Expand Your HiringReach BeyondInternal Referrals

Finding top talent is easy—getting them to engage is the real challenge.

We connect companies with industry-specific connectors and experienced professionals with deep networks who bring pre-vetted candidates directly to you.

Different Ways Companies Hire Talent

Internal referrals work—but they only go so far. When companies run out of internal leads, they turn to job postings, internal recruiters, or expensive recruiting firms. Walnut Exchange is the smart middle ground—delivering pre-vetted, interview-ready candidates efficiently through trusted referrals, reducing time-to-hire and hiring costs.

Walnut Exchange

A network-driven hiring model where industry professionals refer pre-vetted, interview-ready candidates.

High-quality candidatesTrusted connections

$10,000 - $15,000per hire for most roles

Job Boards

Employers post openings on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Open to all candidates.

Time consuming and low quality.

$100 - $500 per posting

Internal Referrals

Companies encourage employees to refer qualified candidates from their networks.

Limited network reach.

$1,000 - $5,000Typical referral bonus

Internal Recruiters

In-house recruiters handle sourcing, screening, and hiring as part of the company's HR function.

Often overwhelmed with limited time for active sourcing.

$100,000 - $160,000Annual salary + tools

Contract Recruiters

Companies hire external recruiters or Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) teams to work as embedded talent partners.

Quality varies

$10,000 - $30,000per month or retainer + % of salary per hire

Recruiting Agencies

External staffing firms source and introduce candidates.

High cost

17% - 20%of annual salary($20,000 - $40,000 per hire)

Hiring Method	Description	Cost
Walnut Exchange	A network-driven hiring model where industry professionals refer pre-vetted, interview-ready candidates. High-quality candidatesTrusted connections	$10,000 - $15,000per hire for most roles
Job Boards	Employers post openings on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Open to all candidates.Time consuming and low quality.	$100 - $500 per posting
Internal Referrals	Companies encourage employees to refer qualified candidates from their networks.Limited network reach.	$1,000 - $5,000Typical referral bonus
Internal Recruiters	In-house recruiters handle sourcing, screening, and hiring as part of the company's HR function.Often overwhelmed with limited time for active sourcing.	$100,000 - $160,000Annual salary + tools
Contract Recruiters	Companies hire external recruiters or Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) teams to work as embedded talent partners.Quality varies	$10,000 - $30,000per month or retainer + % of salary per hire
Recruiting Agencies	External staffing firms source and introduce candidates.High cost	17% - 20%of annual salary($20,000 - $40,000 per hire)

Hire on Walnut Exchange

Post Your Hard-to-Fill Positions

No upfront cost to get started.

Let Industry-Specific Connectors Introduce Candidates

Trusted professionals with deep networks refer top talent.

Receive Interview-Ready, Pre-Vetted Talent

Get highly qualified candidates ready for your hiring process.

For Talent Connectors

Apply to Become a Talent Connector

We are very selective about who can join the platform to ensure the quality of referrals.

Start Making Referrals

We've streamlined the process to save you time. As a referrer, you also have the option to submit candidate referrals anonymously, ensuring privacy and discretion.

Track & Get Paid

Monitor your referral's interview progress within the platform and earn between $5,000-$10,000 per successful hire.

Our Platform

Walnut Exchange is a private, peer-to-peer talent referral platform connecting top companies with pre-vetted candidates

Employers

Access to an exclusive ecosystem of trusted professionals to streamline talent referrals

Connectors

Earn top rewards for your valuable introductions

Cost saving

Employers discover pre-qualified candidates and save an average of 50% on hiring costs compared to traditional agencies

Human Element

AI sourcing tools can automate tasks, Walnut Exchange emphasizes the power of warm introductions and personal connections

Win-Win-Win

Employers find top talent at a lower cost, referrers earn rewards, and candidates discover better opportunities through trusted connections