How to find the right fit for the future…🔮

Hi, you! 

I hope I’ve caught you with a coffee in hand, ready to think about something that’s been on my mind lately.  

The hiring landscape is changing rapidly as we move deeper into Industry 4.0. As someone who’s been in the recruiting world for a while (and loving every minute of it!), I’ve noticed that the type of candidate we’re looking for is evolving, and so too must our hiring and interviewing practices. 

So, what's changing? 

Well, with the rise of automation, AI, and robotics in the food and CPG manufacturing industry, it’s no longer just about finding candidates who can do the job. It’s about finding those who can adapt, innovate, and thrive in a tech-driven environment. In fact, a report from the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines, while 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to this new era. That’s a huge shift! 

What does this mean for our hiring practices? 

1. Focus on Soft Skills: While technical skills are still important, we need to prioritize candidates with strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a continuous learning mindset. A survey from LinkedIn shows that 91% of talent professionals agree that soft skills will be crucial in the years to come. 
2. Emphasize Cross-Functional Experience: In this new era, candidates who have experience across different functions—say, someone who has worked both in production and in tech—can bring a lot of value. They’re the ones who can bridge gaps between traditional roles and new, tech-driven processes. 
3. Revamp Your Interview Process: Gone are the days of relying solely on a candidate's resume and a few standard interview questions. Consider incorporating skills assessments, scenario-based questions, and even group interviews to see how candidates handle real-world challenges. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, using work samples and structured interviews can increase the likelihood of hiring the right candidate by over 50%. 
4. Highlight Your Company’s Tech-Savvy Side: Today’s candidates, especially those who are digitally fluent, are looking for workplaces that are on the cutting edge. Make sure your company’s commitment to innovation is front and center during the hiring process. It’s a great way to attract top talent who are excited about the future of this industry. 

As the world of work continues to evolve, so must our approach to finding and securing the best talent. The candidates who will drive our industry forward are out there—we just need to make sure we’re looking for the right qualities and using the right tools to find them! 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, and of course, I’m here to help if you’re looking to bring some new talent into your team. Let’s make sure we’re ready for Industry 4.0 together! 

You know where to find me! 

Kathy.