Alexandra Monteiro, Global Head of People
Alexandra Monteiro, COCUS’ Global Head of People, provides personal insights into an often underestimated success factor in Recruitment-as-a-Service: trust from the candidate’s perspective. Reading this entry, you will be able to understand why the candidate experience is crucial for sustainable placements and how Prosource creates real win-win situations with a human-centred approach. Find out more about the key elements of successful recruitment.
In any recruitment process, one question always comes up: Who should be at the center of our attention?
When we’re talking about Recruitment as a Service (RaaS) – a solution built to serve the client – it’s easy to think the focus should be entirely on the hiring company. But from where I stand, the candidate experience is just as critical.
Maybe I’m biased, but I’ve always believed in finding the right balance between the dream we present to the candidate and how well they match the opportunity. A true win-win is not just ideal – it’s necessary. That has always been the driving force behind how we do recruitment at ProSource.
Improving the candidate experience with trust as the key differentiator
Over the past years, working exclusively in recruitment, I’ve seen one thing remain constant:
The more trust and comfort we create for the candidate throughout the process, the greater the chances of success – for everyone involved.
It’s about ongoing communication, genuine feedback, and creating space for questions. It’s about respect – for both sides of the table. The process may be client-driven, but the human element remains at the core. Every time we focus on people, we win.
A real-life example of successful hiring through a trust-based candidate journey
Recently, a new ProSource client – a multinational setting up a stronger presence in Portugal – approached us to hire for a key management role. This person would be central to local operations and play a big part in the ramp-up phase. A critical role, no doubt.
One thing I’m particularly proud of is the alignment we have with our clients. Their values often mirror ours: Interesting projects, safe and healthy environments, people-first cultures, and fair compensation. That makes it easier – and more honest – to sell the dream.
After identifying a shortlist of qualified candidates, what truly made a difference?
- Continuous communication
- Transparent feedback loops
- Sharing relevant information at the right time
Of course, we always respect the client’s pace and dynamics, but it’s also our job to highlight what will be critical to success. We did just that – and gained their trust along the way.
Strengthening long-term fit and engagement through trust-based recruiting
Trust is not just important – it’s fundamental. At every stage and with every stakeholder. At ProSource, our job goes beyond finding the right profile. We take it further by evaluating long-term fit – both in terms of skills and culture. This is especially challenging in remote setups, where interactions can be short and less personal, even when well-structured.
That’s why we always encourage client involvement, inclusion of team members in interviews, and even visits to the office whenever possible. These small gestures often make a big difference.
How trust leads to sustainable hires through a positive candidate experience
In the end, we closed the process with a strong match and a happy result – for both sides. Here’s some of the feedback we received from the candidate:
“The recruitment and onboarding experience exceeded expectations. The process was clear, the communication transparent, and the team’s collaborative spirit was evident throughout. I felt fully supported and welcomed, and I’m confident in my ability to thrive in this role. The position aligns perfectly with my professional goals, and the reality of the role has even surpassed what I was told during the recruitment phase.”
Looking for the right recruitment partner?
Our Recruitment-as-a-Service links talent with top tech companies, creating more chances for applicants to find the right job: Open positions
If you’re considering externalizing your recruitment process but aren’t sure who to trust – talk to us. At prosource, we don’t just fill roles. We build partnerships. And we’d love to show you some of our success stories.
