Here's how you can master negotiating and closing talent acquisition deals as an executive.
In the competitive world of global talent acquisition, mastering the art of negotiation and deal-closing is a must for executives. The ability to attract and secure top talent is crucial for the growth and success of any organization. As an executive, you hold the key to not only identifying but also persuading high-caliber candidates to join your team. The process can be intricate, involving a delicate balance of offering attractive terms while ensuring the deal aligns with your company's strategic goals. In this article, you'll discover practical strategies to enhance your negotiation skills and effectively close talent acquisition deals, ensuring your organization remains at the forefront of innovation and performance.
Understanding the needs and motivations of potential candidates is paramount in talent acquisition negotiations. Before you enter any discussion, do thorough research to grasp what drives the candidate professionally and personally. This knowledge enables you to tailor your offer to align with their career aspirations and life goals, making it more compelling. By demonstrating empathy and showing that your organization values their unique contributions, you can create a strong foundation for successful negotiations.
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Nishant Tiwary
Lead Talent Acquisition : Aye Finance || Ex - Bajaj Finance, Mahindra Finance || MBA - HR
Being a part of TA, one should always understand a candidate’s need regarding his expectations and he should always be crystal clear regarding what we can offer him puron his expectations.
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ARUNASHREE J S
Excellence Award for HR Business Solutions 2022_NATIONAL LEVEL||HR (Talent Partner) at Meesho||Ex-Byjuite(Recruitment manager)|| Ex Recruiter for DXC technologies(through AGS)-IT hiring||IT & Non IT hiring
Mastering talent acquisition deals involves strategic planning, interpersonal skills, and understanding both the market and candidates. Stay informed about industry trends and benchmarks. Research candidates' backgrounds and goals for personalized approaches. Promote a positive company culture and clearly articulate your employee value proposition (EVP). Prepare by knowing your limits and being flexible. Communicate effectively through active listening and clear messaging. Show empathy and confidence. Use data and technology to inform decisions. Create competitive, tailored offers. Handle objections with solutions in mind. Close deals with urgency and regular follow-up. Ensure smooth onboarding and seek feedback to improve.
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Babeeta Shishodia
Global Talent Acquisition Partner @ Ollion | Recruitment | Cloud | Engineering |Tech | Stakeholder Management | Strategy
Through active listening, understanding candidate profile and their motivations for the role they are being hired for, and by offering competitive compensation packages.
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Endravid Mathy
💡 Top Recruiting Voice | Agile HR Practitioner | ©TA Specialist @AiHR | Organization Development | Executive Search | Talent Analytics 📊
Recruiter needs to identify what truly need behind this whole job seeking process. Does the person look for a change in terms of career development? compensation? or environment? By tackling the real needs, you can have the right foot to start the conversation.
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Charity Njue
Talent Acquisition Expert | HR Leader | Champion of Diverse Hiring
To improve your talent acquisition and negotiation skills the first step is understanding your organizational needs as well as the background of your candidate, proper research on the candidate goes a long way. Build rapport with the candidates and show the value your organization has. Stay flexible and manage objections. Finally, time is key, give prompt responses and follow up whenever required.
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Kiran Vidyadhar
Recruitment Connoisseur @ ADI Group - ASIA | Expanding ADI's Footprints
To master talent acquisition deals as an executive, focus on building strong relationships, understanding company and candidate needs, and clear communication. Research market trends and competitive compensation packages. Use data-driven insights to tailor proposals and be transparent and flexible during negotiations. Close deals by highlighting growth opportunities and aligning candidates' goals with the company’s vision. Ensure a smooth onboarding process with timely follow-ups.
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Shivangee Singh Sengar
Talent Acquisition Executive - Rewards360 | Ex-Simplilearn
1. Show genuine excitement about the candidate's potential contribution to the company 2. Give the candidate time to review the offer and ask any questions. This demonstrates respect for their decision-making process. 3. Keep up-to-date on industry trends in compensation and benefits to ensure your offers remain competitive.
