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Whitepaper ‘Smarter Recruiting’ – How to Find the Right Candidate in 2026

Whitepaper ‘Slimmer Werven’ – Zo vind je wél de juiste kandidaat in 2026

The tightness of the labor market continues. Many organizations keep searching for the ideal plug-and-play candidate with the exact sector experience, the right procurement level, and a seamless match to the CV. In practice, that is rarely realistic in 2026.

Why would a strong professional make a lateral move without growth, challenge, or development opportunities? The talent pool is shrinking while competition increases. As a result, recruitment processes take longer and hidden costs rise quickly.

At Xentys, we see every day that there is a better way: smarter recruiting. Not refining the perfect profile even further, but looking broader at potential, attitude, and room for growth.

Assessing hard skills, uncovering soft skills

The whitepaper shows that hard skills can be evaluated well on paper, while the real differentiators — motivation, learning ability, collaboration, initiative — only become visible in a good conversation.

Anyone who wants to recruit smarter looks beyond the CV and examines what someone truly brings to the table.

Our new whitepaper helps you do exactly that.

Free WHITEPAPER

‘Smarter Recruiting’ – How to Find the Right Candidate in 2026

Whitepaper ‘Smarter Recruiting’ EN

Selecting with precision: practical tools

How do you conduct interviews that provide more insight than standard questions?

The whitepaper offers concrete tools that we also apply in our own selection processes:

  • Putting candidates at ease to encourage honest and complete answers

  • Testing problem-solving skills with practical cases

  • Structuring interviews so the candidate speaks most of the time

  • Using historical examples instead of hypothetical scenarios

  • Better assessing cultural fit without relying on assumptions

This approach delivers more depth and prevents decisions based solely on appearance or presentation.

The 70/30 rule: a strong foundation for sustainable matches

The whitepaper explains how organizations can best balance skills and attitude. Our experience aligns with the data:

Hire 70 percent based on DNA and attitude, 30 percent based on skills and knowledge.

Skills can be taught. Energy, motivation, and growth potential far less so. That is exactly what distinguishes a candidate who continues to grow from one who will eventually stall.

From impression to insight

Smarter recruiting requires a sharp focus on what truly matters. Not searching for the perfect match on paper, but for the person who fits the role, the culture, and the organization’s ambitions.

Ready to find the right match?

Whether you're hiring or looking to make a move yourself, we respond within one working day.

We treat every enquiry with discretion. Your details are shared only with the relevant recruiter.

WRITTEN BY
Tim Van Pel

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