In the world of recruitment, every client, every role, and every candidate has a unique story. Yet, some stories stand out for their profound impact and the lessons they offer. Our recent partnership with Tillamook County Creamery Association is no exception—this journey was a tale of challenges, strategies, and transformational outcomes. It’s a story we at R2R Strategic Recruiting are thrilled to share, not just as a testament to our approach but as a guide for organizations navigating the complexities of hiring in specialized fields.
The Backdrop
Nestled in the heart of Oregon, Tillamook isn’t just a name; it’s a heritage, crafting high-quality dairy products enjoyed across the country. With around 1,000 employees, Tillamook stands tall in its industry. Still, like many giants, it faced a David-sized dilemma—finding the right Senior IT Project Manager to spearhead its digital initiatives. This wasn’t just any position. It was the linchpin in Tillamook’s strategy to elevate its digital maturity, a vital role that had remained unfilled for 212 days.
The Challenge at Hand
Tillamook’s prolonged vacancy wasn’t for lack of trying. Conventional recruitment methods and specialized technical staffing agencies had been employed to no avail. The position required a unique blend of technical prowess and project leadership skills—a combination that seemed nearly impossible to find. The situation was clear: nearly 97% of applicants were deemed unqualified, leading to delayed technical projects and an overwhelmed IT team grappling with additional duties.
It was against this backdrop that Tillamook turned to R2R Strategic Recruiting. They needed a solution, and they needed it fast.
Our Approach
Recognizing the critical nature of the role and the unique challenges it posed, we initiated our partnership with a strategy meeting. Our goal was simple yet ambitious—to understand the depth of the challenge and to define the skillset and qualities of the ideal candidate. What ensued was the development of a targeted recruiting strategy, a plan that transcended conventional methods to incorporate direct sourcing, talent mapping, recruitment marketing, and more.
Our strategy was holistic, targeted, and, above all, personalized. We were not just looking for a candidate; we were on a quest for the right fit—for Tillamook, for the role, and for the future.
The Transformation
The results were nothing short of remarkable. In a striking shift from the preceding months, we presented Tillamook with a standout candidate within 48 days. Our approach led us to achieve a sourced-to-interview-to-hire ratio of 41:3:1, a testament to our strategy’s precision and our team’s dedication.
But numbers only tell part of the story. The real success lay in the feedback from Tillamook’s director of Business Enabling Systems, celebrating not just the hire’s speed but the match’s quality—”The panel interview feedback was awesome! Thank you so much for finding us a great person. I’m so excited!”
This feedback underscores the essence of our approach at R2R —not just filling positions but facilitating connections that drive organizations forward.
The Lessons Learned
Our experience with Tillamook illuminates several key insights into the realm of specialized recruitment:
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The Power of Understanding: Truly grasping the nuances of a role and the culture of a client is paramount. It’s the foundation upon which successful strategies are built.
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Strategy is Key: In the complex field of talent acquisition, a well-thought-out, targeted strategy that goes beyond conventional methods can make all the difference.
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Quality Over Speed: While we significantly reduced the time to hire, our primary focus was on finding the right match—a principle that ultimately leads to sustained success.
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Partnership and Trust: Effective recruitment is built on a partnership grounded in trust, communication, and a shared vision for success.
Our experience with Tillamook serves as a compelling case study of how strategic talent acquisition can transform recruitment outcomes. It’s a testament to what is achievable when we challenge the status quo, employ innovative strategies, and remain committed to finding not just any candidate but the right candidate.
At R2R Strategic Recruiting, we see our role not just as recruiters but as strategic partners dedicated to helping our clients achieve their broader business objectives through the power of exceptional talent. The success story of Tillamook is one of many, but its lessons are universal—shedding light on the path to recruitment success in today’s dynamic and challenging business landscape.
Interested in learning how R2R can revolutionize your talent acquisition strategy? Reach out to us. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, one strategic hire at a time, and perhaps write a success story of our own.
