Why Quality Trumps Quantity in Recruitment: Insights from Big Wave Digital

It's hard to believe I've been in Digital and Tech recruitment for over 26 years! Yep makes me sound like a dinosaur but I still love the role, helping talented people get roles with cool, interesting & creative companies. I think you have to love what you do to do the same job for that long although, it never stays the same with the rate of change of Technologies over that time.

Recruitment is an industry that has evolved significantly over the past few decades. What once was a numbers game, driven by the sheer volume of resumes sent out, has transformed into a field where quality is paramount. As the digital landscape becomes more complex and the demands for specialised skills increase, the approach to recruitment must adapt accordingly. At Big Wave Digital, we firmly believe that quality trumps quantity, and this philosophy has guided our success in the ever-changing world of digital and technical recruitment.

Reflecting on the Past: Recruitment in the Late 90s

It’s interesting to reflect on what recruitment used to be versus what it is now—and what we have always believed it should be. Keiran Hathorn, who started in recruitment back in 1998, recalls those early days vividly. "On day one, the focus was always on stats and on how many resumes you sent out that week," says Keiran. "I won’t name the recruitment organisation, but think global recruitment company. One of those activity requirements was to try and get at least 20 to 30 resumes out the door per week. The idea was to send these resumes to hiring managers, HR managers, tech or digital managers—every single week."

This approach was based on the notion that if you throw enough CVs at a client, something will eventually stick. But to Keiran, this was illogical. "It went against any focus on actual quality and was purely about volume," he reflects. "The emphasis was on hitting targets, not on finding the right match between a candidate and a role."

The Evolution of Recruitment: From Quantity to Quality

Fast forward 26 years, and the recruitment landscape has changed dramatically. The industry has moved away from the "spray and pray" approach of flooding hiring managers with resumes, and has shifted towards a more refined and strategic process. At Big Wave Digital, our philosophy is simple: Quality over everything else in recruitment always trumps volume.

Julia Semmens, who partners with Keiran at Big Wave Digital, shares this commitment to quality. "We focus on understanding the needs of both our clients and our candidates. It's not about how many resumes we can send; it's about sending the right resumes. That means taking the time to thoroughly vet candidates, understand their skills and aspirations, and match them with roles that are truly a good fit."

This approach not only leads to better outcomes for our clients but also for the candidates we represent. When quality is prioritised, both parties benefit—companies find the talent they need to drive their success, and candidates land roles that align with their career goals and values.

The Challenges of Volume-Based Recruitment

The challenges of volume-based recruitment are numerous, and they can have significant consequences for both companies and candidates. For companies, a high volume of resumes can lead to overwhelm and decision fatigue. HR managers, tech managers, and digital managers are often inundated with CVs, many of which may not even meet the basic requirements of the role. This not only wastes time but can also lead to poor hiring decisions.

For candidates, the focus on volume can result in a lack of personalised attention. When recruitment agencies are more concerned with hitting targets than with finding the right match, candidates may find themselves pushed into roles that aren't a good fit, leading to dissatisfaction and high turnover rates.

Quality Recruitment: A Win-Win Strategy

At Big Wave Digital, we believe that the key to successful recruitment lies in quality. This means focusing on building long-term relationships with both clients and candidates, understanding their needs, and making matches that are mutually beneficial. It's about taking the time to get it right, rather than rushing to meet arbitrary targets.

One of the key benefits of a quality-focused approach is that it leads to better retention rates. When candidates are carefully matched with roles that align with their skills and aspirations, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term. This not only reduces turnover but also leads to higher levels of employee engagement and productivity.

For companies, a quality-focused approach to recruitment means that they can build teams that are not just competent, but that are also cohesive and aligned with the company’s culture and goals. This leads to better business outcomes and a more positive work environment.

The Future of Recruitment: A Focus on Quality

As we look to the future, it's clear that the demand for quality in recruitment will only increase. The digital and tech sectors, in particular, require highly specialised skills and expertise, and finding the right talent is becoming increasingly challenging. Companies that prioritise quality in their recruitment processes will be better positioned to attract and retain the talent they need to succeed in this competitive environment.

At Big Wave Digital, we are committed to leading the way in quality recruitment. We understand that the stakes are high, and we are dedicated to helping our clients build the teams that will drive their success in the years to come.

The Importance of Quality in Digital Recruitment

The digital landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, and the skills required to succeed in this environment are constantly changing. This makes the recruitment of digital talent particularly challenging. Companies need professionals who are not only technically proficient but who also have the creativity and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

At Big Wave Digital, we specialise in digital recruitment, and we know what it takes to find the right talent in this field. Our focus on quality means that we take the time to understand the specific needs of our clients and to find candidates who have the skills and experience to meet those needs.

We also understand that digital recruitment is about more than just finding someone with the right technical skills. It's about finding professionals who can think strategically, who can innovate, and who can work collaboratively with others. These are the qualities that will drive success in the digital landscape, and they are the qualities that we look for in the candidates we represent.

The Role of Big Wave Digital in 2024 and Beyond

As we move into 2024 and beyond, the demand for quality in recruitment will continue to grow. Companies in the digital and tech sectors are facing increasingly complex challenges, and they need the right talent to help them navigate these challenges.

At Big Wave Digital, we are proud to be a leader in quality recruitment. We have built a reputation for excellence in the industry, and we are committed to helping our clients find the talent they need to succeed.

Our approach is based on a deep understanding of the digital and tech sectors, and we have a proven track record of success in these fields. Whether you are looking for a digital marketing expert, a software developer, or a data scientist, we have the expertise and the network to find the right candidate for your needs.

We also understand that recruitment is about more than just filling a role. It's about building teams that can drive innovation and growth. That's why we take a holistic approach to recruitment, focusing on finding candidates who are not just a good fit for the role but who are also a good fit for the company culture.

Quality Trumps Quantity in Recruitment

In the end, the message is clear: quality trumps quantity in recruitment. This is true in all industries, but it is particularly true in the digital and tech sectors, where the demand for specialised skills is high, and the cost of a bad hire can be significant.

At Big Wave Digital, we are committed to delivering quality in everything we do. We believe that this is the key to successful recruitment, and we are dedicated to helping our clients build the teams that will drive their success in 2024 and beyond.

If you are looking for a Digital Recruitment Agency in Sydney that prioritises quality over quantity, look no further than Big Wave Digital. With our deep industry knowledge, our focus on building long-term relationships, and our commitment to excellence, we are the partner you need to succeed in today's competitive environment.

So here's to the next 26 years of digital and technical recruitment—where quality will always be the foundation of everything we do.

The future is bright, let’s go there together!

Thanks for reading,

Cheers Keiran

Let us help you build a Brilliant team in Digital.

Big Wave Digital are experts in?Digital Recruitment Sydney

At?Big Wave Digital ?, Sydney’s leading digital, blockchain and technical recruitment agency, we have deep connections, experience and proven expertise, and the ability to achieve a win for all parties in the challenging recruiting process. We can connect to highly coveted digital and tech talent with the world’s best employers.

Keiran Hathorn ?is the CEO & Founder of?Big Wave Digital . A Sydney based niche Digital, Blockchain & Technology recruitment company. Keiran leads a high performance, experienced recruitment team, assisting companies of all sizes secure the best talent.