The Talent Acquisition (TA) profession is entering a transformative phase, driven by advancements in AI, skills-based hiring, and a focus on systemic HR solutions. According to the latest research by The Josh Bersin Company in collaboration with AMS, TA leaders must adopt innovative strategies to remain agile and competitive in 2025.
This study, Emerging Trends in Talent Acquisition for 2025, is based on interviews with leaders across industries such as technology, financial services, and transportation. The findings reveal that AI, skills development, and collaboration will be pivotal in reshaping the TA landscape.
Key Focus Areas for Talent Acquisition in 2025
- Embracing Skills-Based Hiring and Mobility
- TA leaders are embedding skills insights into their talent strategies.
- Currently, only 20% of companies leverage skills data for hiring, and just 9% use skills-based internal talent marketplaces effectively.
- Integrating AI into the TA Ecosystem
- AI tools are transforming the TA tech stack into a more interconnected ecosystem.
- Organizations are leveraging AI for efficiency, strategic insights, and fostering candidate relationships.
- Diversifying Talent Strategies
- With ongoing talent shortages, businesses are adopting multi-pronged approaches, including early recruitment and retention via career growth opportunities.
- Upskilling the TA Function
- Collaboration and new skills are crucial to positioning TA as a strategic business partner.
- Elevating TA’s role requires closer integration with other HR and leadership teams.
Recommendations for TA Leaders
- Focus on Solving Specific Business Problems
- Start with a targeted challenge that benefits from skills-based solutions.
- Experiment with technology and collaboration to address talent gaps effectively.
- Leverage AI for Transformation
- AI adoption in TA is leading HR innovation, enabling organizations to automate administrative tasks and prioritize meaningful interactions.
- Use AI to enhance productivity while maintaining ethical and human-centered recruiting practices.
- Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Utilize the Systemic HR framework to ensure TA works seamlessly with other teams for long-term solutions.
- Equip TA Teams for the Future
- Develop skills in data literacy, digital tools, and AI to navigate the evolving business environment.
- Promote adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset among TA professionals.
Expert Insights
- Julia Bersin, Lead Analyst at The Josh Bersin Company:”TA needs to move beyond solving hiring challenges to addressing broader business problems with systemic people solutions.”
- Jim Sykes, COO at AMS:”To succeed, TA leaders must align hiring with future business needs and invest in upskilling their teams.”
- Josh Bersin, CEO of The Josh Bersin Company:”Automation is revolutionizing TA, making it one of the most AI-driven areas of HR. The key is scaling these innovations effectively by 2025.”
Talent Acquisition is poised for rapid evolution in 2025. By embracing AI-driven strategies, skills-based hiring, and fostering collaboration across functions, TA leaders can navigate the challenges of an increasingly dynamic job market. This transformation not only elevates the TA function but also positions organizations for sustained growth in a competitive landscape.
