Navigating the Future of Recruiting: An Exclusive Interview with LinkedIn VP of Talent, Erin Scruggs

In a world where talent acquisition (TA) professionals are shaping the future of work, it's essential to stay informed and adaptable. I had the pleasure of interviewing Erin Scruggs, LinkedIn's VP of Talent, to discuss the Future of Recruiting report findings and how recruiters can best leverage this information to succeed in the coming years. 

Here are the highlights of our conversation.

What is your biggest takeaway from the Future of Recruiting report? 

Erin:  The actual evolution of the Future of Recruiting report is my biggest takeaway. Since early 2020, the pandemic has shaped the world of work in dramatically new ways. Talent organizations are now on the front lines of shaping the future in a way that wasn’t the case before. We're being called to solve complex problems like return-to-work, hybrid, geo-location strategy, compensation philosophy in distributed teams, and navigating the macroeconomy. It has never been more impactful (or more stressful!) to be a part of a talent organization or recruiting department at a company. 

How are recruiters set up for success in 2023? 

Erin: I steadfastly believe recruiters will have the opportunity and obligation to become true changemakers at their organizations... TA is helping guide and influence the C-suite on its talent strategies like never before. I'm excited to report that 70% of TA professionals feel they have a seat at the table, and recruiting professionals of all kinds are helping guide and influence the C-suite on their talent strategies like never before.

How does the microenvironment impact the role of a recruiter? 

Erin:  Economic uncertainty will shift and strengthen recruiter priorities when filling open roles. To stay competitive, employers will have to reexamine their employer branding and make sure it aligns with what candidates are looking for, which is compensation (62%), work-life balance (47%), and flexible work arrangements (43%).

How did we get here? What key catalysts elevated TA to a critical footing with the C-Suite? 

Erin:  The world of work is constantly changing. In the past few years, we've seen massive shifts due to the pandemic, reshaping how and where we work. Talent acquisition leaders have been at the forefront of all these changes, including a recommitment to DEI strategies. It remains a top hiring priority, and companies preserve their commitments despite economic uncertainty. While most recruiting pros say current economic changes have negatively impacted hiring, three out of four say DEI hiring is not being deprioritized — nearly 20% say it's a higher priority now!

What does the future look like for how TA will partner with L&D teams? 

Erin:  Today, 81% of in-house recruiting pros say they need to work more closely with L&D in the future. As recruiting leaders' portfolios expand to include internal mobility, skills-first hiring, and employee retention, they must partner more closely with L&D to prepare internal talent for new roles, identify skill gaps, and ensure their organization is where people can grow their careers.

How can TA put the report findings into practice? 

Erin:  As recruiting leaders, it's essential to see what is currently happening in the macro-economy to make the best decisions for your company and employees. Recruiters can put this into practice by implementing the FoR report during every step of the hiring process by understanding what candidates are looking for, their skills, and how their careers can grow within your business.

My Take: The Future of Recruiting is Thriving!

As the world of work continues to shift, recruiters and TA teams must adapt their strategies and maintain an open conversation with their organizations and candidates. This includes reexamining employer branding, fostering collaboration between TA and L&D teams, continuing the commitment to DEIB, and strongly emphasizing understanding candidates' needs and desires.

Ultimately, the insights from the Future of Recruiting report serve as a reminder that the role of recruiters is more impactful than ever. With the right mindset and a commitment to continuous learning, talent acquisition professionals can rise to the challenges of this dynamic landscape and drive meaningful change in the world of work.