Rapid rise of AI requires HR pros to fine-tune hiring practices
More than half of HR professionals anticipate that artificial intelligence will create new roles within their organization in the near future.
“In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, shifting demographics and evolving workplace dynamics, organizations face a multitude of challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining talent,” according to new research from SHL, an HR technology and psychometric science company. “Digital transformation, together with the advancements in AI, is prompting organizations to upskill and reskill their workforce to stay competitive.”
As automation and AI become increasingly pervasive, the nature of on-the-job tasks will continue to evolve. Organizations will shift toward hiring individuals who can adapt and who possess the skills needed to excel in evolving roles rather than solely relying on candidates with experience tailored to current job requirements.
“Our research has pinpointed essential skills that serve as predictors of success across various industries, enabling a more flexible approach to expedite the hiring of top talent,” the study said.
The report made several recommendations to help HR professionals “future proof” hiring in this fast-changing environment:
- Make the most of existing talent. As internal hiring becomes more common, it is imperative to invest in nurturing existing talent pools. This not only saves on hiring costs but also fosters employee loyalty and retention. The talent companies are seeking to fill an open position already may be within their own organization.
- Leverage assessments. Use assessments as a crucial part of the hiring process. Incorporate cognitive ability assessments, personality questionnaires, skills tests and emerging interactive assessments such as simulations and job fit assessments. These tools provide valuable insights into candidates’ skills and suitability for specific roles.
- Prioritize candidate experience. The hiring process often is a candidate’s first interaction with prospective employers. Ensuring this experience is positive can enhance the organization’s reputation and help attract top talent. Four in 10 organizations neglect to provide candidate feedback during the hiring process, although this is expected by individuals who invest their time.
- Stay agile and adaptive. Maintain agility and adaptability in hiring practices. Continuously monitor industry trends, technological advancements and changing demographics to evolve hiring strategies accordingly.
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“The hiring practices an organization adopts are crucial for its success,” the report said. “Having close strategic alignment between HR and the rest of the business can ensure hiring decisions are efficient and effective. This is increasingly important as talent acquisition costs rise and account for a larger percentage of an organization’s budget. Despite this, most organizations are maintaining or increasing hiring budgets, indicating the value of getting hiring right.”