Recruitment: Challenges and growth for HR professionals

Finding your next role in HR is not always straightforward. Whether you are starting your HR career, looking to progress, returning to the profession or seeking a change of direction, today’s recruitment landscape can feel increasingly difficult to navigate. Changing employer expectations, competition for opportunities and the growing use of artificial intelligence in recruitment and selection are all affecting the applicant experience. This session will help HR professionals consider how they can navigate these challenges and approach their next career move with greater confidence. This interactive event will explore what these developments mean for HR practitioners, whether they are beginning their careers, seeking progression, moving into recruitment or talent acquisition, or preparing for more senior HR leadership roles. Hosted by Debbie Blackwell, Business Director at Hays, the session will draw on her work partnering with organisations on executive HR search and her insight into the HR recruitment market. The event will combine practical market insight, career development guidance, discussion and networking. Rather than focusing only on finding the next role, it will help members understand how recruitment is evolving and how they can demonstrate their value in an increasingly technology-enabled profession. The session will explore: • current challenges and opportunities within the HR recruitment market; • the skills, experience and professional evidence organisations look for when recruiting HR professionals; • how expectations change when progressing from operational HR into strategic, specialist and leadership roles; • the growing use of AI in job searching, candidate sourcing, application screening and recruitment processes; • appropriate and transparent use of generative AI when preparing CVs, applications and interview material; • the limitations and risks of AI, including bias, loss of candidate voice and over-reliance on automated outputs; • how candidates can communicate their impact rather than simply listing responsibilities; • the value of professional networks, market visibility and trusted relationships when developing an HR career; • common barriers to progression and practical ways HR professionals can broaden their experience; and • what executive search involves and how professionals can prepare for senior HR opportunities. Speaker's background Debbie Blackwell partners with organisations on executive HR search, specialising in retained senior and executive HR appointments. She offers deep market insight and a consultative approach, working with organisations to understand their leadership requirements and identify suitable senior HR talent. Through this session, Debbie Blackwell will share recruitment-market observations and practical guidance to help HR professionals understand changing employer expectations, present their experience effectively and make informed decisions about their future careers. On the day: Networking, talk, followed by discussions and Q&A’s. Hot food buffet will be provided. What you'll gain: • gain current, practitioner-led insight into the HR recruitment and executive-search market; • understand how organisations assess HR capability, experience, potential and strategic impact; • recognise the differences between applying for operational, specialist, strategic and senior leadership roles; • explore how AI may assist recruitment while understanding where human judgement, transparency and authenticity remain essential; • learn how to communicate achievements and organisational impact more effectively; • identify skills or experience that may help them progress towards their next HR role; • develop practical questions to use when speaking with recruiters or executive-search professionals; • expand their local professional network; and • leave with an individual career action plan rather than only general recruitment information. Joining instructions Guest speakers Some events may include external speakers. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CIPD. Accessibility and reasonable adjustments If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your participation, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.