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Ayyappan VS
Creating success stories for candidates
1. Embrace Transparency 2. Anticipate Objections & Stay Resilient 3. Focus on Value Creation 4. Demonstrate Flexibility 5. Think Long-Term 6. Build a Strong Employer Brand 7. Research Market Conditions 8. Follow Up 9. Show Empathy 10. Strive for win-win outcomes
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Pooja B.
Recruiting Experts Worldwide
Mastering negotiating and closing talent acquisition deals as an executive requires a combination of strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, and a deep understanding of both your company's needs and the talent market.
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Jyotsneel Falak
Talent Advisor @InfraBeat Technologies Pvt. Ltd. | End-to-End Tech Recruitment
To master negotiating and closing talent acquisition deals as an executive, focus on refining your negotiation skills and closing strategies.
Crafting an offer that appeals to top talent involves more than just a competitive salary. You need to consider the entire compensation package, including benefits, work-life balance, career development opportunities, and company culture. Presenting a well-rounded offer that addresses the candidate's needs and desires shows that your company is invested in their overall well-being and professional growth. This approach can significantly increase the likelihood of acceptance.
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Husnain Qaiser
Lead - Talent Management | Expert in Resource Augmentation | Outsourcing Services | Technical Recruiter | xPSDF
My experience has taught me that crafting a comprehensive offer package is vital. Consider the entire package, not just the salary. Think about benefits, flexibility, growth opportunities, and company culture. Be creative and flexible in your offer, and be prepared to explain the value behind each component. I've seen candidates accept offers based on factors beyond salary, such as a strong company culture or opportunities for growth.
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Gabriella Araujo
Tech Recruiter Sênior l Tech Leader Recruiter l IT Recruiter l Talent Acquisition l #139 LinkedIn influencer in Brazil
I always try to seek out and provide the candidates I approach with complete transparency, especially when it comes to salary expectations, as we know how important this is for both those who recruit and those who are recruited.
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Endravid Mathy
💡 Top Recruiting Voice | Agile HR Practitioner | ©TA Specialist @AiHR | Organization Development | Executive Search | Talent Analytics 📊
I called it "Candidate Personas". After the needs identification, this will be where the conversation will be circling along with the compensation package including remuneration, as well as staff benefits. Don't forget to highlight EVP to the candidate.
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Shiju Gopal
Talent Acquisition Manager | HR Pro in Diverse Industries | Retention Strategist | MBA | CHRMP
Yes, crafting offer letters will always be more than a competitive and compelling salary. My experience is about not only sharing the best offer that the candidates are looking for but also as a recruiter taking time out to answer each query that the candidates raise once they go through the compensation structure and perks. This will help to avoid last minute turnover as nowadays every candidate is looking for a clear understanding of their compensation structure.
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Ishank Gupta
Sr Talent Acquisition @ Walmart : Ex DealShare I Walmart I Ex Dell I Ex Intel
Before presenting the offer, Provide a comprehensive overview of the entire package, including perks, work-life balance, growth prospects, & the company's culture. It is also important to ascertain whether the candidate is currently considering other offers and details like the name or reputation of the organization, CTC and the reasons behind their continued exploration. The first offer should be as compelling as possible, considering the candidate's expectations and to the extent to which match the organization's requirements. It is advisable to keep certain elements such as Joining Bonus, Retention Bonus and RSU/ESOPS for potential negotiations.
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Dayane Ribeiro
Head de Pessoas na RH Estratégico | Gerente de RH | Gestão de equipe, Planejamento estratégico
Em minha vivência identifiquei que além do pacote de salário e benefícios, uma Carta proposta deve ser muito bem apresentada, contendo alguns elementos como clima e cultura organizacional, possibilidade de crescimento e acima de tudo, que o candidato possa ter vida pessoal. Que ele possa usufruir do pacote de remuneração com seus entes queridos.
