Talent acquisition isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about creating a steady stream of talent that powers business success. At Coreus, we believe a structured approach is key. Here are the five stages every organisation should master:

1. Develop a SMART Talent Acquisition Plan

Start with a clear strategy. A SMART approach ensures goals are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

This means understanding your industry, forecasting workforce needs, and setting actionable objectives that align with business priorities.

2. Build Talent Pipelines

Don’t wait for vacancies to start searching. Proactive pipeline building ensures a constant flow of qualified candidates—reducing time-to-hire and minimising the cost of empty seats.

3. Strengthen Employer Branding

Your brand is your magnet. A strong employer brand attracts top talent and differentiates you in competitive markets. Showcase your culture, values, and growth opportunities authentically.

4. Talent Relationship Management

Engage before you hire. Create awareness, market career-building opportunities, and nurture relationships with potential candidates. This builds trust and keeps your organisation top-of-mind.

5. Resourcing and Hiring

Finally, execute with precision:

• Candidate sourcing
• Lead nurturing
• Selection and interviewing
• Seamless onboarding

Avoid rushed decisions—bad hires can cost up to £100,000 and damage team morale.

Go-To Talent Acquisition Strategies

Beyond the five stages, consider these proven methods:

• Referral programs (fast and effective)
• Internship schemes for future talent
• Rehiring previous employees
• Job fairs and hackathons for niche skills
• Remote work opportunities to widen your talent pool
• “Look within first” policies to promote internal mobility

Combining these strategies creates a tailored approach that meets your organisation’s unique needs.

Why This Matters

A well-designed talent acquisition process isn’t just operational—it’s strategic. It impacts:

• Customer experience (through better service delivery)
• Employee engagement (by reducing burnout from empty seats)
• Business growth (by securing the right talent at the right time)

At Coreus, we help SMEs embed inclusive, efficient, and high-impact hiring practices through our #OptiHire service—because recruitment done right is a growth engine.

Question for leaders:
Is your talent acquisition strategy reactive—or is it driving your business forward?