How an MNC Found Niche Talent in a Competitive Industry
Hiring Niche Talent in a Competitive Market—Mission Impossible?
A leading FinTech firm needed a Machine Learning Lead, but:
- Top candidates were locked in by competitors
- Offer dropouts were high
- The talent pool was extremely limited
WHY THIS HAPPENS
- High demand, low
supply – The best
candidates already haveoffers - Long hiring cycles
– Delays make
companies lose
top talent - Lack of proactive
sourcing – Only
reaching out when
a position opens - Poor employer branding –
Candidates don’t see the
company as an industryleader
The Cost of Not Finding the Right Talent
1. Project delays – Teams lack specialized skills.
2. Increased hiring costs – More effort spent with low success.
3. Productivity loss – Existing employees overburdened.
4. Company reputation suffers – Seen as unable to attract top talent
THE GAME-CHANGING RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
- Talent Mapping – Identified passive talent before the role was open.
- Talent Mapping – Identified passive talent before the role was open.
- Compelling Employer Branding – Highlighted innovation & culture to attract talent.
- Faster Decision-Making – Reduced hiring time by 40%.
THE RESULT
Time-to-hire reduced by 40% – Faster outreach & decision-making- Offer acceptance rate increased by 30% – Stronger employer positioning
- Niche roles filled without counteroffers – Candidates chose culture over pay
- HR recognized as a strategic hiring partner
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR HRBPS
1
Start talent mapping early – Don’t wait for a vacancy
2
Engage passive talent – Build relationships before hiring
3
Strengthen employer brand – Show why your company is the best choice
4
Speed up hiring decisions – Top candidates don’t wait.