Crafting your career- why Curators matter and how candidates should connect

Candidates in today’s workforce are seeking more than just an open position; they’re searching for a good fit. According to Forbes, nearly 38% of employees quit in their first year, with 40% leaving within the first 90 days. Companies are increasingly adopting Direct Sourcing practices, working with Curators to find the right talent fit.

For candidates searching for a place to thrive, this may affect how you’re searching for jobs and connect with companies. 

We’ve partnered with Tundra, a global leader in Direct Sourcing curation, to explore how candidates at different career stages can connect with Direct Sourcing curators effectively and why they should.

Curators vs. Recruiters – What’s the difference?

While both Recruiters and Curators have similar goals, their methods differ. Recruiters are reactive and work with companies to fill positions as they open. They focus on sourcing experienced candidates as independent contractors, separate from the companies they serve. 

Curators, on the other hand, have a proactive, holistic approach to talent acquisition. They work within the Direct Sourcing strategy, which focuses on long-term hiring. This includes building talent communities for future openings, and ensuring companies are prepared for hiring changes and growth. 

While Curators may work for a separate agency, they leverage a company’s brand power by becoming part of each client’s team to find top talent. Tundra, for example, partners with TalentNet to make use of companies’ brand strength more effectively when communicating with candidates and posting on social media. Through TalentNet’s intuitive solution, Curators are also able to efficiently communicate with candidates through SMS and email.  

The curation advantage: Transforming the candidate’s job search experience

Direct Sourcing allows candidates to get hired faster, creates a robust pipeline of eligible talent, and helps lower recruiting costs.

Because Curators take a holistic approach to hiring, candidates are more likely to go through a personalized process that takes their needs and goals into consideration. 

Curators like Tundra, work with the world’s top employers, understand the importance of consistent communication and use cutting-edge solutions to improve transparency. TalentNet’s platform, for example, allows candidates to track their application process. When using hiring portals backed by our solution, workers can apply for a position in 60 seconds through our AI-powered job-matching feature.

Career stage breakdown – Tips on standing out in the hiring process

Navigating the pathways of your career is a multifaceted journey, as each career stage has its own set of challenges and opportunities. Whether you are in a senior leadership role or stepping into the professional arena for the first time, understanding how to distinguish yourself in the hiring process is paramount.

Here are our tips to leverage your skill sets when working with a Curator: 

Senior Director or C-Suite Level

How to leverage your skill sets:

  • Last year, Tundra reported sourcing 60% of its new hires from LinkedIn – Keep your LinkedIn up-to-date so Curators and Recruiters find you. 
  • Use your robust industry knowledge when connecting with a Curator by contributing to Collaborative Articles on LinkedIn. Get recognized in your industry as a thought leader, and keep your name atop the Curator’s LinkedIn Feeds. 
  • In-person networking events can also be effective for making a lasting impression.

Senior Manager or Director 

How to leverage your skill sets: 

  • Communicate your value proposition.
  • Personalize your messages when reaching out to Curators.
  • Highlight your best qualities by using the XYZ method to talk about your latest projects and results. 

Junior Manager or Associate-Level

How to leverage your skill sets:

  • Develop a strong personal brand through social media by posting frequently and following your dream companies where you would like to work. 
  • Showcase your portfolio on all your social platforms, especially LinkedIn. 
  • Always message Hiring Managers or Curators after applying to a new job opportunity to stand out.

Entry-Level 

How to leverage your skill sets:

  • Optimize your LinkedIn presence, emphasizing your value proposition, adding keywords to your profile, and establishing a personal brand.
  • Stand out by showcasing a unique portfolio, engaging social media posts, and any volunteer initiatives you participate in. 

Talent Acquisition at its most efficient

Direct Sourcing curation is changing the hiring landscape, offering a transformative experience for candidates at every career stage. By connecting directly with Direct Sourcing Curators, candidates can propel their careers to new heights, helping them find the right opportunities that align with their career goals and aspirations.

To learn more about Tundra, click here.

For more on TalentNet’s platform, book a demo.

Download your copy of TalentNet and Tundra’s, Beyond Recruitment: Curated pathways to career excellence infographic, to help better understand the role Curators play in shaping careers at every phase.