Hiring one person shouldn’t feel like a full-time job—but often, it does.
Maybe you’re searching for a specialized skill set, or juggling too many priorities to run a hiring process end to end. Even if it’s just one open role, the process can be surprisingly demanding.
So, is it worth outsourcing the hire?
While outsourcing is often seen as a solution for large-scale recruitment, it can also be a smart strategy for filling just one critical position—under the right circumstances.
Let’s walk through when that might make sense, and when it might not.
When It Does Make Sense to Outsource Hiring for One Role
1. The role is specialized, urgent, or hard to fill
If the position requires a unique skill set, or it needs to be filled quickly, bringing in outside help can save time and headaches. Recruiters often have access to pre-vetted candidates and niche talent pools, speeding up the process significantly.
2. Your team is already stretched thin
When your internal team is overloaded, it’s easy for hiring tasks—like resume screening or candidate follow-ups—to fall through the cracks. Outsourcing frees up your time and ensures the process keeps moving without sacrificing quality.
3. You need help beyond sourcing
Good recruiting isn’t just about finding resumes. It involves job scoping, market insight, screening for soft skills, and ensuring a strong candidate experience. Partnering with a staffing firm can bring all of that to the table—even for just one hire.
4. You’re open to contract-to-hire or flexible options
If you’re unsure whether the role should be permanent, temporary, or something in between, staffing partners can help you explore contract-to-hire options. That flexibility can lower hiring risk and give you more room to evaluate long-term fit.
When Doing It Yourself Might Make More Sense
Not every hire needs external support. If you’re filling an entry-level position with a broad talent pool, and your team has the time and tools to manage the process, handling it internally can work well.
DIY hiring can also make sense if you already have strong referral pipelines or a history of successfully recruiting similar roles on your own.
That said, even when a role looks “simple” on paper, complexity can creep in—especially if the stakes are high or timelines are tight.
The Bottom Line
Outsourcing doesn’t have to be a long-term or high-volume commitment. Sometimes, getting help for just one role is the most strategic move—especially if you want to reduce time-to-hire, lower risk, or stay focused on your day-to-day work.
If you’re unsure whether outsourcing makes sense for your situation, the best place to start is a conversation. No pressure, no hard sell—just a chance to think it through with someone who sees both sides of the equation.
Curious whether outsourcing could help with your next hire?
Let’s explore what works best for your team.
This article was written by our team with AI assistance for added insights.