In conversation with Dr Bijan Roy of MeritTrac, we explore how digital solutions and, specifically, pre-hire assessments play a critical role in designing winning recruitment strategies.

Finding the right talent for the right role at speed and scale can be challenging. But when organizations invest in the right technologies, processes can become far simpler and far more impactful. In this exclusive conversation with Dr Bijan Roy of MeritTrac, we dive deeper into the role of technology in winning on talent and reimagine how we can achieve successful hiring outcomes in the new-age talent landscape.

Dr Bijan is an astute professional with more than three decades of experience in Industry and Academics. Currently working as VP and HOD of the Assessment Development Centre for MeritTrac and providing strategic direction towards intellectual capacity building, he is leading the team involved in the Design, Development, and Deployment of assessments; and statistical analysis of post-assessment outcomes, including psychometric indices. 

What are the critical talent trends impacting how we recruit in 2023? 

In 2023, several significant changes will likely impact our talent search and development. A few efforts, including some of the more noteworthy ones, are required for HR strategy to remain relevant in the emerging post-pandemic environment:

• Embracing Remote Work: The epidemic has forced us to transition to remote work, and many businesses are already enjoying the advantages of it. However, organisations must set up the required technology and the infrastructure to accommodate remote teams. In addition, recruiting efforts will need to concentrate on locating and onboarding remote workers.
• Embracing Technology: Tools like chatbots and automated resume screening are becoming more prevalent, and recruitment technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are growing in popularity. This will enable businesses to quickly sift through the many job applications and select the most qualified applicants.
• Embracing DEI: As awareness of the importance of DEI in the workplace grows, businesses will be required to implement inclusive hiring practices and will be required to provide support and training for under-represented groups. In addition, businesses should adopt various tactics and strategies to attract and keep such a workforce.
• Embracing Skill-Building: Due to the rapid pace of technological development, businesses must concentrate on ongoing reskilling initiatives to ensure that their talent pool remains future-ready. Companies also need to concentrate on discovering and onboarding people who can pick up new skills and adapt to new technology on the talent acquisition front.
• Embracing Empathy: In the post-pandemic world, everyone has a strong sense of the fragility of life. Therefore, businesses must demonstrate empathy to emphasize the value of mental health and well-being in the workplace. Businesses must set up guidelines and assistance programs to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions at the workplace.

When we talk about winning on talent, embracing technology will be a critical factor. So how can digital solutions play a role in addressing the current gaps in recruiting the right talent? 

To close the gaps that are present now in finding the proper personnel, digital solutions are essential. Employing digital technology might enhance recruiting efforts in the following ways: 

• Automated resume screening: By using digital technologies like chatbots or AI-powered resume screening, employers can quickly sift through many applications to find the most suitable candidate based on qualifications, experience, and ability.
• Video interviewing: As remote work has become more common; video interviewing tools are gaining popularity. These tools allow employers to conduct virtual interviews with candidates, accelerating the hiring process and increasing cost-effectiveness.
• Tracking and managing candidates: With digital solutions, employers may efficiently track and manage candidates throughout the hiring process. This includes tools for arranging interviews, sending automated messages, and monitoring applicants' progress.
• Pre-hire assessments: Digital pre-hire assessments can assist businesses in locating applicants who have the necessary expertise, knowledge, and aptitude for a particular position. These assessments, which may involve cognitive, behavioral, and skills-based examinations, can improve the likelihood of discovering the ideal match.
• Social recruiting: Social networking networks like LinkedIn can be used for social recruitment to locate, attract, and interact with potential candidates. Recruiters can use these platforms to create bonds with prospects and remain at the forefront of their minds for available positions in the future.