Gail McManus on building and keeping top talent in private credit
"In the end, good recruitment fosters good retention – and vice versa."
Gail McManus, Founder Director
The interplay of recruitment and retention in private credit
While hiring remains a key priority for search consultants, retention is just as crucial in today’s competitive market. Gail emphasises that successful recruitment is only part of the story—keeping talent requires just as much focus, especially in times of market slowdown when ambitious employees may look for new challenges. Aligning recruitment with retention efforts is essential to build a resilient, engaged team.
Recruiting in private credit, especially for first-time hires, demands a proactive approach as firms vie with private equity for top talent. Gail highlights that this competition grows even tougher when diversity is a hiring priority. To stay ahead, firms should consider creative strategies to reach untapped talent pools and broaden their search criteria, helping to build stronger, more diverse teams.
Recruiting in private credit, especially for first-time hires, demands a proactive approach as firms vie with private equity for top talent. Gail highlights that this competition grows even tougher when diversity is a hiring priority. To stay ahead, firms should consider creative strategies to reach untapped talent pools and broaden their search criteria, helping to build stronger, more diverse teams.
A successful recruitment strategy starts with defining what’s most appealing about the role and the company. Gail emphasises the value of educating candidates on specialised areas like direct lending and distressed debt, while also showcasing the autonomy and impact that small teams offer.
Insights from recruitment should directly shape retention strategies. Clear communication about career paths, compensation, and the company’s future can make all the difference in retaining talent. In the end, recruitment and retention are interconnected and reinforce each other in building a lasting team.
Insights from recruitment should directly shape retention strategies. Clear communication about career paths, compensation, and the company’s future can make all the difference in retaining talent. In the end, recruitment and retention are interconnected and reinforce each other in building a lasting team.
Read the full PDI interview here
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