"Skills-based hiring isn't just removing a degree requirement from a job description. It takes a long time and serious commitment to see it through."
-Matt Alder
Summary:  
My guest for this episode is Matt Alder, podcaster, author, consultant and futurist
This is an exciting episode because it includes the first ever episode of The Take it or Leave it Show! This short segment takes place in the middle of our interview.  This is a fun segment that provides listeners with expert takes on current hot topics.  In the segment, Matt and I review two articles from the current news, share our takes on them, and give a collective thumbs up or thumbs down on it.  
This week’s articles cover the topics of skills based hiring and the use of AI driven personality assessments in hiring.  Don’t miss it!
In addition to Take it or Leave it, in this episode we learn about Matt’'s background in talent acquisition, his Recruiting Future podcast and his books 'Exceptional Talent' and 'Digital Talent'.  Through these efforts and Matt’s work as a top notch consultant and futurist, we discuss the hot topics that are shaping the future of hiring.
Topics covered include:

• The definition of “digital transformation” and its impact on talent acquisition
• The role of AI in recruitment and how companies should approach the adoption of new technologies
• Challenges in skills-based hiring
• The importance of experimentation and innovation in recruitment, and 
• Predictions for the future of talent acquisition in 2034. 

Take Aways:

• Embrace Digital Transformation: Companies must adjust to an increasingly digital world, understanding that digital transformation impacts all aspects of business, including talent acquisition. Digital transformation involves more than just adopting new technologies; it requires a shift in mindset to leverage these tools effectively.
• Foster a Future-Focused Mindset: Being open to change and continuously experimenting with new technologies is essential for staying ahead in the HR landscape. Organizations need to think beyond the current processes and explore how technology can fundamentally change their operations.

• Prioritize Skills-Based Hiring: While challenging, skills-based hiring can lead to a more equitable and effective recruitment process, helping organizations find and retain the right talent. This approach emphasizes the importance of assessing candidates based on their actual skills rather than traditional credentials.

• Enhance Candidate Experience: Providing a consumer-grade experience in recruitment processes is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent, particularly among digitally savvy candidates. The goal is to make the recruitment process as engaging and seamless as possible.

• Navigate AI and Automation: Understanding the potential and limitations of AI in recruitment is vital. Organizations should focus on using AI to complement human decision-making and improve efficiency without losing sight of ethical considerations.

Future Hiring Trends: Matt predicts that by 2034, hiring will be highly data-driven, with advanced AI and automation playing a central role. This will lead to more personalized and efficient recruitment processes, but it will also require careful management to ensure fairness and inclusivity