Case Study: Talbots achieves rapid reference turnaround and stronger brand-aligned hires with SkillSurvey

How Talbots has woven its values into the way it hires

Talbots, a specialty women's apparel retailer with 500+ stores and a global e-commerce presence, faced a hiring challenge: applicants are often customers, so Talbots needed a recruitment experience that felt respectful, empowering and identified candidates who would embody the brand’s values. The talent acquisition team wanted candidates to feel ownership of the process while helping hiring managers find people whose style, confidence and commitment would represent the company.

Talbots implemented SkillSurvey Reference and the Pre‑Hire 360 workflow, letting candidates invite their references to complete role-specific surveys. The approach produced fast, actionable insight—reference responses typically arrive in under one day and full reports in less than two business days—an 85% response rate, and passive sourcing as 1 in 5 references opt into future opportunities. The data reduced costly mis-hires and strengthened Talent Acquisition’s role as a strategic partner.

Talbots

Susan Collins

Senior Manger Talent Acquisition