No market stands still, and talent is no exception. At Malikshaw, we work with companies undergoing transformation—digital, cultural, operational—to find the right people, fast. And we're seeing hiring trends shift in real time.
Whether you're scaling a digital team, building a transformation office, or bringing in change-makers to lead from the front, here are our top 7 trends and tips for shaping talent acquisition.
1. Skills Over CVs
What's happening: Companies are placing less emphasis on traditional CVs and more on demonstrated skills, portfolios, and real-world results. In transformation and digital roles especially, experience often outweighs titles.
Tip: Focus your job postings on required outcomes, not just credentials. Use skills-based assessments to evaluate candidates on what they can do, not just where they've worked.
2. AI-Assisted Hiring Isn't Optional
What's happening: AI is transforming recruitment from sourcing and screening to interview scheduling. Used right, it speeds up digital hiring and supports more consistent, unbiased decisions.
Tip: Embrace automation where it counts but always layer it with human judgment. AI helps you scale, but it doesn't replace the need for strong candidate relationships, especially in senior transformation roles.
3. Remote is Normal, Hybrid is King
What's happening: Transformation work often spans departments, locations, and time zones. Fully remote roles are declining, but hybrid models are the new standard.
Tip: Be clear about your working model—and make sure your transformation leaders can work across in-office and virtual teams. Candidates want to know how collaboration happens day to day.
4. Employer Brand = Candidate Magnet
What's happening: High-calibre digital and transformation professionals are selective. They research everything: your mission, leadership, values, and even how you treat employees during change.
Tip: Show your story. Highlight your transformation journey, your culture, and the impact your teams are driving. Your next hire wants to believe in the mission.
5. Faster Hiring = Better Hiring
What's happening: The best candidates, especially in change and tech, aren't on the market for long. Dragging out the process? You're losing them.
Tip: Streamline your process. Combine interviews, tighten internal feedback loops, and communicate consistently. Transformation talent expects clarity and momentum.
6. EDI That's Real, Not Performative
What's happening: Inclusive hiring is expected especially in digital and transformation environments where diverse thinking drives better outcomes.
Tip: Review your language, assess for bias, and look at your entire funnel. Then make changes where it matters. Talent sees the difference.
7. Contract and Freelance Talent Rising
What's happening: Interim transformation leads, digital specialists, and freelance change managers are becoming essential. Flexible talent models support speed and adaptability.
Tip: Don't overlook the value of short-term expertise. The right contractor or interim leader can move a program forward faster than waiting for a full-time hire.
Looking to Build a High-Impact Transformation Team?
If you're planning a major change initiative—digital transformation, reorg, process overhaul—you need the right recruitment partner on your side. But not all partners are built for change.
That's why we've created:
The Definitive Guide to Choosing a Transformation Recruitment Partner
Request your copy here and we'll send it straight to your inbox.
