Yesterday the Chicago HR community had the opportunity to hear from Stephanie Garwood, who shared invaluable insights with Chicago SHRM on the evolving landscape of recruitment and talent acquisition. Her presentation sparked engaging discussions, with key themes emerging around relationship-building, technology, data-driven strategies, and process improvement. Below are the top takeaways:
1. Relationship Building & Networking
- It all starts with who you know. “Good people know good people”, and smart sourcing isn’t just about matching resumes to job descriptions—it’s about connecting the right PERSON to the right opportunity.
2. Tools and Technology in Recruitment
- AI and automation are enhancements NOT replacements, these tools enhance sourcing but don’t replace human intuition. Strategic networking, staying engaged, and understanding why candidates are open to change—that’s what makes the difference.
3. Engaging Hiring Managers for Better Outcomes
- The best hiring happens when recruitment has a direct line to the decisionmaker. When we are fully integrated—rather than operating in a silo—it leads to higher-quality hires, faster fills, and stronger alignment. We need to go beyond job descriptions to grasp the actual work environment, team dynamics, and project demands to identify candidates who will thrive—not just check the boxes off a job description.
4. Data-Driven Recruitment Strategies
- It’s not just about filling roles; it’s about staying ahead of industry trends, workforce planning, and leveraging market intelligence to make better hiring decisions.
- As a workforce solutions partner to our clients it is more around staying on top of market trends in our areas of expertise (HR and AF). Things like: tracking Supply & Demand in these areas to anticipate talent shortages and adjust proactive strategic sourcing accordingly.
- Instead of waiting for urgent needs we stay on top of industry shifts – like upcoming changes in compliance laws that may impact our clients or M&A activity we know is on the horizon
- By combining data with market insights and our many years of expertise, we help clients stay ahead of hiring challenges and secure the right talent
5. Overcoming Recruitment Challenges
- The best recruiters don’t wait for job openings—they’re always networking, thinking ahead, and understanding market dynamics. Finding the right team means hiring those who “get it”—the ones who live and breathe talent acquisition.
6. AI and Process Improvement in Hiring
- AI is changing the game with predictive analytics and workforce planning, but success still comes down to human relationships. Technology finds talent, but people hire people.
7. Building Trust & Credibility in Recruitment
- Trust is earned over time by understanding what motivates candidates and addressing their pain points.
- Asking “Why?”—diving deeper into candidates’ and hiring managers’ needs ensures better placements and stronger outcomes.
- Start viewing yourself as a partner, behave and ask questions like a partner and they will view you that way too.
- Be authentic. Be Real. Be you!
Stephanie’s presentation reaffirmed that effective recruitment is both an art and a science—leveraging technology, data, and AI, while maintaining a human-centered approach that prioritizes relationships and trust.
About Advanced Resources
Advanced Resources partners with leading organizations providing solutions and staffing services to address specific challenges directly impacting human resources and accounting & finance.
Over the past 30+ years, Advanced Resources has been recognized as a perennial Top Workplace while helping clients secure the best talent to meet their strategic goals.
The team of Advanced Resources is comprised of accomplished industry professionals that understand people are the heart of all organizations. Advanced Resources offers a personalized approach and proven processes to help with strategy execution.
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