Why an emerging talent strategy is your competitive edge for a sustainable workforce

The need for skilled employees is more pressing than ever. But traditional hiring and training pathways can’t meet the growing demand.

Nearly a quarter of jobs worldwide will change by 2027. And then there’s the major talent shortage driven by more retirements, lower birth rates, and insufficient immigration levels. The United States’ manufacturing industry alone faces up to 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030 due to skills gaps.

That doesn’t factor in shifts from generative AI, which many employers now cite as a top driver of reskilling. Many people are eager for retraining and development, with 57% of employees globally saying they’re ready to do so to stay ahead in their careers.

The solution: An emerging talent strategy that enables you to build, not just buy, the capabilities needed for the future.

What is emerging talent?

Emerging talent refers to individuals at the beginning of a new career trajectory. Traditionally associated with early-career professionals such as students, graduates, and entry-level hires, the term now also includes those reentering the workforce, transitioning between industries, or acquiring new skills in response to technological change, automation, or shifting labor demands. 

What unites all emerging talent is their growth potential. They’re learners, explorers, and adapters – ready to build the skills, mindset, and experience required to thrive in future-facing roles.

Benefits of emerging talent

Why every organization needs an emerging talent strategy

At Cielo, we help clients implement data-driven, AI-supported strategies that seamlessly align emerging talent with their enterprise growth plans. Here’s how your business will benefit from an emerging talent strategy: 

1. Address the talent shortage 

Many employers struggle to fill entry-level roles, not due to a lack of candidates but a shortage of adequately skilled applicants. A strategic approach to emerging talent development ensures a steady pipeline of employees with the competencies your business needs. 

2. Bridge the skills gap 

Rapid advancements in technology mean people must constantly refresh their skills. Emerging talent programs provide a structured pathway for upskilling and reskilling, preparing employees to succeed in the increasingly digitalized, globalized world. 

3. Foster a varied & inclusive workforce 

A skills-first approach to hiring removes the barriers that come with many traditional requirements. According to LinkedIn data, eliminating degree requirements expands candidate pools by 9% and increases the representation of women in underrepresented roles by 24%. This shift enhances workforce diversity and drives innovation and business success.

How to build your emerging talent strategy

An effective emerging talent strategy is grounded in robust and future-ready hiring practices that match you with the right talent while ensuring access and opportunity for all. Key components include: 

1. Intelligent talent acquisition 

As industry innovation accelerates, you need a proactive TA strategy to attract and mobilize the best talent. Brand-led, omni-channel attraction programs are essential to building talent magnetism – the natural draw that brings top candidates to your organization:  

• Integrate social storytelling, influencer partnerships, experiential events, and personalized content streams that align with Gen Z’s expectations  
• Assess for high-impact traits like grit, creativity, digital mindset, applied intellect, and computational reasoning instead of narrow, competency-based frameworks 
• Use virtual work simulations to assess and develop potential in low-stakes, high-learning experiences 
• Conduct asynchronous video interviews to promote flexibility and inclusivity, especially for neurodiverse candidates or those from underrepresented backgrounds 

2. Holistic development pathways 

A successful strategy integrates multiple paths to attract and develop talent: 

• Use early outreach programs that disrupt traditional hiring models and create future talent pipelines 
• Design initiatives to attract graduates, workforce returners, and first-time job seekers while building future-ready skills 
• Offer career transition programs and tailored development for professionals pivoting into new industries 

3. Leveraging technology to enhance engagement 

The best emerging talent strategies incorporate digital tools to streamline the hiring process and improve the candidate experience: 

• Deploy low friction, high touch engagement strategies that keep candidates in close contact from day one 
• Implement a hiring platform that creates a seamless, intuitive experience for both recruiters and candidates 
• Leverage data and analytics that provide real-time visibility for all stakeholders connected to the hiring process 

The future of emerging talent

Remaining competitive requires continuous evolution of your workforce strategy. Adopting a holistic, skills-based approach to attracting, hiring and retaining emerging talent will help you: 

• Create a pipeline of future-ready talent 
• Reduce skills gaps and improve retention 
• Build an inclusive hiring model that values experience and potential over traditional qualifications 
• Strengthen your resilience in an ever-changing market 

Future-proof or fall behind: Build your emerging talent strategy today 

A well-crafted emerging talent strategy will help you develop intentional talent pathways and create innovative hiring experiences that earn top talent. It’s not a short-term hiring fix – it’s an investment in the future of your business. Let’s build tomorrow’s workforce today.