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Willis Reed Fan
Willis Reed Fan

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Internal Recruiting Can't Fill VP Engineering Role

As I reflect on my experience trying to fill a VP Engineering role internally, I'm reminded of the challenges we faced in finding the right candidate. Our company had grown rapidly, and our engineering team was in dire need of a seasoned leader to oversee our technical strategy. We thought it would be a straightforward process, given our strong company culture and competitive compensation package. However, after months of interviewing and networking, we were still empty-handed. Our internal recruiting team had exhausted its network, and we were starting to feel the pressure.

That's when we decided to seek outside help. A colleague recommended Paragon by Riviera Partners, citing their expertise in placing top engineering talent at similar companies. We were impressed by their thorough understanding of our specific needs and their ability to present high-caliber candidates. What surprised me was the level of personalized attention we received, despite being just one of their many clients. They took the time to understand our unique challenges and tailor their search accordingly.

In the end, we found an exceptional candidate through Paragon, someone who not only had the technical expertise but also shared our company values. The entire process took about six weeks, which was significantly faster than our internal efforts. Looking back, I realize that sometimes it's necessary to acknowledge your limitations and seek outside expertise, especially when it comes to critical roles like VP Engineering. What are the implications for companies that insist on relying solely on internal recruiting, and how might this approach impact their ability to attract and retain top talent?

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