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Early Careers is a topic that has become increasingly important in organisational strategies for talent. Amberjack and Udder joined forces to carry out research into the world of technology and Early Careers – discover some of the initial findings in this blog!
Through our recent research we have been able to identify the challenges found in processes and technology that impact your ability to provide effective support for candidates. The relentless pace of technological advancement and the evolving expectations of young talent have paved the way for a multitude of challenges that HR & Early Careers professionals must now grapple with.
In this digital age, we might expect HR technology to be dynamic and intuitive, but our research indicates that this is not always the case. Early Careers recruitment teams often find themselves working with tools and processes that are far from user-friendly. Lack of intuitive systems can lead to inefficiencies and, worse, may inadvertently discourage promising candidates from engaging further with your organisation due to subpar candidate experiences.
In a world where first impressions count, ensuring a smooth and seamless candidate experience is paramount.
We have found that the complexity of your tech stack adds additional layers of challenge for HR and Recruitment teams. With an ever growing range of solutions available, HR departments can quickly become tangled in a web of disparate tools that are not always fit for purpose. Improving and integrating these systems is not for the faint of heart, demanding significant time, resources, and technical expertise. Striking the right balance between functionality and ease of use remains an ongoing quest.
A key area of your recruitment process is the centralised data sources and reporting – the backbone of any successful HR strategy. Yet, in the Early Careers recruitment world, this essential foundation is often missing or stretched across a number of systems. Data fragmentation hinders efficient decision-making, and can lead to lost opportunities. It slows your team’s ability to identify Early Talent and talent trends using different perspectives. A unified approach to data management is vital, allowing you to harness the power of analytics and make well-informed choices.
Significant focus is also needed for when exploring the rise of digital applications which has opened up a tidal wave of candidate volumes. While this may seem positive for Early Careers recruitment, it presents a unique set of challenges. Sifting through vast quantities of applications demands significant time and (technology) resources, which may lead to oversight of potential and a lack of personalised attention to each candidate. Ensuring a balance between automation and human touch is a delicate dance that must be mastered.
The recent unprecedented emergence of Artificial Intelligence is also an area that demands attention, especially when thinking about assessment and selection practices in Early Talent recruitment. Application forms and long answer written questions are vulnerable to the use of AI by candidates.
The issues that AI presents, including those with transparency, trust, and security, are subject to much debate, but not every facet of conversation is negative. In many ways, the efficiency and accuracy that AI can bring to your company’s recruitment process make it a potentially powerful tool – it’s all about working out how AI can work for you and your company, and weighing up and the risks and benefits. You can request our Insight Paper, on the current considerations and suggested monitoring of AI, via the Amberjack website.
In the pursuit of building diverse and inclusive teams, HR professionals face an uphill battle. While technology can undoubtedly aid in the process, it cannot solve deeply ingrained societal issues. Overcoming unconscious bias and fostering an inclusive culture requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses not only technology but also education, awareness, and a commitment to change from organisations. Within this effort, Social Mobility must not be overlooked. As organisations aim to attract top talent from all walks of life, they need to confront the systemic barriers that hinder social mobility. New technology can play a role in levelling the playing field, but it must be accompanied by genuine efforts to address the root causes of inequality, and if using AI, organisations must monitor and ensure that bias is not built in, further exacerbating the issues already present.
The use of technology should also be considered for successful attraction strategies that will bring candidates towards an organisation. Early Careers recruitment teams must continue to work creatively to bring compelling employer brands that resonate with the desires and values of young talent today. Social media, online platforms, and networking events all play a part in this jigsaw puzzle of attraction. However, the major challenge here lies in maintaining authenticity demanded by candidates while also presenting an enticing and exciting world of opportunity that is open to all. How can technology and AI be used effectively within your organisation to help with your goals?
As we look at the challenges of the Early Talent industry and HR technology, it becomes evident that no single solution will suffice. Rather, it is the harmonious interplay of technology, human touch, and a commitment to progress that shall lead the way. Organisations that successfully navigate this will be rewarded with a pipeline of exceptional young talent keen to contribute their skills and ideas.
