RecFest Day 2 delivered an abundance of valuable insights, highlighting key trends and challenges in recruitment today. From a deep dive into talent intelligence research to navigating AI regulations in HR, the sessions addressed both the technical and strategic aspects of modern talent acquisition.
Experts from across the industry shared their knowledge, offering practical tips and forward-looking advice for recruiters looking to stay competitive. As we recap three of the most impactful sessions from the day, it's clear that the intersection of technology and strategy is driving innovation in recruitment.
Talent Intelligence Research 101: A Refresher on Tools and Techniques
Cyndy Davis, senior talent strategist at GitHub and Search Wizards, provided a solid foundation on talent intelligence research. Cyndy described the session as a good refresher, and we couldn't agree more. Her approach to collecting and analyzing talent data offered actionable insights into utilizing various tools effectively.
Cyndy emphasized the importance of using various platforms to gather comprehensive data. The platforms she mentioned, like Google, Glassdoor, and competitor websites, help recruiters get a full picture of the talent landscape by uncovering trends, compensation ranges, and competitor information.
One of the most practical tips Cyndy shared was to always start with creating a spreadsheet to collect data. She suggested that formatting cells should come later because it's easier to query raw information. By standardizing formatting and language—like ensuring all salary figures and skills names are consistent—recruiters can save time when conducting future queries. For example, using “$145,000” instead of “$145K” consistently rather than switching between variations. A standout tip was using the Instant Data Scraper tool to quickly collect large datasets from the web.
When it comes to analyzing the data, Cyndy's advice on job descriptions and required skills was invaluable. She explained how, by tallying up the skills mentioned in job descriptions and using pivot tables, we can identify which skills are in the highest demand for different functions. Her analysis of salary data was equally informative, with a focus on calculating average salary ranges by job title to ensure competitive offers.
Cyndy's conclusions were insightful: AI-related skills and experience are required mostly for engineering and product roles, while other departments don't have such direct AI needs. She also emphasized that although the talent market is strong, there's a wealth of available talent, making it easier to find suitable candidates. Compensation for roles in AI aligns closely with non-AI roles, making it clear that the talent landscape is evolving rapidly.
AI in HR: Navigating Workplace AI Regulations with Keith Sonderling
Keith Sonderling, who recently retired from his post as commissioner of the EEOC, led a critical discussion on the future of AI in talent acquisition. Keith didn't just talk about the technology; he zoomed in on the regulatory landscape that will shape how we use AI in recruitment.
One of the central themes of Keith's talk was the division in the TA world. Some are eagerly adopting AI, believing it's better to get ahead of the curve before more regulations emerge, while others are more hesitant, concerned about the implications of stricter laws.
Keith reassured us that AI use in HR should not cause undue concern if we simply adhere to existing laws. Employment regulations already define what's lawful in hiring, and AI doesn't change those parameters—it just adds new tools to our toolkit. As long as we follow the laws already in place, AI can be used ethically and effectively.
The session left us thinking critically about how we approach AI in recruitment. While some organizations are racing ahead, others are waiting to see how legislation evolves.
Tech Consolidation and Candidate Experience: Simplifying the Recruiting Process
Jody Simon, talent sourcing leader at Regent, focused on tech consolidation and improving the candidate experience. Jody's approach was refreshing, as she highlighted a key pain point we all face: the overabundance of technology solutions in recruiting. She argued that building a tech stack should not be a top-down decision, where employers hand recruiters a list of tools and expect them to make it work. Instead, the process should be collaborative, involving feedback from the entire recruitment team.
Jody shared her experience of working with a tech stack made up of 10 or more tools, including ATS, CRM, scheduling, text messaging, AI, reporting, DEI initiatives, and talent intelligence platforms. She noted that managing these disparate solutions can be a logistical nightmare. However, she posed a compelling question: What if one platform could solve most of these problems? That's where hireEZ came into play as a potential all-in-one CRM for the four companies she has now implemented the platform at.
Another standout point from Jody's session was the emphasis on customer support. She noted how important it is for a company's engineers and recruiters to collaborate directly with the tech provider's engineers. This allows for custom solutions to be built that truly adapt to the needs of the business. The candidate experience, she argued, is ultimately improved when the technology behind it is both seamless and responsive.
Thank you, RecFest
RecFest 2024 Day 2 highlighted a central theme: the future of recruitment lies in the smart integration of data, technology, and compliance. Whether it's harnessing talent intelligence, embracing AI in a responsible and legally sound manner, or simplifying complex tech stacks to improve the candidate experience, the path forward is clear. The discussions reinforced the need for recruiters to not only adopt new tools but also ensure those tools enhance efficiency and align with strategic goals.
As technology continues to reshape talent acquisition, staying agile and focused on creating seamless experiences will be key to success. hireEZ is your trusted partner in tech consolidation, compliance, and AI-powered automation. Let's start a conversation about how hireEZ can transform your recruiting function and create seamless recruitment workflows by consolidating your tech stack.
