Speed, Precision, and Empathy for Recruitment Success – Raul Mendoza

“Recruiting is all about relationships. Technology and AI are advancing rapidly, but nothing will replace the authenticity of genuine connections. You can’t hire top talent without building real relationships. It’s the name of the game, and it always will be.” – Raul Mendoza, Founder Rapido Talent

In the second episode of the Humans of Recruiterflow series, meet Raul Mendoza—a guy with a serious crush on the letter “R”. His name starts with “R,” he’s a Rapper at heart, a Recruiter by passion, and the Founder of Rapido Talent let’s not forget, that he’s also a huge fan of Recruiterflow as his go-to recruitment software!

With over 20 years of experience in talent acquisition—split between agency and in-house roles—Raul always dreamed of starting his own company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that dream began to take shape, leading him to fully commit to Rapido Talent, an AI-powered recruitment company, in late 2023.

His vision for Rapido Talent is clear: to build a team where everyone can blend their personal passions with their professional lives, just as he is doing.

As Rapido Talent grew, so did Raul’s commitment to sharing his knowledge and experience. He turned to social media to offer advice and insights to others considering their own entrepreneurial leap. From branding to business operations, Raul’s guidance has helped many navigate the complexities of starting a business in the talent acquisition space.

Raul’s Top 3 KPIs

1. 5-Day candidate submittals

In the agile talent world, Raul has built a reputation for delivering results quickly. Rapido Talent consistently provides high-quality CVs to clients in just 96 hours, setting the company apart and building confidence in the recruitment process.
“I’ve found that if I can submit two to three candidates within 96 hours for any open position, the chances of filling that role significantly increase. Beyond four to five days, the likelihood of success drops by 50%.”

2. Weekly prospect meetings

Raul targets one to two meetings with prospects each week, keeping his business at the forefront of potential clients’ minds and paving the way for future collaborations.

3. Monthly networking events

Attending 1-3 targeted networking events per month allows Raul to meet top talent and new customers, turning these interactions into meaningful connections that drive business growth.

Challenges in the Journey

As a founder and TA leader, Raul faces ongoing challenges in customer acquisition and attracting top talent. Yet his enthusiasm is unwavering: “I’m up for the challenge,” he declares, ready to tackle whatever comes his way.

Defining Success

For Raul, success in recruitment boils down to four core principles: speed, precision, communication, and empathy. “It’s not just about filling roles,” he insists. “It’s about finding the right fit, ensuring that both the candidate and the employer are set up for long-term success.”

What truly sets Raul apart is his personal branding—melding his love for hip-hop with his professional life. 

Known as the “Recruiter Rapper,” Raul uses his passion for music as a creative outlet and a way to connect with clients and candidates on a deeper level. 

His hip-hop persona allows him to communicate his values in a fun, relatable way, making recruitment a more engaging and human experience.

Raul’s dedication to clear and consistent communication is central to his success. 

“Effective communication is key to building trust and delivering results,” Raul explains. 

He employs a rigorous communication cadence that keeps clients well-informed and engaged, with weekly dashboard communications, checkpoint calls, and ongoing updates being non-negotiable.

“We don’t just wait until the next call to submit candidates. “It’s about being responsive and providing continuous value,” he says. Raul’s method goes beyond mere information sharing—it’s about building trust through transparency and frequent updates, creating a true partnership with clients.

Success Tips for Fellow Recruiters and Founders

Leverage Technology Wisely

Raul advises using technology to automate mundane tasks but warns you to be mindful of the tech stack you choose. These platforms should streamline operations, not overwhelm you with complexity.

Build Your Brand

“Get your ideas out there. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok to showcase what differentiates your business. How do you solve problems for your customers? Make sure your unique value proposition is clear.”

Incorporate your personal interests

“By combining your passions with your professional role, you make yourself stand out and connect with people on a personal level.”

Be Authentic

“It’s not just about the brand but about being genuine. People appreciate seeing the real you, and it helps build stronger relationships.” Raul emphasizes that success in recruitment is not just about filling roles but about creating meaningful connections and fostering a positive environment.

Conclusion

Raul’s story is a powerful reminder that success in recruitment is about more than just numbers or placements. It’s about passion, creativity, and staying true to oneself. Raul Mendoza is building a legacy, one that will inspire others to think differently and embrace their uniqueness in the world of recruitment.