Strategic Talent Acquisition: The Key to Successful Expansion in Latam

Written by Ongresso - Business Beyond Borders | December 30, 2026

For any international company, establishing a presence in Latin America is not merely a logistical challenge; it is a decision that depends largely on the quality of the local team. A common mistake when entering new markets is viewing hiring as a simple administrative task, when in reality, it is the primary factor that determines whether an operation will be profitable or become a source of unforeseen costs.

The region offers a highly attractive talent landscape due to its technical quality and time-zone alignment, but navigating it requires an expert perspective. According to the ManpowerGroup Talent Shortage study, approximately 71% of employers in Latin America report difficulty finding the right talent, one of the highest figures globally. This skill gap, combined with the volatility of local regulatory frameworks, means that the risk of a failed hire is not just a possibility, but a statistical probability for those unfamiliar with the terrain. As highlighted by Oxford Economics, human talent is currently the main competitive differentiator in global expansion processes. In emerging markets, precise selection is the difference between a scalable operation and an unsustainable administrative burden.

Common Pitfalls in International Talent Selection

Before building a successful team, many companies go through costly learning curves. Identifying these errors early is the first step in protecting your investment:

Replicating Foreign Models Without Local Adjustment: Attempting to apply the same hiring criteria from Europe or the U.S. in Latin America often leads to misaligned salary expectations and flawed competency assessments.
Underestimating Legal Complexity: Failing to conduct a prior analysis of labor benefits and obligations in each specific country can lead to fines or lawsuits that far exceed the initial budget.
Superficial Interview Processes: Focusing solely on technical resumes without evaluating cultural fit or the ability to work with global remote teams.
Lack of Post-Hire Follow-Up: Believing that the process ends once the candidate accepts the offer. Without proper support during the first few months, the risk of turnover increases drastically.

The Real Financial Impact of Inadequate Selection

Hiring in an unknown region without a proven methodology carries tangible financial risks. According to data from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the total cost of a bad hire can range from 50% to 250% of the position's annual salary, depending on the level of responsibility.

When the process fails, the consequences are direct:

Low Initial Performance: Without clear alignment, a new employee takes significantly longer to reach expected productivity levels.
Hidden Costs: These include management hours lost in failed interviews and the negative impact on the workflow of current teams.
High Turnover: Gallup studies indicate that a lack of cultural integration is one of the main reasons talent leaves foreign companies during their first year.

The Ongresso Methodology: 20 Years of Expertise in Simplifying Your Growth

At Ongresso, with over 20 years of experience in the Latin American market, we understand that the stability of your expansion depends on rigorous selection. As your strategic expansion partner, we apply a seven-step methodology designed to eliminate uncertainty:

Conclusion: A Proven Process for Secure Expansion

Hiring talent in Latin America requires more than just a database of resumes; it requires a partner who understands the laws, the culture, and the local dynamics. By leveraging Ongresso's expertise, you can stop worrying about hiring risks and focus on what truly matters: growing your business.

Are you ready to find the ideal talent for your project in Latin America?Contact us to schedule a strategic consultation with Ongresso's experts and ensure the success of your expansion.

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