How to make strategic choices in talent acquisition.

Assessing your internal capabilities

Before you start looking outward, it’s crucial to assess what you already have within your organization. Evaluating your internal capabilities is about more than just taking stock of available talent. It’s about understanding the strengths and limitations of your existing team and determining where external expertise might be necessary.

Start by examining your internal team’s current workload and skill set. Are your key players already stretched thin with ongoing projects? Do they have the specific expertise required for your upcoming initiative? While your internal team might possess deep knowledge of your company’s culture and goals, their availability to fully commit to a new, agile project could be limited. 

This is where the real challenge comes in: even if you have the right people on paper, their availability might be a different story. Agile projects require constant attention, quick decision-making, and the ability to pivot as needed. If your internal team is too busy, you risk slowing down the project or, worse, burning them out.

Benefits and drawbacks: Internal versus external hiring

Once you’ve evaluated your internal resources, the next step is to weigh the pros and cons of bringing in external help. The decision to hire internally or bring in consultants is not just about filling gaps; it’s about finding the right balance that will enable your team to operate at peak efficiency.

Internal hiring: Stability with familiar faces

The main advantage of relying on internal hires is the familiarity factor. Your internal team understands the intricacies of your company’s operations, shares your organizational culture, and is already aligned with your business goals. There’s also the added benefit of continuity—no need for a lengthy onboarding process or getting someone up to speed on how your company works.

However, there are significant drawbacks to consider. Internal hires, particularly those who are already deeply involved in other projects, may not have the capacity to take on additional responsibilities without compromising quality. Moreover, even if your internal team has the right skill set, the time and energy required to manage a new, agile project could lead to reduced productivity across the board.

External consultants: Fresh expertise with flexibility

Bringing in external consultants offers a different set of advantages. Consultants can provide specialized expertise that your internal team may lack, and they’re often able to hit the ground running, bringing valuable outside perspectives that can drive innovation. Additionally, consultants are typically accustomed to working on specific, well-defined tasks, making them ideal for projects that require a focused, results-driven approach.

However, external consultants also come with their own set of challenges. One common concern is that consultants might be juggling multiple clients simultaneously, which could impact their availability and focus on your project. While this is a valid consideration, it's important to remember that the right consultancy partner will ensure their consultants are fully committed to your project, minimizing distractions and maintaining a high level of engagement.

Moreover, integrating external consultants into your internal team can be challenging. If not managed properly, this can lead to misalignment, communication breakdowns, and a lack of cohesion within the team. However, when done right, consultants can seamlessly blend into your team, bringing not just expertise but also a fresh perspective that can help challenge assumptions and drive innovation.

It’s also worth noting that not all consultancy models are created equal. Companies like EOLIS focus on embedding consultants directly into your team, working on-site and full-time to ensure they’re not just temporary fixes but integral parts of your project’s success. This approach mitigates many of the common drawbacks by ensuring consultants are fully aligned with your goals and processes. Next to this, EOLIS foresees the option to hire a consultant for a long period of time or even hire them permanently. This approach allows consultants to become a true extension of your team and contribute to the long-term goals of your organization.

Hybrid models: The best of both worlds?

Given the trade-offs between internal and external hires, many companies are finding that a hybrid model offers the best of both worlds. A hybrid approach allows you to maintain the stability and cultural alignment of your internal team while bringing in external consultants to fill specific gaps and provide additional capacity as needed.

The flexibility of hybrid teams

In a hybrid model, you might have a core internal team supplemented by external consultants who work closely alongside your in-house staff. This model offers the flexibility to scale up quickly when project demands increase, without overburdening your internal team. It also provides access to specialized skills and fresh perspectives, helping to drive innovation and keep your project on track.

Klaas Vandeputte, CEO of EOLIS, puts it this way: “The advantage of a hybrid model is that you can bring in external expertise on a temporary basis without disrupting your internal team’s workflow. Our approach allows for a seamless integration of consultants into our clients’ teams, where they work full-time on-site and become a true part of the team. This model offers the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing project needs, while also providing the continuity and cultural fit that comes from having a stable internal team.”

Potential pitfalls to watch out for

However, the hybrid model is not without its challenges. Managing a team that includes both internal and external members requires clear communication, defined roles, and a strong commitment to collaboration. If these elements aren’t in place, you risk creating silos or misunderstandings that can slow down progress and diminish the overall impact of the project.

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s crucial to choose a consultancy or staffing partner who truly prioritizes seamless integration and ongoing collaboration.

Conclusion: Making the right strategic choice

This brings us to an important question. What is the best choice for my team or company? Hire externally or internally? When it comes to talent acquisition, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach depends on the specific needs of your project, the capabilities of your internal team, and the expertise required to achieve your goals. By carefully assessing your internal resources, considering the benefits and drawbacks of external consultants, and exploring hybrid models, you can make strategic choices that enhance your team’s effectiveness and drive project success.

The goal isn’t just to fill seats. It’s to build a team that’s equipped to deliver high-quality results, on time and within budget. Whether that means relying on your internal team, bringing in specialized consultants or finding a balance between the two. The key is to remain flexible and adaptable. In today’s fast-paced digital world the ability to quickly adjust your approach can make all the difference between success and missed opportunities.

By embracing a strategic, balanced approach to talent acquisition, you can ensure that your team is not only prepared to meet the challenges of today but also positioned for success in the future.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re looking to build a digital product team that’s not just effective but also adaptable and innovative, EOLIS is here to help. With our unique blend of consultancy and staffing expertise, we understand the challenges of modern digital projects and are committed to providing tailored solutions that fit your needs. Whether you need short-term support, long-term integration, or a hybrid approach, we’re ready to partner with you to achieve your goals.

Let’s start the conversation. Reach out to EOLIS today and discover how we can help you build the future-proof team your business needs to thrive.