This Week in Talent (15th September)

 Asking professional development questions first up in the interview – it sets the tone and ticks that box.

Sometimes, hiring individuals with a lot of industry knowledge is a risk as they might be so used to their way of working that they become blind to fundamental changes within the industry. On the other hand, someone with less experience may be more open and adaptable to change.

I’ve recently written an article (read it here!) where I explored and discussed about a type of candidate we’re starting to see more of – Career Changers.

Following that article, I thought it’d be apt in this TWIT to focus on the soft skills that will attract a Career Changer to your role –

• Analytical skills
• Initiative
• Priority management
• communication skills
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Organisational skills
• Problem solving

Whilst all these skills are important in a candidate, they don’t necessarily apply to one specific sector. In fact, these skills are important across all industries, and, by widening the net into other industries ‘waters’, going with a Career Changer for the job offer will offer a fresh perspective and new ideas to the business.

A few articles below are good go-to’s to wrap your head around this – we all know this topic is out there – but it is my recommendation that we learn more to shape our craft around it – I know I will look at advertisements I am assembling and ramping up soft skills, I will also be reviewing my go-to interview questions and my presenting of candidates to my hiring managers will include more Career Changers.

• Making a Career Change. Career Advice for a Post-Pandemic Workplace

• How did employment change during the COVID-19 pandemic? Evidence from a new BLS survey supplement

• New job? This is what people are looking for from their next career move

• Why Millions Of Employees Plan To Switch Jobs Post-Pandemic

Speaking of being on the hunt for new roles – HR tech firm Cappfinity wants to better understand the most important behaviours and skills that talent leaders are looking for in 2022 along with predictions for how these might evolve. If you could take some time (as you finish up that cup of coffee!) to complete this survey, it would be beneficial for all of us in the community to look at in the near future.

On a separate note, Jo can’t stop talking about how much fun she had at the ITAs last week. Massive congratulations to all of the winners – from what I heard it was a sensational night for everyone involved! We’re also extremely proud of ATC co-founder Trevor Vas who walked away with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the industry. Feeling the FOMO? Here’s how the ITAs 2022 went.

Until next week… De