{"id":2742,"date":"2023-11-01T18:43:24","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T18:43:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scionretainedsearch.com\/?p=2742"},"modified":"2023-11-01T18:43:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T18:43:24","slug":"impact-digital-transformation-corporate-executive-recruitment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scionretainedsearch.com\/2023\/11\/01\/impact-digital-transformation-corporate-executive-recruitment\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact of Digital Transformation on Corporate Executive Recruitment"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Within the past decade, the corporate world has witnessed a massive shift in how businesses operate, deliver value to customers, and compete in the modern world due to digital transformation. Even the past five<\/em> years have yielded seemingly exponential change and growth in technological capabilities. Emerging technologies like cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and process automation have fundamentally altered business practices, impacting almost every sector, including executive recruitment. As digital technologies become more integrated into business operations, there\u2019s a growing demand for leaders who possess a deep understanding of the new digital landscape. Today\u2019s executive recruiters are tasked with identifying these unique leaders and assisting companies in defining what skills such a leader must possess.<\/p>\n

Increased Demand for Digitally-Savvy Executives<\/h2>\n

As technology becomes further ingrained into business models, demand has soared for business leaders and executives with deep knowledge of emerging digital capabilities. A 2021 Heidrick & Struggles study<\/a> found that 67% of CEO appointments at large companies came from non-traditional backgrounds\u2014up 10% from 2015\u2014indicating the value placed on digital skills. Studies such as this, as well as the on-the-ground experience of candidates, demonstrate that companies are increasingly looking for data analytics and AI experience in new executive hires. Don\u2019t look now, but leadership abilities in leveraging data insights and overseeing technology implementations have become top recruitment priorities.<\/p>\n

The Chameleon Collective<\/a> stated it clearly: \u201cThe key challenge in digital recruiting is the sheer amount of competition for digitally savvy talent. Moreover, companies face a great deal of competition for candidates who are also excellent critical thinkers. The best candidates don\u2019t just have technical skills. They need to be data-driven, creative thinkers, adept at problem-solving with a solid innovative mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n

Advanced Analytics to Screen Candidates<\/h3>\n

Data analytics tools have been incorporated into executive recruitment to assess candidate backgrounds, competencies, and cultural fit. Many recruiters are applying AI-powered platforms to scan resumes, profiles, and public information to identify promising candidates. The analytics these tools provide offer powerful insights into qualifications and future performance.<\/p>\n

Digital recruitment tools can also automate many of the time-consuming tasks involved in executive recruitment, such as sourcing, screening, and scheduling interviews. This allows recruiters to focus on more strategic tasks, such as building relationships with candidates and assessing their alignment with the role.<\/p>\n

Adoption of Digital Communication Channels<\/h3>\n

Executive recruiters have happily and seamlessly adopted digital communication tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and HireVue to engage with candidates. Such digital capabilities have become essential for holding remote meetings and interviews during the hiring process.<\/p>\n

Executive search firms also leverage professional networks like LinkedIn and Indeed to connect with potential candidates and gain deeper insights into their careers and work styles. Social media presence and visibility have become critical hiring considerations for identifying digitally literate leaders who can adapt to the high rate of change in technology. Candidates, recruitment firms, and companies alike can leverage social media marketing tools to find new ways to tell their stories online, creating a robust digital identity that drives interest in what they have to offer.<\/p>\n

This shift to digital communication empowers recruiters to efficiently interview and assess a global executive talent pool. For example, Zippia found<\/a> that 90% of recruiters search LinkedIn to fill company job openings, and this writer would not be surprised if that number were not closer to 100%.<\/p>\n

The Benefits of Digital Transformation in Recruitment<\/h2>\n

Digital transformation provides numerous benefits for executive recruitment, some of which can be found below. This is by no means an all-encompassing list, but offers some valuable elements to consider.<\/p>\n