Global Talent Acquisition Day – September 4, 2024

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Global Talent Acquisition Day is celebrated every year on the first Wednesday in September. This year, it falls on September 4. This international holiday was introduced in 2018 by K.R.T. Marketing, a talent acquisition agency offering its services to companies worldwide. It recognizes the contributions of talent acquisition professionals to employers and organizations everywhere. After all, many companies wouldn’t have any labor at all without the efforts of talent acquisition agents. They recruit employees with the right skills and qualifications, playing a critical role in the job sector. Talent acquisition professionals are often overlooked. Their job is obscure but essential, and they deserve a holiday in their honor.

History of Global Talent Acquisition Day

Though it’s an industry that has grown tremendously in recent years, talent acquisition is by no means a new phenomenon. This profession has existed in one form or another for thousands of years. Throughout human history, there has always been a process of identifying and employing skilled workers to meet certain needs. In the past, early forms of talent acquisition were usually led by governments. Empires and kingdoms needed competent professionals to act as political advisors, military commanders, and government administrators. One example of this was in ancient China, during the Song Dynasty era (960 A.D to 1279 A.D.). To enter the government’s civil service, citizens had to take a series of formal exams. These exams were so difficult that only 1% of applicants passed. This rigorous process ensured only the most capable citizens served in the Chinese government.

Greco-Roman societies also practiced talent acquisition. Both the Greeks and Romans had very militaristic societies. It was common for the government to send recruiters to seek out talented soldiers and commanders for their fighting forces. Julius Caesar (100 B.C. to 44 B.C.) was one of the first to introduce an employee referral system. Successful recruiters were rewarded generously with up to a third of their annual pay. This incentivized the talent acquisition process, but that wasn’t enough for the Roman empire. The military was advertised as a status symbol, and soldiers were tattooed. In this way, the army’s ranks swelled thanks to Caesar’s talent acquisition methods.

World War I and II saw a rise in talent acquisition using military recruitment advertisements. The Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster remains one of the most instantly recognizable things about the American war effort. Present-day talent acquisition is geared towards employment in the private sector.

Global Talent Acquisition Day timeline

55 B.C.

Roman Employee Referral Program

Recruiters seek soldiers for the Roman army using a system implemented by Julius Caesar.

35 A.D.

Greek Military Recruitment

Greeks recruit soldiers through interstate treaties and diplomatic channels, hiring people on 10-month contracts.

1350 A.D.

Introduction of Employment Laws

To reduce talent competition, the first labor law is introduced to set wages and restrict mobility.

1914

World War I Recruitment

Propaganda and posters are used to recruit large numbers of military personnel.

1939

World War II Recruitment

Once again, posters and nationalist propaganda are used to recruit troops with great effect.

Global Talent Acquisition Day FAQs

When did talent acquisition start?

The earliest forms of talent acquisition date back to 2000 B.C.

Is talent acquisition the same as H.R.?

No. Many use the terms interchangeably, but talent acquisition and human resources are two different functions within an organization. Talent acquisition professionals find and place new talent at organizations while human resources professionals manage the talent already in an organization.

What is the talent acquisition life cycle?

This refers to each step of the talent acquisition process, from initial job requisition to onboarding.

Global Talent Acquisition Day Activities

Throw a party for your agents
It could be a formal dinner with drinks, a casual weekend brunch, or a small gathering after work. This gesture will leave your talent acquisition agents feeling the love and recognition of their efforts.
Upgrade the workspace
Sprucing up the office for the talent acquisition team makes them feel appreciated and is a good way to celebrate Global Talent Acquisition Day. It could be something as simple as a fresh coat of paint, some tasteful art, or a new flatscreen T.V.
Reach out to agents
Kind words of gratitude can go a long way. Don’t hesitate to contact people and let them know how grateful you are for their work. Talent acquisition agents play a vital but overlooked role in every workplace and organization. You can call, send an email, or tag people on social media to let them know you care.

5 Important Facts About Talent Acquisition

Diversity is becoming more important
About 78% of talent acquisition staff say diversity in the workplace impacts their talent acquisition process.
Few organizations set gender diversity targets
Only 25% of organizations put gender diversity targets in place as part of their talent acquisition strategy.
Strategic education programs help a lot
About 66% of business leaders say that having strategic education programs in their organization helps attract new talent.
Human talent shortage in the future
By 2030, shortages in human talent will amount to more than 85 million people worldwide, resulting in $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenues.
A skill gap among applicants
About 75% of talent acquisition professionals say there is a skills gap with job applicants, and 91% of managers believe employee learning programs can help close these gaps.

Why We Love Global Talent Acquisition Day

It celebrates the hiring process’ unsung heroes
It feels good to be appreciated. Today, talent acquisition agents get the recognition they deserve.
It highlights the importance of talent acquisition
The importance of talent acquisition in the employment market cannot be overstated. This holiday does well to remind everyone of that.
It’s an international holiday
Global Talent Acquisition Day isn’t limited to specific countries. Everyone can celebrate this holiday and appreciate the hard work of talent acquisition professionals worldwide.