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☆ Natacha Pons ☆
CEO of TheWhiteRabbit 🐇 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, Recruitement > Cosmopolitan, analytical & continuous-learning mindset 🚀
In the recruitment realm, salary transparency is a game-changer, benefiting candidates AND companies. Here’s why : 1 Empowers candidates: Transparency enables candidates to make informed decisions 2 Reduces wasted time: It helps candidates self-select, saving time on mismatched interviews 3 Enhances experience... showing candidates respect and honesty 4 Levels the field: Transparent practices ensure fairness for candidates of all backgrounds 5 Builds trust: Honest salary practices foster trust within the org. 6 Attracts Top Talent: Companies embracing transparency attract talent valuing integrity 7 Improves retention: Clear expectations reduce surprises... and ghosting ! 8 Drives performance: Transparent comp. motivates employees to excel
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Jo Richardson
Independent Food Manufacturing Recruitment Specialist | Freelance Internal Talent Acquisition Generalist | Business & Careers Coach | 100% Yorkshire | [email protected]
Absolutely craft an offer but all of this should be done BEFORE you to start interviewing candidates. In a candidate driven market, benefits aren't just monetary. What else are the candidates interviewing for? Because sometimes a candidate is all about location and you can't do anything to change that. Flexible working, hybrid working, free parking on site are all great but career development as well. What is the investment there and can you talk about career progression at offer stage? Showcase where the candidates progression is once they accept this job.
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Pınar Kelemci
🔝 Executive Search 🌏 Global Recruitment Partner 🎯 HR Professional
A proposal, in my opinion, is not just about the numbers written on paper. It is about explaining what the company will bring to the candidate, the possibilities they will experience in the future, and what kind of family they will become a part of. Because what is written on paper are merely tangible assets, but what truly matters is the kind of life a person says hello to when they sign that paper.
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Vandit Tyagi
Human Resources Manager
Crafting an offer that appeals to top talent involves more than just a competitive salary. You need to consider the entire compensation package, including benefits, work-life balance, career development opportunities, and company culture. Presenting a well-rounded offer that addresses the candidate's needs and desires shows that your company is invested in their overall well-being and professional growth.
Leverage the value your organization brings to the table when negotiating with talent. Highlight your company's vision, the impact of the role, and opportunities for personal and professional development. Emphasize unique selling points such as innovative projects, a supportive team environment, or a leading market position. By showcasing how a candidate's career can flourish with your company, you can differentiate your offer from competitors and make it more attractive.
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Catherine Peach
Talent Acquisition Manager at Crown Holdings, Inc. 👑
Actively listen to what your candidate or internal stakeholders want, then sell them on what matters to them! When it comes to candidates specifically, being authentic about what you offer and filtering out in the early stages is just as important as closing the deal. If you mis-sell the opportunity they won't stay long and you'll be back at square one anyway.
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Ishank Gupta
Sr Talent Acquisition @ Walmart : Ex DealShare I Walmart I Ex Dell I Ex Intel
Emphasize the distinct features of the role to strengthen its attractiveness to the candidate. Delve into the organization's advancements, accomplishments, and successful endeavors. Address the importance of work-life balance, the company culture, benefits, leave policies, healthcare and educational perks, flexibility in working arrangements, and opportunities for internal career progression. Outline the projected growth of the organization and the potential for professional development for employees in the next 2 to 5 years. Highlight the business operations, team dynamics, mutual respect, team outings, and commitment to equality within the organization.
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Endravid Mathy
💡 Top Recruiting Voice | Agile HR Practitioner | ©TA Specialist @AiHR | Organization Development | Executive Search | Talent Analytics 📊
by letting the candidate knows how much value they could potentially bringing in, and how much they could contribute - you already show where to start for them on their first few months. Make them feel valuable in coming in as everyone wants to make their next journey worthwhile and flourish with achievements.
Clear communication is critical during negotiations. Ensure you articulate the terms of the offer transparently, addressing any concerns or questions the candidate may have. This builds trust and shows that your company values honesty and integrity. Give candidates enough time to consider the offer and avoid pressuring them into a quick decision, as this can lead to resentment or second thoughts about joining your organization.
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Ishank Gupta
Sr Talent Acquisition @ Walmart : Ex DealShare I Walmart I Ex Dell I Ex Intel
The "Candidate Experience" is crucial throughout the entire recruitment process, starting from the initial phase and continuing until the candidate is onboarded into the organization. It encompasses timely feedback, ongoing communication, and keeping the candidate informed about the progress of interviews, offers, and approvals. It is essential to clearly communicate at every stage of the recruitment process.
