Written by Tim Smith, Executive Partner, Stratfield Consulting

When I started in recruiting almost three decades ago, success was measured in placements.  If the job got filled, we called it a win.  Today, that mindset feels incomplete.  At Stratfield, we've seen firsthand how recruiting has become something much more- something that helps solve real business problems.

I've led national teams across consulting and staffing, and I've watched the recruiting landscape shift.  One of the biggest shifts?  Understanding that great recruiting isn't just about matching a resume to job requirements.  It's about improving business outcomes by finding the right people- and doing it in a way that leaves every candidate, whether they're hired or not, feeling respected and informed.

Recruiting Today Is About Solving for the Business

Our recruiters don't just ask, "Can this person do the job?" They ask:

• Will this person accelerate the team's performance?

• Will they solve a problem that's been lingering on the desk of a stretched-thin leader?

• Will they stay?  Grow?  Shape culture?

Candidate Experience Is a Business Driver

We've seen clients attract top talent- not because they paid the most, but because their hiring experience was clear, respectful, and efficient.  That kind of process tells candidates something important: this is a company that values people and knows how to operate.

Candidates talk.  They remember how they were treated.  And in a competitive market, that experience is often the deciding factor.

Recruiters Who Think Like Business Partners

The best recruiters don't just fill roles; they help leaders solve real problems.  They know how to listen for what's really needed, not just what's listed on a job description.  They bring insight, pattern recognition, and practical urgency to the table.  At Stratfield, that's who we hire: people who understand the business impact behind every hire.

Recruiting done right isn't just about hiring.  It's about building capability, momentum, and trust.

And that's what moves the business forward.