January 2024 is the beginning of the decade of reinvention. I have been in this profession for more than 30 years, and other than the introduction of computers, HRIS, and ATS systems, recruiting looks the same as when I started. We do things the same way; we embrace the same habits and assumptions and rarely…
January 2024 is the beginning of the decade of reinvention.
I have been in this profession for more than 30 years, and other than the introduction of computers, HRIS, and ATS systems, recruiting looks the same as when I started. We do things the same way; we embrace the same habits and assumptions and rarely use the tools we have effectively. Our productivity (defined as how many requisitions a recruiter can deal with) is about the same.
AI changes it all. Artificial Intelligence is a tool of mass destruction. It has already challenged how we work simply by being able to do what we do (sourcing, screening, assessing, communicating, administering) better than we can. This destruction will lead to new systems and ways of recruiting, the need for new skills and attitudes, and a new charter.
My predictions speak to this and to the global, economic, and social trends that are also deeply changing work and recruiting.
Before I dive into my prediction, here are the global issues that will impact them.
War: There is a 40% chance that Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel may be at war. Egypt is a wildcard. The US would be on the front line. And, for the first time since WWII, there is a possibility that NATO could be involved. This would affect hiring, technology development, and the economies of all European countries. A Middle East war would also affect oil supplies and rasie the price of oil with a negative impact on the economy.
Economy: The World Economic Forum predicts a poor year for the world’s economies. Inflation remains high in Europe. If prices remian high and GDP is grows slowly, hiring will be depressed, and firms will be very cautious about adding significant staff or recruiters. Immigration and the potential for oil supplies to be interrupted are major concerns.
Elections: This is an election year in many countries, and the outcomes are very uncertain. More conservative governments may be in power with rollbacks in spending. This is likely to slow hiring.
With all this in mind, here are the trends that I see happening this year.
Welcome to the new decade. We will develop a new generation of recruiters who are agile, capable of providing advice and coaching, and not afraid to let go of yesterday.
This article was originally published in the Future of Talent Weekly Newsletter and has been re-published here with permission.