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Shital Suryavanshi
Human Resource Business Partner | Talent Acquisition | M&A | DEI | We're Hiring!
One of the most important aspects of recruitment is building trust with prospective candidates. Clear communication is key in establishing this trust. While not every communication will necessarily result in a closed deal, it's important to remember that every interaction can help build a lasting relationship with the candidate. By prioritizing clear and effective communication, you can ensure that you are mapping out a candidate for life.
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Gabriella Araujo
Tech Recruiter Sênior l Tech Leader Recruiter l IT Recruiter l Talent Acquisition l #139 LinkedIn influencer in Brazil
There's no point in having a good recruitment process and then failing when it comes to presenting the offer to these candidates. Make them feel comfortable.
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Jo Richardson
Independent Food Manufacturing Recruitment Specialist | Freelance Internal Talent Acquisition Generalist | Business & Careers Coach | 100% Yorkshire | [email protected]
Think about the position that you offering the candidate. What skillset did they demonstrate that you thought would make them the perfect candidate because those skills will more than likely be showcased at offer stage. You have to expect someone in a commercial focused role to negotiate. You have to expect someone who analyses a huge amount of data to take the offer away and think about it. And never put pressure on a candidate. Yes, show enthusiasm, how keen you / the team/ the organisation is about the thought them joining the company. An MD once said to me "You're a Commercial Manager, here is the offer, I expect you to go away, come back and negotiate, but don't take the ****." I still have a huge amount of respect for him.
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Endravid Mathy
💡 Top Recruiting Voice | Agile HR Practitioner | ©TA Specialist @AiHR | Organization Development | Executive Search | Talent Analytics 📊
Transparent communication is the most important part. Everything has to be done in official language and method for both verbal and written. If there is any question regarding the offers, candidate have the right to highlight while recruiter should be able to accomodate in order to build trust upon the joining. Doing so also beneficial to candidate experience journey.
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Shiju Gopal
Talent Acquisition Manager | HR Pro in Diverse Industries | Retention Strategist | MBA | CHRMP
Well, clarity in communication ensures both parties understand job roles, responsibilities and expectations. This prevents misunderstandings that could lead to dissatisfaction or early turnover. Transparency about the hiring process, compensation, benefits, and company culture fosters trust and shows respect for the candidate. Trust is essential for establishing a positive employer-employee relationship from the start. Clear communication also helps in making the negotiation process more efficient by addressing concerns and questions promptly. This helps both the employer and the candidate make informed decisions quickly and ends in a mutually beneficial employment relationship.
Being flexible can be a game-changer in closing talent acquisition deals. Recognize that one size does not fit all, and be prepared to adjust the terms of an offer if it means securing a top candidate. Whether it's a flexible work schedule, additional vacation time, or a customized career development plan, showing willingness to accommodate the candidate's needs can tip the scales in your favor.
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Husnain Qaiser
Lead - Talent Management | Expert in Resource Augmentation | Outsourcing Services | Technical Recruiter | xPSDF
My experience has taught me that flexibility is a powerful tool in negotiations. Be open-minded and willing to consider creative solutions that meet the candidate's needs. Whether it's flexible work arrangements or a trial project, think outside the box to find a mutually beneficial solution. I've seen candidates accept offers based on flexibility alone, so it's worth exploring.
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Endravid Mathy
💡 Top Recruiting Voice | Agile HR Practitioner | ©TA Specialist @AiHR | Organization Development | Executive Search | Talent Analytics 📊
It's common that candidate will have a comment or two on the job offer, and we must be ready to listen to find solution instead of listen to response. Any insight that the candidate provides may comes in as a value market insight that we could possibly use to negotiate or further discuss with internal hiring team.
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☆ Natacha Pons ☆
CEO of TheWhiteRabbit 🐇 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, Recruitement > Cosmopolitan, analytical & continuous-learning mindset 🚀
In today's talent market, flexibility is crucial when hiring for challenging roles. Here's why: - Agility: Flexibility allows quick adaptation to market shifts and candidate availability. - Wider talent pool: Being open to diverse backgrounds expands the candidate pool. - Speedy decisions: Flexibility speeds up the hiring process with swift decision-making. - Enhanced brand: Flexible recruitment portrays adaptability, enhancing employer brand. - Mitigates shortages: Flexibility helps mitigate talent shortages and skill gaps.
