The Employee Handbook

A monthly newsletter about current challenges and conversations for values-driven HR professionals

To Attract More Talent, Build a Bigger Tent

Get a degree; get the job. Well, in the past, maybe.?

Companies are taking a hard look at how they handle talent acquisition, and they’re realizing it’s time to rethink their time-worn approach.

“Look at all the untapped talent in your community that’s being blocked out because of your traditional mindset,” said Rita Stall, senior director of digital operations at Tech Elevator . Stall took the stage with leaders from Lionsgate, NPower, Hot Topic, and Mattel at our recent conference in Los Angeles .?

If credentials-based hiring is a thing of the past, then what does the future hold? Here’s what this group of leaders shared with our audience.?

Let’s talk skills, not pedigree.?

Hiring on the basis of education and experience alone stands as a serious barrier for some prospective talent. Linear experience isn’t the gold standard anymore. Look past titles and timelines and shift your gaze to the actual skills that candidates bring to the table. That might just be the game-changer you’ve been overlooking.

Foster diversity through inclusive hiring.

Prioritizing skills-based hiring transforms your workplace into an environment that fosters inclusivity. Diversify your workforce by tapping into overlooked talent pools like veterans, career transitioners, and recently incarcerated individuals.

Build a company brand worth bragging about.?

Today’s employees and candidates are all about the values match. They aren’t just looking for a job; they’re seeking an organization that stands for something. What values does your company embrace? How do you actively uphold them? Ensure that this information takes center stage.

Unlock the future of hiring by embracing change. You can read more about this session here . Or watch the recording here .?

Accelerate Your Hiring Process

So now that you’ve broadened your talent pool, what methods are you using to bring individuals on board?

The hiring process can be notoriously long and tedious for candidates and recruiters alike. Amy Onori, senior VP of talent acquisition at Publicis Media , decided to do something about it. Like many, Onori was frustrated with the traditional inefficient and biased hiring process, so she proposed a live, one-day hiring event to fill a few senior roles. Think of it like speed dating, only the desired outcome is a new job.?

In a virtual fireside chat , Onori gave our audience an inside look at how she and her team succeeded in hiring four executives in just one day. From preparing and gaining trust, to providing feedback and making on-the-spot decisions, she shared all the details with us.?

And best of all, Onori believes that this model of hiring can be replicated in other industries, for different levels of roles. Read more about how she made it possible here .?

Join us!

If your New Year’s resolution is to make more connections in the HR space (or if you just like what you see here), we invite you to join us at our live or virtual events!?

We’ll be in Atlanta with leaders from Coca-Cola and UPS; Seattle , where we’ll hear from leaders at Starbucks and Alaska Airlines; and Washington, D.C., with representation from Hilton and Fannie Mae. Here’s our 2024 calendar of live events. Check to see when we’ll be in a city near you.

We’re hosting a half-day virtual conference on Jan. 10 about “A Fresh Commitment to a Culture of Well-Being .” We’ll hear from Amy Edmondson, renowned professor at Harvard Business School, whose new book just won Business Book of the Year . We'll have a limited number of complimentary copies for audience members during the session, so be sure to tune in!

Here’s the agenda . Your exclusive, complimentary VIP pass is waiting for you here .?

We also have a calendar of virtual events lined up for next year. We’ll be meeting to discuss topics like employee retention , upgrading L&D , and pursuing higher productivity .?

We hope to see you in the new year!