7 Global Talent Trends in International Hiring

Imagine you’re hiring your team's next superstar. 

You dig out your company's hiring handbook, last updated by your predecessor's predecessor back when flip phones were all the rage. 

One sneeze-inducing dust cloud later, you realize it's time to ditch the dinosaur methods. Welcome to 2024, where artificial intelligence and remote work are reshaping recruitment. 

Here are the 7 global talent trends that will transform your hiring process and help you attract the world's top talent.

1. If it Doesn't Flex it'll Break 

Forget the 9-to-5 grind. 

People are craving flexibility, whether it's working from home or setting their own flexible hours. Night owls? Early birds? Globetrotters? No problem! 

It shouldn't matter where or when you work, as long as you're up to date, on time and connected.

A McKinsey survey showed an eye watering 87% of people would jump at the chance for flexible work. Offering flexibility can be a high-impact value-add when attracting top talent.

The future of work is remote-friendly anyway. Why not jump ahead of the curve by getting flexy?

2. Skills are More Valuable Than Degrees 

As more and more teams go remote, soft-skills are becoming king. 

Great communication, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt are what companies need. Focus on soft-skills during interviews.

If they're in the interview, you already know they have the technical skills. You need to find someone who gels with your team, not just someone with a shiny resume.

Top Tip: The Korn Ferry's Talent Acquisition Trends report highlights choosing skills over fancy degrees. This also helps promote diversity and inclusion in your hiring.

3. Gigs are Getting Longer

Companies are increasingly opening their doors to freelancers and contractors. 

This lets you tap into a global talent pool and manage local regulations. 

It's also super flexible.

The gig economy gives you access to specialists for specific projects. Just think, by 2027, 60% of U.S. workers will be independent - and that's just the U.S.!

But remember, attracting and keeping contractors takes different talent strategies than traditional hiring.

When you find your next great contractor, build a long-term relationship. It’ll be worth it.

4. Health Includes Mental Health

Mental health is a top concern for both companies and workers. 

The Pandemic and the Great Resignation didn’t leave people feeling on top of the world. 

As we enter the Great Stay, companies need to focus on creating work environments that support well-being. In 2024, a paycheck isn't enough. Workers want to feel good about where they work.

FlexJobs found that 93% of remote workers say working remotely improves their mental health. Another survey found remote workers saw benefits like less stress (48%), reduced burnout (36%), and better sleep (32%). 

Building a strong company culture and supporting mental health makes a big difference.

5. Show the Real You

A strong employer brand is a magnet for top international talent. 

People want to work for a company they believe in. Gen Z doesn't care about flashy marketing brochures and a well-curated dumpster fire.

Recruiting Brainfood's Hung Lee says companies need to showcase real employee experiences, not just create a polished image.

Focus on the candidate experience and showing your genuine company culture. It'll go a long way in attracting international talent.

6. Use AI So You Can Be Human 

AI is making waves in recruitment by streamlining the hiring process and keeping candidates in the loop. 

AI tools can automate repetitive tasks and provide real-time updates. What does this mean? No more applicants left hanging. 

A Robert Half survey found that 62% of job seekers lose interest if they don't hear back within two working weeks. Leveraging AI can keep them engaged, preventing them from giving up on your opportunity.

AI can also help recruiters screen resumes faster. 

This frees up time, energy and focus for the all important human side of hiring that AI can't replace.

7. Being Data Focused Doesn't Make You Impersonal

Data and analytics are playing a bigger role in recruitment. 

From standardized tests, like the CCAT, to language proficiency exams, data can help reduce bias and improve decisions.

Data can also help recruiters distill the best candidates up front. 

That way, the recruiter can look past the numbers and focus on the actual candidate. Do they fit the team, and does the team fit them?

There's no substitute for emotional intelligence and genuine connection.

Top Tip: Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your data requirements to the specific role you're hiring for.

Re-Energize Your Talent Strategy

Staying ahead of the curve in the global talent game means embracing these seven trends. From flexibility and soft skills, to mental health and AI, these insights will make you a magnet for the world's top talent.

Revamp your recruitment strategy by adopting these cutting-edge trends and watch your hiring take off.