Executive Search in 2020
By Chris Hillman, Recruiting Professional
SearchPath of Chicago, Inc.
2020 is here, but yet the flying cars that the Jetsons promised us are not here. However, things have changed and shifted processes and methods in all industries including the way executive search firms operate. Below are three key trends we’re looking forward to in 2020:
Advancing Technology
Artificial intelligence is making its way into just about every industry. Will it replace the need for recruiters? No. Will the advanced data help executive search partners do their job more efficiently? Perhaps. That data helps enhance a firm’s research capabilities and allow them to become even bigger experts in the industry. No matter how advanced technology becomes, and how helpful it becomes in learning the industry, identifying candidates and analyzing qualifications, it will never be able to replace the personal connection that executive search professionals bring to the table. The ability to identify talent is one thing. The true skill lies in attracting and delivering passive and employed “A” players. You know, the ones who are with your competition and are outperforming their peers.
Renewed Focus on Candidate Engagement
While advanced technology won’t replace the personal connection of working with a person, it will help enhance personalized of efforts and enhancing the candidate engagement. With software that automates manual process, the candidates receive quicker responses, more information and more engagement throughout the entire process.
Rise of Boutique Firms
Just like More Isn’t Always Better, neither is bigger always better. The bigger the search firm you work with, typically, the more ‘red tape’ you encounter. The commodities that large, non-local firms lack, that small, connected firms are able to bring to the partnership are agility, precision and speed of execution. Small firms have a deep network and knowledge of the sectors that they work in and a significant understanding of a clients’ environment, industry dynamics and needs.
The tools available for search executives to utilize moving forward only elevate the partnership between firms and clients and candidates. We’re excited about the changing times, and while we’re not getting to work in flying cars in 2020, we’re showing up to work with the tools to truly make an impact.
For additional information, please email Chris Hillman or call (815) 261-4403 x 100
