The Art of Recruiting
Book Review: The Art of Recruiting
Recruiting is both an art and a science, and no one understands this better than Andrea Piacquadio. In his book, “The Art of Recruiting,” Piacquadio draws upon his extensive experience as a recruiter and talent acquisition leader to provide a comprehensive guide to the art of finding and attracting top talent.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of understanding the value of soft skills in the hiring process. Piacquadio emphasizes that while technical skills are certainly important, it’s the soft skills that truly set top performers apart. He notes that attributes such as communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional intelligence are often the most critical factors in determining success in a given role.
Piacquadio’s emphasis on soft skills is supported by research as well. According to a recent study by LinkedIn, 92% of talent acquisition professionals say that soft skills are as important or more important than hard skills when hiring. Additionally, a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that employers ranked communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as the most important attributes in job candidates.
“The Art of Recruiting” provides practical advice on how to assess soft skills during the hiring process. Piacquadio emphasizes the importance of asking behavioral-based interview questions that allow candidates to showcase their soft skills. He also suggests using assessments and other tools to measure soft skills objectively.
Another key takeaway from the book is the importance of building relationships with candidates. Piacquadio notes that the best recruiters are those who are able to connect with candidates on a personal level, understand their motivations and aspirations, and build trust and rapport. He suggests that recruiters take a long-term view of the recruiting process, focusing not just on filling immediate hiring needs, but on building a strong talent pipeline for the future.
Overall, “The Art of Recruiting” is a must-read for recruiters and talent acquisition professionals looking to improve their skills and stay ahead of the competition. Piacquadio’s emphasis on soft skills and relationship building provides valuable insights for anyone looking to attract and retain top talent.
References:
LinkedIn. (2019). The Rise of Soft Skills. https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/business/talent-solutions/global/en_us/c/pdfs/Global_Talent_Trends_2019_US_final.pdf
National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2019). Job Outlook 2019. https://www.naceweb.org/job-market/internship-co-op-and-job-offer-rates/job-outlook-2019/
