The future is now, and the world of recruitment has changed dramatically. Thanks to technology, improved processes, and a shift in mindset, there are many ways that talent acquisition has evolved over the last decade.
The next decade will bring even more innovation and opportunity for HR professionals who wish to improve their hiring process. If you’re wondering where recruiting might be headed, here are some predictions:
Artificial Intelligence
- AI is a hot topic in HR. Organizations are using artificial intelligence (AI) to automate and simplify routine tasks, such as the recruitment process. AI is also used for talent management, training and development, and performance management processes.
- AI isn't a replacement for human interaction. While AI can help make some processes more efficient and effective, it shouldn't replace human interaction or decision-making entirely—even if that's what we want from it at first glance! Consider how AI could be used to streamline parts of your business before making sweeping changes or assumptions about what should be automated or not.
- Predictive analytics: use data science tools to predict future behavior based on past events so you can take appropriate action when necessary
Gaming
The trend toward gamification in HR will continue to grow.
Gamification is the use of game mechanics, such as points and leaderboards, to motivate employees and improve performance. This can be done through mobile apps, employee recognition programs, and even company retreats.
Companies like Amazon have embraced gamification techniques for their employee retention programs, specifically by rewarding top performers with gift cards.
Other companies are using gamification to assess the competencies of candidates in workplace scenarios and incentivize employees' performance by rewarding them with points that can then be used to redeem prizes on an internal marketplace or even an app store!
Multigenerational workplace
One of the most interesting aspects of generational diversity is how it affects the workplace. For example, younger generations are used to working in team-based environments because of their experiences in school and extracurricular activities, whereas older generations are more likely to be used to working independently, with a ‘pulling oneself with the bootstraps' mindset.
When managing multigenerational teams, you must provide clear communication and make sure everyone feels like they have an equal say in the decisions being made. You should also encourage everyone on your team to be open with one another; if they have any questions or concerns, they shouldn't feel afraid or hesitant about bringing them up!
And remember: technology can help keep everyone on track when it comes to onboarding new hires into the company culture as well as helping existing employees stay engaged with their work (and thus retain top talent).
Workforce planning
Workforce planning is a more proactive approach to talent acquisition, as it focuses on identifying the skills and competencies that are needed for an organization’s future workforce.
HR professionals are responsible for this process, which involves determining the size and composition of the workforce at different stages in its lifecycle (for example, by job category or location).
Tools like workforce planning software can help HR teams do this. With these tools, they can also analyze patterns over time to determine when peaks or valleys should occur in terms of hiring needs.
For example, if there’s a high demand for certain occupations during tax season but not during summer break time, then you might want to adjust your recruitment efforts accordingly by advertising jobs only at certain times of the year.
Workforce planning software usually includes a dashboard that allows users access to real-time information about their current situation (such as how many people currently work at each level within their organization) so that they can make smarter decisions about where new hires may be necessary or which existing employees might need training before promotions become available for them.
Employee experience
This requires more than just perks like free coffee or flexible hours; it's about creating an engaging experience for your employees from start to finish.
The employee experience journey starts with the job posting itself, which should be written in a way that's specific enough for applicants but not too restrictive or vague. You can also set up a career site where potential employees can get information about what it’s like working at your company, how you hire and onboard new hires, and any available positions you might have open now or in the future—this gives them an idea of what working at your company would be like before they apply (and helps you stay organized).
The application process should include questions about what attracted them toward this role specifically as well as questions about how long they've been looking for jobs like yours so far–this will help ensure that only qualified candidates move forward through each step along their path toward employment with you!
After someone applies for one of these positions at your organization they should receive some sort of response within 24 hours (ideally even sooner!), whether it’s just letting them know whether there is anything else needed from them right now or if all looks good so far--the sooner these responses come back means less time wasted waiting around wondering “what if?” later down the road. And on the same vein, that brings us to the next point:
Optimized Candidate Experience
Optimized Candidate Experience (OCE) is the practice of creating and delivering a customized experience for each candidate that is consistent with their unique job search journey.
It also involves providing each candidate with personalized content, tools, and/or technologies that expedite the recruitment process.
OCE focuses on:
- Candidates—Candidates need an easy way to access relevant information about your company and apply for jobs at any time. This can be done by keeping them up-to-date on all new career opportunities through email updates or social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter.
- Recruiters—Recruiters should have access to tools like AI-based recruitment automation platforms that enable them to find talent quickly so they can focus more on engaging candidates and less on searching for them in databases or applications systems like Taleo/Monster/CareerBuilder etc.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is already being used to evaluate and assess workplace competencies in candidates, and it's only getting bigger. AR can be used to train employees on the job, in classrooms, or even in virtual classrooms.
As it becomes more accessible and affordable for companies to create their AR programs or adopt software for training purposes, you can expect to see more employers using this technology for employee development over the next decade.
Leveraging the Metaverse
The next generation of talent acquisition will be built on a foundation of three core pillars:
- Big Data
- Augmented Reality
- Virtual Reality
These three elements will be the infrastructure of the new metaverse. Talent acquisition is just one use case that has the greatest potential to disrupt and innovate shortly. These technologies will have broad implications for many industries as they continue to evolve.
For example, AR/VR/MR will transform how we consume marketing content, interact with our healthcare providers, learn at school and collaborate at work.
“You can kind of think about [the metaverse] as an embodied internet, where instead of just viewing content - you are in it. And you feel present with other people as if you were in other places.”
The way Metaverse works are by allowing users to create these virtual worlds that look exactly like offices, conference rooms, and other spaces. Users can create their world, choose an avatar and then upload 3D models of furniture they want to put in their environment.
When the user walks around they will see the furniture and objects in the world as if they were there.
The technology that shapes the future is already here. We need to embrace it and apply it where we can.
Digital Interviewing Platforms
The interview process is a key part of the hiring process. But it can be time-consuming and stressful for both candidates and hiring managers.
Over the past few years, digital interviewing platforms have been gaining popularity as they streamline the entire hiring process by allowing companies to schedule interviews on their terms, record answers in real-time using webcam or audio technology, and provide feedback that helps candidates improve their interview skills. Additionally, robotic video interviews and automated assessments are on the rise.
This technology has also improved candidate experience by making them feel more comfortable during interviews: if you're not familiar with the platform's features yet, you'll learn how easy it is to use when you go through one yourself!
Final Thoughts
We’re at a turning point in the talent acquisition industry. The emergence of new technologies and advancements in AI is creating a culture that is more inclusive, collaborative, and personalized.
HR professionals will continue to play an important role in shaping this future workforce by using these tools to connect with candidates, develop employees into leaders, and recruit top talent.
The world is changing faster than ever before, and we must be prepared to adapt our processes accordingly. The future of talent acquisition looks bright!