how to build a talent acquisition strategy: 4 steps for success.

The single most valuable piece of advice about how to build a talent acquisition strategy is that there is no single best method. However, strategic talent acquisition is crucial for any business. It strengthens your talent pipeline, attracts more qualified applicants and reduces hiring costs. A structured approach helps with recruiting across the organization and shortens the time to hire for executive roles and positions requiring niche skills.

how is a talent acquisition strategy different from recruiting?

Unlike recruiting, a talent acquisition strategy provides a roadmap for building relationships with top talent, regardless of open positions. It’s a plan for taking action now that makes hiring easier later on.

getting started

When creating your plan, tie it closely to your business goals and industry trends. Initially, focus on a few areas, knowing your plan will evolve over time.

start with the future

Your strategy should align with your business growth plans. So, look at your 12-month, two-year or five-year business plans to determine where growth will occur and what talent will be needed. By anticipating these needs, you can build relationships within specific talent pools.

Also, communicate regularly with leaders or hiring managers to assess future workforce needs, discuss retirements or leaves and understand how current employees might advance. Ensuring a positive candidate experience from the start can help attract the right people for these future needs.

build your brand every day

Companies with strong employer brands attract strong candidates. Your talent acquisition strategy should include activities that maintain and strengthen your employer brand.

Candidates today want more than just a paycheck and benefits. Your talent strategy should clearly and consistently communicate your brand attributes to both active and passive candidates. This is crucial for attracting the right people who fit your company’s values and culture.

A strong brand is important now that millennials, who want meaningful work with a digitally forward company, make up the majority of the workforce. Your talent acquisition strategy should show how you will communicate your company culture, digital capabilities and employee benefits.

use technology & data

Technology and data are essential to an effective talent acquisition strategy. They influence who you recruit and where you find them.

Technological advancements can change which skills are needed. Therefore, build relationships with tech-savvy teams or information sources to stay updated on advancements and keep your talent strategy ahead of the curve.

Software tools like applicant tracking systems can help you collect, record and evaluate data related to candidate recruitment, acquisition and experience. Outline which metrics you can generate in-house and which you need to acquire. Identify who can interpret the results and how you will share them and determine the next steps.

Consider partnering with a digitally proficient recruitment and workforce solutions provider to make your digital strategy more robust and cost-effective.

how to build a talent acquisition strategy that lasts

A talent acquisition strategy will evolve over time. Keeping it up to date will help you secure top candidates with less stress and lower costs. Treat your plan as a living document. Revisit it often and refine the details as your strategy matures. This ensures your strategy aligns with your long-term goals and continues to attract the right candidates.

If your organization is ready, but you need some help along the way, we have the experience and know-how to guide you. Click here to learn more.