doom for the recruitment and executive search industry. And much like every revolution before it, these predictions have been gloriously wrong.

Executive search and recruitment isn’t dying. It’s evolving — and evolving fast, with AI in executive search playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Read the rest of this entry »


Building a Strong Professional Network: What It Is and How to Excel

by Veronica Blatt

Expanding a professional network is one of the most valuable things you can do for your career, whether you’re a job seeker, employer, or recruiter. Networking is much more than trading business cards or sending out LinkedIn requests; it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships that can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and shared knowledge. Read the rest of this entry »


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