Introduction: Starting the New Year Off Right
For fast-growing companies like Hootsuite, the start of a new year brings both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring the right people are in the right roles is crucial to executing growth plans, but the hiring process can be time-consuming and overwhelming—especially for specialized roles.
This was exactly the situation Billy Jones, VP of Brand Experience and Design, faced as 2024 came to a close. “We were heading into the new year with big plans, but we needed butts in seats to get things rolling,” Billy explained. “I just need good talent, and I need it fast.”
Specifically, he needed to make a key hire—a Senior User Researcher—to kick off a critical project in January. With tight deadlines looming, and knowing traditional recruiting processes take 3+ months, Hootsuite turned to Braintrust for help.
The Challenge: Finding Quality Talent Quickly
Hootsuite has long been a magnet for creative talent, thanks to its strong brand reputation. But with popularity comes challenges. Job postings attract high volumes of applicants, making it difficult to sift through the noise to find the right fit. “You find yourself sifting through so much garbage, you become mentally exhausted so you miss the good ones. By the end I am like a zombie clicking through.”
The Braintrust Solution: Speed and Quality Combined
Unlike traditional recruiting agencies, Braintrust’s talent marketplace model focuses on delivering pre-vetted, top-tier candidates quickly and efficiently. Within days of posting the Senior User Researcher role, Hootsuite was presented with a shortlist of highly qualified candidates.
“I didn’t have time to do this myself. I handed it over, and Braintrust drove the process” said Billy.
The result? Hootsuite went from job posting to offer accepted in just 18 business days.
“We would have been dead in the water without that hire. It would have delayed everything,” Billy said. “With Braintrust, we had candidates within days, and they were all great. It wasn’t a matter of sifting through garbage; it was picking the best from the best.”
Braintrust’s ability to act quickly ensured that Hootsuite’s critical project was able to kick off on schedule, setting the company up for success in 2025.
Why Braintrust Stood Out
While Hootsuite typically relies on internal recruiters for most roles, Billy saw Braintrust as a strategic partner for this particular search. Traditional agencies weren’t an option due to their slow processes and high costs. In contrast, Braintrust provided:
- Speed: Candidates were presented in days, not weeks.
- Quality: Every candidate was highly qualified and relevant to the role.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Braintrust offered better value than traditional recruiting firms.
Braintrust’s model also made the process more enjoyable for Billy and his team.
“Hiring in my past has been chaotic. This was a completely different experience. With Braintrust, it was easy. Braintrust pushed us forward in a good way. It was exactly what we needed.”
Results: Setting Hootsuite Up for Success in 2025
With Braintrust’s help, Hootsuite filled their Senior User Researcher role in just 18 business days, avoiding what could have been a significant delay in their plans. Billy summed it up best: “with Braintrust, we’re starting 2025 strong. It’s the single greatest experience I’ve had working with talent.”
Conclusion: Why Braintrust is Hootsuite’s Trusted Hiring Partner
Hootsuite’s partnership with Braintrust demonstrates how a modern talent marketplace can help fast-growing companies secure top talent quickly and cost-effectively. By filling a critical role in record time, Braintrust helped Hootsuite avoid delays, stay on schedule, and set themselves up for success in 2025.
For companies looking to scale their teams efficiently, the Hootsuite case study is a clear testament to the value Braintrust provides.
Ready to start your year strong? Contact Braintrust today to see how we can help you achieve your hiring goals.