First came "quiet quitting." Then there was "quiet firing." Now, seemingly the latest workplace trend is "quiet hiring" regarding recruitment. First mentioned as a technique implemented by Google, "quiet hiring" is a little-known recruiting strategy that can be highly effective — just not for employees who aren't willing to go the extra mile.
Unlike traditional recruitment methods, quiet hiring refers to the discrete approach companies take to recruit talent without publicizing job openings. Quiet hiring involves the process of actively seeking out and recruiting candidates without widely advertising job vacancies or openly disclosing the company's intentions.
Essentially, "quiet hiring" means pinpointing employees who have demonstrated that they will go above and beyond, possibly taking on additional responsibilities that show they have what it takes to excel. Studies report that high achievers can produce upwards of 400 percent more than the average employee, so from a business point of view, honing in on them from the start makes sense for many companies. The goal is to identify and attract talented individuals who may not be actively seeking new opportunities but would be a valuable addition to the organization.
There are several reasons why a company might employ this tactic. For instance, companies may resort to quiet hiring when they need to maintain confidentiality, especially during sensitive periods like mergers, acquisitions, or leadership transitions. By conducting discreet searches, companies can minimize rumors, prevent disruption, and protect their business interests.
Another reason is niche talent acquisition. In highly competitive industries or specialized roles, companies often face challenges in finding suitable candidates through traditional channels. Quiet hiring allows organizations to proactively seek out and attract individuals with niche skills, expertise, or specific experience. In addition, with less public exposure, companies can minimize the number of competitors vying for the same candidates. This can increase the chances of successfully attracting and securing top talent.
Quiet hiring also enables companies to build a pipeline of potential candidates for future positions. Organizations can establish relationships, assess fit, and be prepared to make swift hires when opportunities arise by continuously engaging with talented professionals, even when there are no immediate openings.
The technique of quiet hiring offers companies a strategic approach to attracting top talent while maintaining confidentiality, targeting specific skill sets, building talent pipelines, and assessing cultural fit. By adopting this method, organizations can gain a competitive advantage in talent acquisition, ensure a higher success rate in securing qualified candidates, and support their long-term growth and success. While quiet hiring may not be suitable for every recruitment situation, understanding its benefits empowers companies to explore diverse strategies to meet their talent needs.
From hiring techniques to assistance with your recruitment strategies, TRC is here to support your business. We have partnered with companies and talented individuals for 40 years for their hiring and staffing needs. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions.