AI-powered hiring helps SoftwareOne scale quickly

SoftwareOne, an AI-powered software and cloud solutions provider, needed to rapidly expand its digital sales team in Nashville, Tennessee within an ambitious 30-day timeline.

Challenges

Let’s talk specifics: Over 30 digital sales representatives had to be hired within 30 days. And it had to be done without using external job advertising, all while maintaining a steady pipeline of qualified candidates.

This wasn't just about filling positions. It was about finding the right talent quickly without compromising quality. Adding to the complexity, SoftwareOne still needed to define role requirements for these on-site positions — all without having an established office in Nashville.

SoftwareOne needed a strategic partner capable of achieving results under pressure that could:

Deliver qualified, interested, available and applied (QIAA) candidates weekly
Execute the entire hiring initiative exclusively in Nashville
Meet ambitious timeline demands while maintaining high-quality standards

With the clock ticking, SoftwareOne partnered with Cielo to turn its hiring challenge into a success story.

Solution

Cielo quickly deployed a solution: five specialized sourcers and one resource on demand specialist, equipped with AI-powered tools. Within two weeks of signing, this human-technology partnership was fully operational, creating a recruitment engine that combined strategic expertise with cutting-edge automation.

AI-powered hiring + human expertise

SoftwareOne and Cielo collaborated closely to define specific requirements for the roles based on the market and talent availability. The team also developed compelling messaging to build trust in SoftwareOne's investment in Nashville and the new sales representatives, positioning them as an attractive employer in the city.

The solution leveraged advanced technology across multiple fronts:

AI-powered profile enrichment that automatically completed missing contact information, saving countless hours of manual research
Automated engagement messaging that maintained consistent candidate communication throughout the process
Streamlined candidate tracking, ensuring no potential hire fell through the cracks

Competitive compensation is crucial for attracting top talent, so SoftwareOne collaborated closely with Cielo to optimize the total compensation package based on market insights. To further accelerate the process, the team organized a strategic two-day interview event that brought efficiency and momentum to the selection process.

Together, SoftwareOne and Cielo leveraged the power of AI and delivered truly exceptional results, with 33 positions filled in just 30 days — demonstrating the power of this collaborative approach.
Simon Bishop, Global Head of Talent Acquisition SoftwareOne

Results

The campaign's engagement metrics tell a compelling story of efficiency and effectiveness:

1,094 candidates contacted through targeted outreach
35% engagement rate achieved with automated messaging
44% conversion rate from QIAA to hiring manager interview

Benefits extended beyond just meeting the primary objectives. The initiative also identified promising candidates for roles outside the original scope, creating additional value for SoftwareOne. And best of all? The process established a robust pipeline of candidates, providing security and flexibility for future hiring needs.

A SoftwareOne Sales Vice President, said: "The team did a fantastic job helping us in this project, I was super happy leaving Nashville with a feeling it was 'mission accomplished' for our time together!"

This collaboration demonstrates how the right partnership, powered by innovative technology and strategic thinking, can transform even the most challenging hiring initiatives into resounding successes.

About the client

SoftwareOne

SoftwareOne is a global software and cloud solutions provider. With a presence in over 70 countries and a team of around 13,000 professionals, we combine global scale and local expertise to help clients optimize costs, accelerate growth, and navigate complex IT environments with confidence. Leveraging deep capabilities in cloud, software, and data and AI, the company empowers organizations to modernize, innovate, and unlock the full value of their technology investments.

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