How do you see the Talent Acquisition / Recruiting profession changing in the next few years?

As the landscape of work continues to evolve, the talent acquisition (TA) and recruiting profession is likely to undergo significant transformations over the next few years due to technological advancements, shifting workforce dynamics, and evolving business needs. A few key trends I expect may be: 

1. Increased Use of AI and Automation

AI will play a larger role in sourcing candidates, screening resumes, and even conducting preliminary interviews. Tools like AI chatbots, automated scheduling systems, and candidate matching algorithms will reduce administrative tasks for recruiters, allowing them to focus on high-impact activities. 

2. Emphasis on Employer Branding

As competition for top talent continues to grow, employer branding will become even more critical. Companies will need to build strong, authentic brands to attract and retain talent, focusing on their culture, values, diversity, and sustainability efforts. Candidates today, especially younger generations, are looking for employers whose values align with their own. They are more likely to be attracted to companies that not only talk about purpose but demonstrate it too through social responsibility and giving back. 

3. Remote and Hybrid Workforce Models

Recent studies suggest that remote and hybrid work models are contributing to greater employee engagement and productivity. Offering remote or hybrid work gives companies access to a greater talent pool, attracting highly skilled individuals who may not be able or willing to relocate, this also enhances diversity and reduces turnover.  

4. TA as a Strategic Partner

TA professionals are increasingly being recognized as true business partners within their organizations. This elevation from a support function to a strategic partner reflects a broader understanding that people are a company’s most valuable asset and is essential to helping their company achieve innovation and long-term success.

5. Skills-Based Hiring Over Traditional Credentials

Many companies are moving away from traditional degree requirements and focusing on hiring based on skills and competencies. This trend will continue to grow as companies prioritize practical abilities over formal qualifications. With the rapid pace of technological change, recruiters will also be looking for candidates who are adaptable and willing to learn, often placing more emphasis on potential rather than just past experience. 

6. Enhanced Candidate Experience

The candidate experience will remain a competitive differentiator. Companies will need to simplify their application processes, provide transparent communication, and deliver feedback in a timely manner to maintain a positive impression. 

7. Focus on Employee Retention and Internal Mobility

Retaining employees will be just as critical as hiring them, particularly in competitive industries. TA teams will increasingly work with HR to foster internal mobility, helping current employees upskill and transition into new roles within the company.

How can a good senior recruiter build meaningful relationships with candidates in an increasingly transactional function? 

Building meaningful relationships with candidates in an increasingly transactional business environment can be challenging, but it is also a critical differentiator for a good senior recruiter. In a world where speed and efficiency are prioritized, creating deeper connections with candidates not only enhances the recruitment process but also builds trust, strengthens employer branding, and improves long-term talent retention. Here’s how a senior recruiter can stand out by fostering genuine relationships:

Focus on Personalization – Avoid generic templates, tailor your messages based on your desire to get to know them as individuals and never assume you know what they want.

Active Listening and Empathy – Build trust through understanding, genuine interest and demonstrate your value their wellbeing to make the match work for everyone – not just the company.

Transparency and Honesty – Set clear expectations, do what you say you are going to do and pick up the phone! Candidates who have gone through one or more interviews deserve a phone call with feedback and disposition. Don’t do this in an email.

Maintain Long-Term Relationships – Stay in touch even when there are no immediate opportunities. There will be one day.

Follow-Up and Check-Ins – Your job is not finished after a candidate is placed. Continue to check in to see how they are doing. Your follow up shows you care about their long-term success and creates a feedback loop where you can learn more about their experiences to inform on the company culture to the rest of the HR team, and in how you inform future placements.

What is your advice to candidates in terms of how to stand out or differentiators that you look for in a resume and on a video call?

To stand out as a candidate, it’s important to showcase a combination of skills, accomplishments, personality, and professionalism that resonates both on a resume and during a video call. 

Recruiters scan resumes quickly. This list will help yours stand out:

  • Tailor your resume to the job. Matching attributes the employer is seeking demonstrates effort and a clear understanding of the role.
  • Use results driven accomplishments not a list of responsibilities. I don’t ever want to see a resume that looks like it was copied from a job description.
  • Clear and concise formatting will make your resume easy to read. Use bullet points, clear section headers and don’t make it overly complicated.
  • A key skills section that lists relevant technical and soft skills will make it easier for the recruiter to immediately see that you meet the necessary qualifications.
  • Offer problem solving examples, leadership or collaboration, adaptability and don’t forget those soft skills. 

Making an Impression on a Video Call:

Professionalism and preparation are key. Take this interview as seriously as you would an in-person interview – dress appropriately, ensure a clean and well-lit background and be punctual. You want to leave a strong impression. Test your technology ahead of time, ensure good lighting, clear audio, and a stable internet connection.

Big differentiators will come in many forms:

  • Ensure your background is clean and clear of clutter. If you can find a simple visual background within Zoom or Teams that won’t take away from you – all the better. The last thing the interviewer wants to see is your unmade bed, or your beer bottle collection. Choose a spot that looks professional and won’t give the interviewer an intimate look into your home life.
  • Communicate clearly and confidently, providing concise but thorough answers. Do not read from your resume. You know your background and your accomplishments.
  • Body language still matters online. Sit up straight, maintain good eye contact by looking into the camera and avoid distractions. Turn your phone off and put the dog or cat in another room.
  • Showing genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company will set you apart from other candidates. Demonstrate you’ve researched the company and have a clear understanding of the role. And never read things from the company website back to the interviewer. They can tell what you are doing and it’s not a good look.
  • Candidates who can tell stories to back up their skills and experiences also tend to stand out. Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Results to give real examples of your success.
  • Be Authentic and show self-awareness by being genuine about your experiences, strengths, and areas of development. Showing you are open about the way you have developed will give insight into your maturity and willingness to learn.
  • Follow up with a purpose. Send a thoughtful thank you note email to everyone you meet. Expressing gratitude and enthusiasm about the role goes a long way and will keep you top of mind.