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Pınar Kelemci
🔝 Executive Search 🌏 Global Recruitment Partner 🎯 HR Professional
In a world where life conditions are getting tougher every day, flexibility is really one of the most important things people are looking for. Telling them how to make their lives easier instead of making them harder is definitely the biggest contribution. Especially nowadays when there is an exodus of talent, many people move with their nuclear family and other members of the family stay in their home country. so I think it is more of a necessity than a gesture to give people flexibility in time and life balance when they need it. Choose people/companies that make your life easier :)
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Vishvamitra Sharma
I think Flexibility in negotiations and talent acquisition can be a game-changer. It allows you to adapt to changing circumstances, find creative solutions, and build rapport with candidates. Being open-minded about terms, benefits, and work arrangements can help you close deals that might otherwise fall through. Flexibility shows that you're willing to accommodate the needs and preferences of the other party, making them more likely to agree to your terms.
Once you've negotiated the terms, it's time to seal the deal. Confirm the candidate's acceptance in writing and outline the next steps in the onboarding process. Make them feel welcomed and valued from the start by expressing enthusiasm about their future with the company. A smooth transition into their new role will reinforce their decision to accept the offer and lay the groundwork for a successful long-term relationship with your organization.
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Husnain Qaiser
Lead - Talent Management | Expert in Resource Augmentation | Outsourcing Services | Technical Recruiter | xPSDF
In my experience, finalizing the deal requires attention to detail and clear communication. Ensure all parties are on the same page, and summarize the agreed-upon terms. Provide a clear outline of next steps, and follow up with a written offer letter or contract. I've seen deals fall through due to miscommunication, so it's crucial to get it right. Celebrate the successful negotiation, and welcome the new team member!
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Vandit Tyagi
Human Resources Manager
Once you've negotiated the terms, it's time to seal the deal. Confirm the candidate's acceptance in writing and outline the next steps in the onboarding process. Make them feel welcomed and valued from the start by expressing enthusiasm about their future with the company. A smooth transition into their new role will reinforce their decision to accept the offer and lay the groundwork for a successful long-term relationship with your organization.
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Ishank Gupta
Sr Talent Acquisition @ Walmart : Ex DealShare I Walmart I Ex Dell I Ex Intel
It is recommended to reject a candidate during the screening or initial discussion phase if their salary and expectations do not match the company's standards, or if they have unrealistically high salary expectations that cannot be satisfied by an offer.
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Piyush S.
Talent Acquisition Partner - Managed Business, India @ BT Group
1. Goal Clarity: Define clear objectives for talent acquisition deals, focusing on securing top talent, meeting budgets, & aligning with company culture. 2. Market Insight: Stay updated on industry trends, competitor actions, & salary benchmarks. 3. Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with potential candidates & stakeholders, fostering trust & rapport to facilitate smoother negotiations. 4. Effective Communication: Listen actively to understand the needs & motivations of both candidates & the organization, & communicate the value proposition beyond just compensation. 5. Adaptability & Evaluation: Be flexible during negotiations. After deals are closed, evaluate the negotiation process to identify areas for improvement.
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Roshan Kumar
Staffing Architect | AI Sales Funnel | AI Strategist | Empowering Coaches | Mentorship Advocate
Firstly, research the candidate’s background, skills, and aspirations. This helps tailor your offer to their needs and expectations. Building rapport is crucial. Establish a connection with the candidate to foster trust and openness. Effective communication involves clarity about the role, expectations, and benefits. Be transparent about the company culture, growth opportunities, and compensation. Negotiation is a two-way process. Be open to the candidate’s counteroffers and concerns. Finally, close the deal by reiterating the offer’s value and the opportunities the role presents. Follow up promptly on paperwork to seal the deal. Remember, every negotiation is unique. Adapt your approach based on the candidate and situation.
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