10 Apr 15 Essential Skills for Talent Acquisition Specialists in 2025
This article builds upon a collection of interview questions for talent acquisition specialists, with additional insights from TapTalent, FullStack Recruiter, and ANSR.
In today’s competitive business landscape, talent acquisition specialists play a pivotal role in sourcing, attracting, and hiring top talent. As organizations expand globally, these specialists are increasingly working alongside global mobility professionals to create comprehensive talent strategies that transcend borders. While talent acquisition specialists focus on identifying and securing the best candidates, global mobility experts manage the complex logistics of moving employees across international boundaries. This partnership is becoming indispensable as companies seek to build diverse, agile workforces capable of meeting global business challenges.
According to Centuro Global, almost nine in 10 (88%) HR professionals said employers consider mobility to address global talent shortages, and 90% plan to sustain or increase their organization’s scope of mobility over the next three years. For talent acquisition specialists, understanding global mobility principles has become a crucial skill as they navigate an increasingly borderless talent marketplace.
The talent acquisition landscape continues to transform rapidly. A recent survey of more than 930 talent acquisition decision-makers reported by FullStack Recruiter found that 70% of recruiters remain confident about job growth and continued hiring demand in 2025, with 44.1% anticipating increasing their hiring volume. TapTalent observes that “the world of talent acquisition is undergoing a massive transformation. Recruiters are no longer just filling roles; they’re strategically building workforces to keep organizations ahead in an ever-changing landscape.”
The Digital Skills & Salary Primer FY 25 report cited by ANSR anticipates that the demand for digital professionals will outstrip supply, resulting in a projected shortfall of 1.9 million skilled workers by FY 2026.
To stay competitive in 2025, talent acquisition specialists need to master these essential skills:
1. Global mobility expertise
Centuro Global explains that global mobility gives employers access to a larger talent pool by opening up different countries and regions, as well as specialized skills that may not be available locally. Talent acquisition specialists must understand international hiring practices, work permits, visa requirements, and global compensation structures to effectively recruit across borders.
2. AI and automation proficiency
TapTalent emphasizes that “the recruitment industry is no stranger to automation, but in 2024, the game is about human-AI collaboration. Talent acquisition specialists who leverage AI as a co-pilot—not just a tool—are the ones who’ll stand out.” Understanding how to effectively implement and work alongside AI tools for candidate sourcing, screening, and engagement is crucial.
3. Skills-based hiring expertise
HR Magazine notes that “skills-based hiring will play a significant role in talent management in 2024, as the rapidly evolving job market demands individuals who can quickly adapt to today’s challenges and technologies.” Talent acquisition specialists must be able to identify and evaluate skills rather than focusing solely on credentials or work history.
4. Data analytics and interpretation
ANSR reports that data-driven insights derived from past hiring data enable organizations to significantly reduce the time required to fill vacancies and lead to cost savings through strategic talent planning. The ability to collect, analyze, and draw actionable insights from recruitment metrics is increasingly important.
5. Strategic workforce planning
Talent acquisition specialists must align their recruitment efforts with long-term business objectives. This includes understanding future skill requirements, identifying potential talent gaps, and developing proactive strategies to meet organizational needs.
6. Diversity and inclusion expertise
Creating diverse and inclusive workplaces remains a top priority. Specialists need to implement unbiased recruitment practices, develop inclusive job descriptions, and cultivate diverse talent pipelines to build balanced teams.
7. Candidate experience design
ANSR highlights that organizations prioritizing positive employee experiences throughout the recruitment process can “streamline processes, diminish effort, and curtail expenditures in hiring endeavours.” Creating personalized, engaging candidate journeys is essential for attracting top talent.
8. Employer branding and EVP Development
Research from DistantJob reveals that 92% of job seekers find international work opportunities and experiences life-changing, making these opportunities an important part of employer branding. Talent acquisition specialists must craft compelling employer value propositions that showcase unique benefits, including global mobility options.
9. Virtual reality interview skills
ANSR reveals that “Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are transforming the hiring process” by enabling candidates to engage in simulated job tasks and reducing recruitment costs. Specialists should understand how to leverage these technologies effectively.
10. Internal talent marketplace management
ANSR describes how creating internal talent marketplaces offers multiple benefits, including “increasing internal mobility and retention” and “faster fulfillment of critical roles.” Developing skills to identify and redeploy internal talent is becoming increasingly important.
11. Remote work program development
Centuro Global reports that 57% of businesses plan to offer more flexibility in where employees work as talent scarcity grows. Talent acquisition specialists must create effective remote work policies and develop strategies for sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding remote talent.
12. Relationship building and stakeholder management
The ability to build strong relationships with hiring managers, executives, and candidates remains crucial. Effective communication, negotiation, and influence skills help talent acquisition specialists navigate competing priorities and ensure alignment across the organization.
13. Continuous learning and adaptability
The upcoming Talent Mobility 2025 conference highlights the importance of staying updated on “the latest mobility trends and strategies for 2025 and beyond,” emphasizing the need for ongoing professional development. Specialists must continuously update their skills to keep pace with evolving industry trends.
14. Automation and technology integration
FullStack Recruiter identifies emerging specializations in data analytics and talent intelligence, with increasing demand for talent operations roles. Understanding how to integrate and optimize recruitment technologies is essential for efficiency.
15. Employee referral program management
ANSR describes how employee referral initiatives are gaining traction, allowing companies to “access talent already aligned with organisational culture” and achieve “cost-effective recruitment” while boosting retention rates. Developing effective referral programs is becoming a core skill.
ICG Medical explains that global talent mobility is essential for businesses operating in global markets as it enables them to manage their workforce more effectively, fill skills gaps, and promote diversity within organizations.
Centuro Global reports that 71% of millennials expect and want an overseas assignment at some point during their career, and this group is expected to comprise 75% of the workforce by 2025.
By mastering these 15 essential skills, talent acquisition specialists can position themselves as strategic partners in their organizations, helping to build diverse, agile workforces capable of thriving in an increasingly borderless business environment.
The most successful specialists will be those who can balance technological innovation with human connection, leveraging global mobility strategies to access untapped talent pools while creating compelling candidate experiences. As the boundaries between talent acquisition and global mobility continue to blur, professionals who understand both disciplines will be exceptionally valuable to forward-thinking organizations.