The hidden challenges of municipal recruitment (and how to solve them)

We get it: recruitment in municipalities is a profession in its own right. Deadlines, scarcity and limited resources make your job challenging. But what if there was a way to overcome these obstacles and really strengthen your team? In this blog, we discuss the unique challenges of municipal recruitment and show you how a talent sourcer can make a difference.

The challenges of municipal recruitment

1. Procurement rules as a stumbling block
   Municipalities often have to work within strict procurement rules. Many recruiters think that any external help automatically becomes subject to procurement. But did you know that you can work flexibly below this limit? We help provide the best solutions within these limits.
2. Many hats, little time
   Recruiters at municipalities often wear multiple hats. In addition to finding candidates, they are responsible for planning, stakeholders, projects and even assessment management. This leaves little time for proactive sourcing, especially for those difficult positions where the market is already tight.
3. Small teams, big expectations
   Smaller municipalities often have limited resources. While larger municipalities (like the G4) can offer better scales and benefits, you still have to find those top candidates with limited resources.
4. Mismatch in job content and scale
   It often happens that jobs are not optimally graded. A role that is actually worth scale 12 is classified as scale 11. This makes the search even more challenging. A talent sourcer can extract feedback from the market to address this mismatch.
5. Passive candidates and competing municipalities
   Municipalities are often not allowed to hunt directly from other municipalities. This limits the pond you can fish in, while passive candidates are often the best match. A talent sourcer breaks this barrier and gives you access to a wider network.

How a talent sourcer makes your job easier

1. Strategic sourcing
   A talent sourcer is like a detective: targeted searching for passive candidates who can really fill your vacancy. They do this through network mapping, data analysis and outreach campaigns.
2. Gather feedback from the market
   By interviewing dozens of candidates, a sourcer gains valuable insights. For example: what salaries do other municipalities offer? How attractive is your job posting?
3. Training and Support
   Many municipalities have LinkedIn Recruiter, but don't use it to its full potential. A sourcer can train your team so you use tools more effectively.

Success story: A policy advisor within three weeks

A medium-sized municipality in South Holland struggled for months to fill a policy advisor position. Within three weeks, through strategic sourcing, we found a candidate who was a perfect fit - resulting in a quick start and a happy team.

Frequently asked questions about working with a talent sourcer

1. How does a talent sourcer for municipalities work within procurement rules?
Municipalities are allowed to put out contracts under €70,000 directly without a tender. We ensure that our approach stays within these limits and is fully transparent.

2. Why should I hire a sourcer when we already have a recruitment team?
Talent sourcers complement your team by fully focusing on the most challenging jobs. They help your team work more efficiently.

3. What if we don't have scarce roles
Even for less scarce roles, a sourcer can add value through market research, improving and speeding up processes.

4. How much time does a talent sourcer save me?
On average, a sourcer can spend 20-30 hours per week on focused sourcing. This gives you more time to focus on strategic tasks and team communication.

5. Can you also help with temporary positions?
Absolutely. Whether it's a project role or a permanent position, we'll make sure you find the right candidates to suit your needs.

6. How do I know a talent sourcer is effective?
With clear reports and measurable results, such as the number of candidates approached, responses and interviews scheduled, you can see immediately what a sourcer is delivering.

Do you want to improve your recruitment processes?

Every day a vacancy is open, your team's workload increases. Let us solve this problem together. Our talent sourcers are ready to tackle your recruitment challenges. Schedule a free intake and find out how we can make an impact together.

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