The world of Talent Acquisition has evolved… and at some pace might I add. Change isn’t always positive, but it isn’t always negative either. Over the last 3–4 months, as I’ve navigated the job market, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how much our industry has grown and shifted - and it definitely gives you pause for thought.
Why is TA Always in the Spotlight?
TA and recruitment are talked about more than many other industries. But why?
- Is it the constantly changing landscape?
- The array of hiring models?
- The lucrative salaries and bonuses?
- Or the long-standing perception of being a “necessary evil” for businesses?
Whatever the reason, one thing’s certain: our industry is rarely out of the spotlight. And more than ever, it continues to attract fresh, ambitious talent year after year — which can only be a good thing.
New School vs Old School
Recently, I’ve seen a lot of debate around “new school” vs “old school” recruiters. But is the gap really that wide? Has technology genuinely improved the hiring experience, or has some of the human touch been lost along the way - replaced by video interviews, AI emails, and generic rejections?
The Candidate Journey is Everything
Anyone who knows me will tell you this: the candidate journey is everything.
It’s the heartbeat of TA.
If organisations can’t get that right, what does it say about their culture and ways of working? Would you work for a company that delivers a poor interview/hiring process? Would you attach your name and reputation to a model that isn't fit for purpose?
Good vs Great
A wise person once asked me:
“Richard, what’s the difference between good and great?”
That question has stuck with me ever since.
Questions to Reflect On
- Are companies striving for great?
- Is good really good enough?
- Or are we quietly accepting mediocrity?
- And are current market conditions shaping how we define that experience?
The Job Seeker’s Perspective
Being a job seeker right now, it’s easy to take things personally. Easy to feel like the world is against you. Every rejection, unanswered email, or knock-back can feel like a reflection of “the state of TA in 2026.”
But what I’ve also come to appreciate is the immense pressure TA teams, recruiters, and hiring managers are under. The sheer volume of applications, DMs, emails, calls… it’s enormous.
A Call for Kindness
Maybe, just maybe, we all need to be a little kinder to one another.
- Recruiters are under intense pressure.
- Job seekers are in stressful, uncertain situations.
- Yet instead of supporting each other, too often we point-score and place blame.
TA can do better - collectively.
Let’s pause, take a breath, and remember why we got into this brilliant industry in the first place.
RS
PS… Please keep introducing me to Recruiters, Hiring Managers, RPO/MSP leaders etc. I've had some wonderful conversations lately and that wouldn't have happened without the support of my peers on LI.
Richard Savva is a strategic and hands-on Talent Acquisition Leader with 20 years’ experience building high-performing teams, scaling recruitment functions, and delivering hiring excellence across the UK, Europe, US and APAC. LinkedIn - Richard Savva
Discover top-rated Rec2Rec London roles across multiple industries.