This Week In Talent (23rd August)

Well, here we are—my final week as the Twit Editor.

As I’ve been preparing for our upcoming executive team strategy meeting, the focus is all about the future. We’re taking a big leap forward, looking 5-8 years ahead to imagine what innovation could mean for Abano in the medium to long term. What can we do differently now, and specifically for me, how does this shape the future of Talent?

This got me thinking about a pivotal moment in my career that fuelled my passion for being a voice for Talent. I’ll never forget the day a CEO bluntly told me, “TA is a waste of resources; all TA does is cost companies money.” That sparked a fiery debate, but it was also an experience that left me feeling seriously undervalued.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated story. Just last weekend, a peer shared a similar tale. It’s disheartening to hear that organisations still don’t fully appreciate the impact our profession can make. Don’t get me wrong—I understand the need for cuts, savings, and redundancies in tough times. But what gets me is how often TA teams are scrutinised for their costs while their transformative potential goes unnoticed.

In challenging market conditions, investing in TA teams is more crucial than ever. It might seem counterintuitive, but downturns can be the perfect time to attract those elusive, hard-to-find talents, giving any organisation a competitive edge when the market rebounds. I have immense respect for any organisation that sees a downturn as an opportunity to invest in the future and secure high-demand talent—that’s thinking big and practical.

Talent Acquisition is a vital part of aligning with and advancing business strategies and goals. I’m especially grateful to work for an amazing leader and PE sponsors who truly understand the value of talent in driving business success.

This week was all about the future—Thinking Big and Practical and a truckload of questions I’ve been trying to answer:

  • What’s the future of Talent?
  • How do we maximise organic value through strategic alignment, efficiencies, and data-driven decisions?
  • How do we cultivate innovation for long-term growth by embracing tech advancements?
  • What roles could be found in a future talent team?
  • Can we have a more flexible, project-based team structure that can quickly pivot in response to changing business needs?

I went down the rabbit hole thinking about and researching new tech. We’re hearing more about AI-powered recruitment platforms. What about Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality? Imagine a VR tour of the office for non-local candidates or, in my world, the ability to simulate a tooth extraction role-play scenario using VR to assess a clinician’s skills. Then Blockchain for recruitment could ensure more transparent background checking during the hiring process.

While I didn’t appreciate it at the time, I now thank that CEO for teaching me the importance of ROI in talent acquisition. A well-executed recruitment strategy doesn’t just incur costs—it drives significant value by attracting top talent that enhances productivity, innovation, and long-term business growth.

I hope to see you in a few weeks at ATC2024.

Here’s what caught my attention this week: 


Using Augmented and Virtual Reality in Recruitment Marketing 

As talent acquisition evolves, the roles of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are becoming increasingly significant. These technologies are transforming recruitment by offering immersive, interactive experiences that go beyond traditional methods. While they bring innovation and engagement to the hiring process, the integration of VR and AR can come with challenges.

6 Key Talent Acquisition Trends In 2024

Several employers are shaking up talent acquisition to drive strategic growth by implementing innovative strategies and leveraging technology, here are some of the key trends from 2024.

Blockchain in Recruitment: The Future of the Hiring Process 

Blockchain technology is revolutionising recruitment by providing a secure and transparent way to verify candidate credentials through decentralised resumes and Digital Work Passports. This ensures authenticity, reduces fraud, and streamlines the hiring process, making it more efficient and trustworthy for employers and job seekers alike.

15 Recruitment Trends That Are Shaping 2024

Keeping up with the latest recruitment trends isn’t always easy. But to succeed in the highly competitive recruitment world, it’s vital to stay ahead of them. In this blog, we have gathered all the information you need on the latest recruitment trends that are shaping 2024.

The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent eBook

A must-read for any leader looking to build elite teams and win on talent. Talent is the foundation of every success story from Silicon Valley to Wall Street, and to Main Street. It’s the hidden asset that never shows up on the balance sheet, despite being the driver for a company’s true value.

AI talent matchmaker: Powering up internal mobility

AI-driven talent marketplaces are revolutionising internal mobility, moving beyond traditional job searches and random career shifts. These platforms use AI to match employees with opportunities that align with their skills and career goals, streamlining internal transitions and fostering career growth within organisations.

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