We all know that HR wants to get closer to the business to add more value. We also know the main goal of talent management is aligning people to business goals and powering improved business performance. The article Recruiting Inside the Loop highlighting Taleo customer, Advanced Technology Services, describes a great example of achievement in this endeavor.

Advanced Technology Services immerses their recruiters in specific areas of the business, employs innovative sourcing strategies, and measures results to create an environment where continuous improvement drives success. Sourcing and recruiting direction starts with an inside knowledge of the business before heading outside to find the talent.

This quote from Jeffrey Owens, president of ATS, sums up their alignment philosophy:

"HR is our competitive advantage. Retention, recruiting and training are all critical to the company, and HR is deeply involved in new business prospects.”

Another example of proactive engagement of the business with a teamwork approach is Taleo customer, Johnson Controls. They improved the hiring manager experience with best-of-breed technology and better process alignment of headcount approval with recruiting to improve visibility. Russell Gallas, global programs manager for the company’s Talent Acquisition Systems, says:

"Our current process provides our recruiters with a view into the business so they see and understand what’s coming."

Recruiters are not measured by their ability to simply fill the slots quickly and efficiently. Using metrics to measure recruiting performance quantifies results; none is more important than quality of hire. And adding value to the business starts with proactive engagement in an environment of continuous improvement.