Talent News Round-Up: AI and Sustainability, Candidate Ghosting, and the Death of the Resume
Staying updated on the latest workforce trends is crucial for TA leaders and HR professionals. This week, we delve into three significant developments shaping the talent landscape and get SocialTalent CEO, Johnny Campbell’s first-hand takes on these pieces.
- Our first article is from Raconteur and is concerned with how vital both AI and sustainability are for the next generation of workplace talent.
- Next, we dive into a piece from SHRM all about the rising issue of candidate ghosting, where they disengage from the hiring process mid flow.
- And finally, the ever-insightful Lars Schmidt ruminates on the CV and asks employers to embrace new ways of presenting and assessing talent.
Join us as we explore these pivotal insights and their implications for the future of work.
1. Why AI and Sustainability are Shaping the Next Generation of STEM Talent
Source: Raconteur
In this article, businesses are urged to integrate AI and sustainability to attract top talent, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term growth. While AI can help decarbonize industries, its energy-intensive processes pose sustainability challenges. Companies like Google and Microsoft are pioneering solutions by combining AI and sustainability efforts. Attracting Gen Z, who prioritize purpose-driven careers, requires businesses to embed sustainability in their culture, create hybrid roles, and offer clear career growth opportunities.
Johnny Campbell’s take on this:
“83% of Gen Z say Purpose is their top motivator when looking for a new job. Wow! The power of this purpose driven cohort of job seekers is potentially enormous when it comes to pressurizing organizations to prioritize issues like climate change and inclusion. The irony of AI being used to reduce carbon emmisions whilst consuming so much carbon in doing so, is not lost on me! A must read for anyone interested in shaping their employer brand to emerging job seeker trends!“
2. How to Prevent Candidate Ghosting in the Hiring Process
Source: SHRM
Roy Maurer explores the growing issue of candidate ghosting, where job seekers suddenly disengage during the hiring process. To combat this, experts recommend consistent communication, treating candidates as valued individuals, and offering transparency throughout the process. Shortening the hiring timeline, offering clear role expectations, and using preboarding strategies can also reduce ghosting. Building strong relationships and integrating candidates early helps keep them engaged and prevents them from disappearing before starting.
Johnny Campbell’s take on this:
“This is an evergreen topic that you probably think you know everything you need to know about but Roy’s timely and concise reminders are a great check list to make sure you’re doing everything you can to maintain those candidate relationships. My top 2 from this list are acting more like a career coach than a recruiter and starting the pre boarding process as soon as possible.“
3. The Resume is Dead. But We’re Still Using It
Source: Lars Schmidt
In this LinkedIn newsletter, Lars Schmidt argues that the traditional resume is outdated and fails to capture today’s non-linear career paths. Despite innovations like LinkedIn and portfolios, resumes remain central to hiring, focusing too much on past experience. Schmidt advocates for a shift toward skills-based hiring, where potential is prioritized over perfect resume matches. He encourages both employers and candidates to embrace new ways of presenting and assessing talent.
Johnny Campbell’s take on this:
“I love this simple but important point that Lars is making; with all of the talk about Skills First Hiring, the way we do it, i.e. by reviewing CVs and Profiles, is broken. Lately, I’ve been exploring some really promising skills analysis tools powered by AI (of course!) that seem to offer potential. I’d love to hear from you to see if you have come across a credible alternative to the outdated CV?“