IT recruitment: Waybiller’s experience with external partner
Kristian Paekivi
Today’s job market is complex, especially when searching for candidates with specific skills who also align with a company’s culture. Waybiller faced the very same challenge when they decided to try an external partner. Southwestern Recruitment's recruiter Kristian Paekivi helps companies to fill mostly technical IT-based positions, but he's also focused on sales candidates.
Kristian had the opportunity to speak with Waybiller’s representative, Grete Kungla, CCO of the Thorgate Group. They discussed their thoughts on the partnership, what was the satisfaction rate for the results, and whether anything remained unresolved.
How did the partnership with external partner in recruiting begin?
According to Grete, working with an external recruiter was not their initial plan. She mentioned that they receive many partnership offers and have previous experience with recruiters. However, what made them reconsider was Southwestern Recruitment’s compensation model.
“The performance-based fee gave us confidence that the service fee would only be justified once the desired result was achieved.”
Another factor in choosing Southwestern Recruitment was Waybiller’s wish to retain partial control over the recruitment process. “We were able to continue our own search in parallel and supplement the process with our knowledge and resources when needed.”
The biggest challenge before the partnership
Like many tech companies, Waybiller’s main challenge was finding the right candidates. “You have to know whom to reach out to and how to approach them,” Grete emphasized.
They understood that a external partner has more resources and tools to find highly specialized candidates. Additionally, Grete pointed out that that partnering up with an external partner helps to reach candidates they wouldn’t find themselves while saving significant time.
First impressions of an external partner, Southwestern Recruitment
Grete admitted, “We didn’t set high expectations at first. We thought that if we found someone, that would already be a win.” However, despite initial skepticism, the collaboration left a strong impression.
They especially praised Southwestern Recruitment’s recruiter, Kristian, for his persistence and ability to understand which candidate was the right fit—both technically and culturally.
The recruitment process and transparency
Throughout the collaboration, Waybiller appreciated Southwestern Recruitment’s clear and well-structured processes. “When a candidate was found, they were immediately forwarded to us,” Grete highlighted. “This approach helped us stay aligned with each other’s processes and avoid candidate duplication.” Smooth and consistent communication with external partner proved to be a key factor in success.
“I really valued that Kristian never gave up, and despite a longer-than-usual hiring process, he successfully filled a technically complex position.”
Highlight of the recruiting process?
For Grete, the most positive aspect of the partnership was Kristian Paekivi's ability to find the right candidates. Even though they initially kept their expectations modest, the outcome exceeded them. They acknowledged that the external recruiter’s ability to deeply understand the company’s background and needs helped find candidates quickly.
Results and impact
Although the impact of recruitment is often long-term, Waybiller’s representative noted that the hired candidate helped structure their technical department more effectively. This, in turn, improved internal processes and increased efficiency.
When recruitment is done well, its results quickly reflect in the company’s overall operations.
Suggestions for others when using an external partner for recruiting
Grete also shared valuable advice for companies considering working with a recruitment partner. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Clear expectations and structured processes – Define your recruitment process and clarify what kind of collaboration you expect from an external recruiter.
- Honest communication with recruiter – Both parties should be open to avoid wasting time and encountering unexpected obstacles.
- Cultural fit – Before starting the collaboration, talk to the recruiter to ensure they understand your company culture. This increases the likelihood of finding a candidate who aligns with your values.
Why choose Southwestern Recruitment as an external partner?
Waybiller’s experience confirms that Southwestern Recruitment stands out with its flexibility, persistence, and high-quality candidates. “The collaboration went smoothly, and I’m happy we found the right person,” Grete concluded.
Are you considering partnering up with an external recruiter but need more background information? Let us know your interest by filling out the form on our website or reaching out to a Southwestern Recruitment's recruiter.
