Whether we like it or not, 2013 is here. As the calendar turns, it seems a perfect time for reflection, both personally and professionally.  2012 was another year of broken resolutions, unfilled potential, and missed opportunities, that were interspersed with small gains, both personally and professionally.  Yet, I remain optimistic, hopeful and eager to embrace the adventures of 2013.  Somehow I want to make 2013 different, even if the challenges of 2012 remain with their respective prospects for solutions continue.

When I think about the professional side of things and look at talent acquisition, I see three overarching challenges:

1. The candidate/prospect experience
2. The lack of integration of technology solutions
3. The confluence of Web 1.0 & Web 2.0

These challenges will be the focus of my professional energy, efforts, and conversations in 2013 (as they were in 2012).  So, here we go again?

The experience that a prospect or a candidate enjoys (or doesn't) is one of the important and seemingly ignored by aspects of talent acquisition.  Sometimes I think the candidate/prospect experience is talent acquisition's "fiscal cliff."

As a talent sourcer, I am very excited about the technological innovation that is occurring, especially in the area of identifying, engaging and nurturing prospects.  Unfortunately, no one technology solution seems to work with an ATS.    Sometimes the lack of a “line of sight” from prospect interest to candidate hire is like "driving blind."

As an early adopter and advocate of Web 2.0 in talent acquisition, I must also acknowledge that certain Web 1.0 tactics and tools still work.  This state where Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 both exists (and function well) is called confluence.  While we are waiting for the convergence of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 into what we will call Web 3.0, we must navigate this time of confluence.  Sometimes, this period of confluence is too “complicated” for simple solutions.

The adventures in talent acquisition that await us in 2013, while familiar will give us new versions to consider and fresh variations to explore and a renewed commitment to take on our overarching challenges. Perhaps that is where 2013 will be different; the same challenges, but taken on with a new perspective.

Happy New Year!