Emerging Trends in Talent Acquisition: What You Need to Know

Staying on top of the latest trends in talent acquisition is crucial for any business looking to snag the best candidates out there. From architecture to aerospace and every engineering field in between, the way companies find, attract, and hire talent is undergoing a serious makeover. So, let’s break down what’s happening in the world of recruitment and how it impacts your business.

The Rise of Employer Branding

First up, employer branding is your frontline strategy in the war for talent. 64% of job seekers would not apply for a job at a company that has no online presence.  Think of it as your company’s dating profile. 88% of job seekers consider a company’s employer brand when applying for a job.  You want to show off your best attributes, values, and culture to attract the right matches. In a marketplace where candidates can afford to be choosy, how your company is perceived can make or break your recruitment efforts.  Employer Brand is a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent.  72% of recruiting leaders around the world agree that employer branding has a significant impact on hiring.

AI and Machine Learning: The Game Changers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are shaking things up, making the recruitment process smarter and more efficient. The majority of candidates (56%), on the other hand, think the final decision should always be made by human employees. Also, only about 21% think the technology is advanced enough already to make these decisions.

Imagine sifting through thousands of resumes in minutes or having a chatbot qualify candidates before they even speak to a human. It’s happening now, and it’s enabling recruiters to focus on what really matters—building relationships with top candidates.

Candidate Experience Takes Center Stage

Gone are the days when candidates would patiently jump through hoops just to get a rejection email months later. Now, the recruitment process needs to be as smooth and engaging as swiping right on your favorite dating app. 83% of employees rated the candidate experience in the hiring process as positive. And 76% of candidates said that a positive experience influenced their decision to accept an offer. Quick responses, transparent communication, and a hassle-free application process aren’t just nice to have; they’re expected.

Hello, Remote Work and Global Talent Pools

Remote work isn’t just a pandemic trend; it’s here to stay. By 2025, an estimated 32.6 million Americans will be working remotely, which equates to about 22% of the workforce.  This shift has opened doors to a global talent pool, giving companies the chance to tap into skills and expertise from around the world. From the employers’ perspective, the acceptance of remote work is evident as well. A remarkable 93% of employers plan to continue conducting job interviews remotely.  Today, your next engineering superstar could be a video call away, chilling in their living room halfway across the globe. The digital age has flipped the script on traditional hiring.  But with great power comes great responsibility—navigating time zones, cultural differences, and remote onboarding are the new challenges on the block.

Data-Driven Decisions

Data is king, and in recruitment, it’s helping businesses make informed decisions. From understanding where your best hires come from to predicting candidate success, data analytics is providing insights that were once hidden in gut feelings and intuition.  By harnessing data on employees’ behaviors, attitudes, and performance, organizations can make informed decisions to enhance business growth. Google and other leading companies are pioneering in building robust people analytics functions, significantly impacting talent management.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

DEI isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a competitive advantage. A diverse workforce drives innovation and reflects the global market.  About six-in-ten (61%) say their company or organization has policies that ensure fairness in hiring, pay or promotions, and 52% say they have trainings or meetings on DEI at work. Smaller shares say their workplace has a staff member who promotes DEI (33%), that their workplace offers salary transparency (30%), and that it has affinity groups or employee resource groups based on a shared identity (26%). Majorities of those who have access to these measures say each has had a positive impact where they work.  Businesses are now prioritizing DEI in their recruitment strategies, ensuring that their teams are as diverse as the problems they’re solving.

Skills Over Degrees

The focus is shifting from traditional education credentials to skills and potential. This is especially relevant in fast-paced industries where what you learned ten years ago might now be obsolete.  45% of companies plan to eliminate bachelor’s degree requirements for some positions this year, and 55% of companies eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements in 2023.  Also, 70% say they eliminated bachelor’s degree requirements to create a more diverse workforce, and 4 in 5 employers value experience over education when evaluating job candidates.  Companies are looking for lifelong learners and problem solvers, regardless of where they went to school.

Social Media as a Recruitment Tool

Your next hire might currently be scrolling through Instagram. Social media platforms have become valuable tools for showcasing company culture, engaging with potential candidates, and even directly recruiting through targeted ads and posts.  A strong online presence can enhance the company’s reputation, making it an attractive workplace attracting top talent.   67% of employers use social media sites to research potential job candidates and learn more about their professional and personal achievements.

Investing in Recruitment Tech

businesses are increasingly turning to advanced technology, with 62% planning investments in AI-driven recruitment tools. This includes sophisticated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and efficient onboarding platforms, streamlining the hiring journey to be more candidate-friendly.

Traditionally, recruitment involves numerous steps – from advertising vacancies and screening applications to conducting interviews. These processes can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

Leveraging recruitment technology simplifies these stages. By deploying software solutions designed to automate and manage hiring activities, companies can expedite their search for quality candidates, making the recruitment cycle not only faster but also more effective.

Continuous Learning Opportunities

Today’s candidates aren’t just looking for a job; they’re looking for a place to grow. Employee training programs that are well-planned have a favorable impact on their level of engagement.  According to 94% of employees, an essential policy that would convince them to stay in the company is training and development. Offering continuous learning and development opportunities is key to attracting ambitious talent, especially in fields that are constantly evolving like software engineering or environmental sciences.

Today’s engineers are keen on advancing their careers and look for employers who can offer a clear path for growth. They are attracted to firms that provide mentorship programs, opportunities to work on various projects, and support for professional development, including certifications and advanced degrees.

So, Where Does Enginuity Advantage Fit In?

Amidst all these changes, it’s easy to feel like you’re playing catch-up. That’s where Enginuity Advantage comes in. We’re not just another recruitment firm; we’re your partner in navigating the complexities of modern talent acquisition. Nearly 40% of the global workforce will be freelancers, contractors, or temporary employees by 2025. That’s a massive shift! With our finger on the pulse of the latest trends and a deep understanding of industries like architecture, construction, and engineering, we help businesses like yours attract the talent you need to thrive.

We understand that every company is unique, which is why we tailor our approach to fit your specific needs, culture, and goals. From leveraging the latest in AI and data analytics to fostering inclusive recruitment practices, we’re here to ensure your company doesn’t just keep up with the trends but stays ahead of them.  Ready to get started? Let’s chat.