Welcome to The Big Squeeze! In this edition, we're unpacking the hidden costs of DIY recruiting, and responding to those costs with effective solutions. We're also spotlighting the fabulous Katie McGonigal, our HR Specialist who spearheads our Scalable HR services, helping clients improve processes, reduce risk, and manage teams.
Katie joined Tangerine 3 years ago, and with her expertise on the team, we launched our Scalable HR services, helping to support high-growth companies with flexible, on-demand talent solutions tailored to their evolving needs.
About Katie:
My path into HR and Talent wasn’t linear—I transitioned from a background in Data Analytics and Business Operations Strategy in large global organizations after realizing that I was consistently drawn toward the people side of the business. I had an early sense that I could be 'good' at it, but more importantly, I saw an opportunity to approach HR in a way that was more strategic and aligned with organizational priorities while at the same time prioritizing work that was uplifting and meaningful to employees as the two go hand-in-hand.
Two driving forces shaped this shift: first, a desire to be part of reshaping how HR functions within companies; and second, a deep-rooted passion for identifying talent in individuals who may not have had equitable access to opportunities. I’m especially energized by supporting their development once they’re within an organization—ensuring it’s done in a timely, relevant, and meaningful way.
I've been in this work for over 20 years, and it still excites and fulfills me every day.
Tangerine Search specializes in technical recruiting and staffing plus Fractional HR services to help our clients across the US with compliance, people data and talent management. We know how to help you create, align and measure strategies that align with your company values—and work with you to build the resources and practices that help your employees experience authentic inclusion and visibility.
What do you love to do outside of work? Choosing just one passion outside of work is difficult—like being asked to pick a favorite book or song. But if I had to highlight one, it would be art. I love discovering new artists and finding moments to stand in front of work that speaks to me. Art feeds me, challenges me, and often shifts my perspective in unexpected ways.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Recruiting
Many of our clients are founder-led startups and have not used an agency before for hiring. They come to us for key hires and HR advice when they realize their time is better spent on growth and productivity of their business, driving revenue forward!
When founders hold on to recruiting for too long, your startup may face the following issues:
1—Operational Bottlenecks | The countless hours you spend writing accurate job descriptions, posting jobs online, sourcing, screening and scheduling is time NOT spent on product, strategy or customer growth.
2—Team Burnout | Your team is gold. And because your team is small and specialized, you really can't afford for them to be pulled away from core responsibilities for the sake of the recruitment and hiring process. Not only that, but when your team is wrapped up in recruitment based activities, it can slow innovation and impact morale—you even run the risk of losing some of your best staff.
3—Missed Opportunities | While critical, specialized roles stay open longer, you are losing your competitive edge. And without recruiting expertise, you run the risk of missing out on top talent. At Tangerine Search, we work with some of the best talent on the job market—all pre-vetted and screened so that you don't waste time sorting candidates.
Many recruiting firms will help you find candidates who meet the skillset you’re looking for—but make sure to work with a firm also focused on candidates who are compatible with your company’s values, size and structure, and cultural fit.
4—Candidate Experience / Employer Brand | From the first touchpoint with your company to every other interaction throughout the recruitment and hiring process, you shape the way candidates see and experience your brand. Talent will form lasting impressions of your brand based on how they are treated and what that experience is like. If you are struggling to balance the many complex tasks that come with recruiting, you can be sure that candidates are taking note. And any negative impressions or gaps in the process can impact your ability to attract top talent in the future.
The benefits of dedicated recruiting support include:
1—Scalable Systems | With dedicated support, you can build processes and systems for effective hiring—and leverage these SOPs long after an initial hire. Additionally, gain advisory training for you and your team to build a solid recruitment and hiring foundation from which to scale—infusing your company values into every step of the process.
2—Faster, Smarter Hiring | Fill key roles faster with our strategic and targeted recruitment process, with minimal effort on your part. We take the pressure and burden of sourcing off your plate by tapping into our large pool of pre-vetted candidates as well as attracting new talent through our established network. These are the candidates who will help transform and grow your company.
3—Founder Focus / Control Your Narrative | Free up your own time for strategy, fundraising, product-market fit, and customer growth. Focus on building a reputable, intriguing brand from the very first touchpoint a candidate experiences—all the way to hiring. Own your employer brand and provide a seamless candidate experience that reflects your mission, vision, and values.
4—Long-Term ROI | The benefits of DFY recruiting are impactful and lasting. Empower yourself to reduce turnover and boost productivity by getting the right talent in the door and into the right roles from the beginning.
By working with Team Tangerine, you have experts on your team presenting you with top-tier talent and establishing a compelling brand from the outset. We can also work with you to develop scalable recruitment systems that help position you to attract top talent in the future, or put HR systems in place that will make you scalable at your next funding round and growth phase.
Thank you for your continued partnership. I’m excited to assist with your hiring needs and support your company’s growth with top talent.
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