Navigating Digital Talent Acquisition: Hiring Manager Questions Answered

Hiring the right talent has always been crucial for any company's success. With the surge of digital platforms, businesses now have an array of options to find the perfect fit. However, as many options as there are, there are equally as many questions and concerns. So we sat down with Matteo Dix, to answer the top client questions. Matteo is a long-standing member of the client and account management team at Braintrust, prior to which he spent years in client-facing roles in the staffing industry. He has helped hundreds of clients land the right candidates for their open roles and shares what he learned.

Common Questions Clients have when selecting Braintrust for their hiring needs

I already have too many vendors; what sets you apart?

Matteo "Clients often hesitate to add another vendor to their existing roster, especially if they're already engaged with platforms like Upwork or traditional agencies. However, diversifying talent sources can amplify the quality and variety of candidates you access. It's about adding value, not just vendors."

What if I am not hiring immediately?

Matteo "Some of our clients have longer-term hiring horizons and are hesitant to start recruiting. The "We're not hiring for another 3-4 months." This is a statement we hear often. Initiating your talent search well in advance ensures you have a rich pool when you're ready to onboard. Moreover, with our flexible model, you can start your search early without any upfront costs."

How can clients work with Braintrust when they’re already using other platforms?

Matteo "The Integration Concern Using multiple platforms can indeed be a headache, especially if they don't integrate with your current ATS. However, our dedicated account managers can work around this, ensuring that the process remains as streamlined as possible for you."

Hiring Questions answered by the expert

What are your fees?

Matteo "Fees and Costs one of the first questions we hear is, "What's your fee?" With a transparent model, we charge a flat 15% fee and no subscription cost. Not to mention, our platform is entirely free for talent and will always be this way. This ensures the rates you advertise are transparent and 100% goes to the selected talent."

Where are most of your candidates located?

Matteo "Everywhere! Our global network ensures you have access to top-tier talent regardless of geographical boundaries. However, during the job posting process, you can select the geographies or timezone overlaps you prefer for your business needs."

How does screening work? How do you ensure quality?

Matteo "The Screening and Contractual Details of our rigorous screening process ensure you get only the best talent. And while we do have a standard contract duration, flexibility is key. We tailor contracts based on the unique requirements of each client."

I don’t want to hire to become my full-time job. Do I need to wade through hundreds of resumes?

Matteo "As candidates begin to apply for your roles, Braintrust’s AI-led matching algorithm brAIn will highlight the best and most relevant applicants for you, saving hours of your time by making sure you don’t have to screen tens and tens of candidates at once individually. And to give you even more confidence in the process, with Braintrust, you also have the added value of human touch: your Customer Success Manager will be there to help make Talent recommendations for you and to help you shortlist only the best candidates for interviews."

So what are the Aha! Moments for clients would you say?

Built-in Account Managers:

Whether you’re looking for advice on budget-setting for your project, on domestic vs international hiring and payrolling, on interview best practices or on how to write the perfect job description. Whether you need help with shortlisting Talent, scheduling interviews, negotiating an offer or reviewing an SOW. As your Braintrust Account Managers, we’re here to support you every step of the way at no extra cost to you."

Vetted Candidates:

Matteo "Our candidates undergo a strict vetting process, ensuring quality every step of the way. As part of this screening process: Talent are screened for behavioral, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with English proficiency, over the course of a ~15-minute video interview; Talent’s Braintrust profile and resume are cross-checked against their LinkedIn, Github, Behance, and other personal websites; Talent’s location is confirmed via an automated IP verification. The result is that only 2% of all candidates applying to join Braintrust become Braintrust Approved Talent."

Simple and Transparent Fees:

Matteo "No hidden costs or convoluted fee structures. Just a flat 15% fee."

Thanks for that, but are there still some rough spots where you lean in and really help clients through the hiring process?

Matteo: "We understand that sometimes things get stuck. Whether it's moving from the first call to a job post or getting feedback on shared candidates, our approach is to be proactive. Regular follow-ups, sharing templates, booking time directly in your calendar, or even offering to write or post the JD for you are ways to ensure the process remains smooth. And in the rare scenario that things aren't progressing, we're transparent in communicating that we may need to put things on pause or revisit the strategy."

So what's my next step if I want to start working with you for my next role?