When I bring up modular RPO in conversations with TA leaders, I usually get one of two responses: a polite nod that says, "I think I've heard of that" or a curious look that says, "Okay, but what does that actually mean?"

So let's talk about it.

Traditional RPO often gets thought of as "all or nothing." You outsource your entire recruiting process, hand it over, and hope it works. That can feel overwhelming, and honestly, for many organizations, unnecessary.

Modular RPO flips that idea on its head. Instead of outsourcing everything, you choose the pieces you actually need help with. Think of it like building blocks. You might want support with sourcing. Or candidate screening. Or scheduling interviews. Or maybe you just need someone to manage spikes during seasonal hiring. You can pick and choose the modules that make sense for your business and keep the rest in-house.

Here's why that matters:

• Cost-effectiveness. You are only paying for what you need, and in most cases, modular RPO saves 40 to 60 percent compared to internal recruiting costs.
• Flexibility. Your hiring needs change. Sometimes you are in a high-growth phase, sometimes things are slower. With modular RPO, you can scale up or down without being locked into an all-or-nothing model.
• Speed. Because you are not reinventing your entire process, you can implement quickly. Start with one module, see results, and build from there.
• Partnership. You are not handing over control. You are inviting a partner to fill specific gaps and strengthen your existing team.

I like to think of modular RPO as "your bench." It is there when you need to flex, when demand surges, or when your internal team just does not have the bandwidth. And because the partnership can start small, with just a few reqs, a sourcing project, or one part of the funnel, it is low-risk. You can test it, see the value, and expand as it makes sense.

The organizations that do this well are the ones that are prepared when the unexpected happens. An acquisition. A new product launch. A hiring surge that comes out of nowhere. Instead of scrambling, they already have the bench strength in place.

So the next time you hear "RPO" and picture a giant, all-or-nothing outsourcing project, remember: modular RPO is different. It is flexible, scalable, and designed to meet you where you are.

And in a world where talent strategies have to change on a dime, that kind of adaptability is not just nice to have, it is essential.

PSG is the largest Modular RPO provider, with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations adapt their recruiting models. If you would like to learn more about how modular RPO could fit your organization, let's connect.

I can be reached at akroe@psgglobal.com