Case Study: Centrica achieves best-in-class InMail response rates and targeted passive hires with LinkedIn Talent Solutions

Centrica - Customer Case Study

Centrica, a UK-headquartered energy company, faced the challenge of recruiting high-quality passive talent who were often happy in roles outside the energy sector. James Dowling, Executive Search Manager & Head of Research, needed to attract candidates from fast-paced industries like retail banking and telecoms who wouldn’t normally consider Energy, while avoiding scattergun outreach that yields low engagement.

Dowling’s solution was a highly targeted, research-driven approach: deep upfront profiling of a small set of candidates, tailored messaging that opens a career conversation and creates a relevant incentive, and close, consultative engagement with hiring managers using LinkedIn market mapping. The result was much higher InMail response rates and stronger candidate pipelines (fewer contacts but far more promising replies), successful senior hires (including an Underwriting Director) and increased internal confidence to recruit without outside headhunters.

Centrica

James Dowling

Executive Search Manager & Head of Research