"Talent" as a buzzword in the New Economy (employees, employers)

[KonaldDuth]

Has anyone else noticed how this word has widespread use in the new economy? For example, what used to be called recruiters are now Talent Acquisition Managers. The reason I find this disconcerting is that the word talent connotes an inherent quality, and a person who gets rejected after an interview, or gets continually rejected, is meant to feel defective, might as well drop dead since their inherent "talent" level has been assessed and deemed inadequate.

[John7777]

It's just a buzzword. I wouldn't think too much about it. They're still looking for the best candidates.

[MLSFan]

thought it was just them breaking roles apart

something like how a recruiter could work the offer as well as just finding them? When I worked with a recruiter before, I could do some negotiation through them without talking with anyone else.

the talent managers only "scout" for people, they don't have much role in what deals get made after that? I haven't used a talent guy before so maybe they can help with negotiations as well? But from title it doesn't seem like it. Plus from them being "young", I doubt they have much sway in terms of power there. I can't see myself telling one of them I need at least this much money or I won't work here, what can you do to make it happen...? I've told recruiters that before and more often than not, I've gotten the amount I wanted plus a little more. I mean that recruiters have more leeway in how they "offer" jobs is what I mean, they are given a range and then they have freedom in what they offer based on what they see in the person. Talent sound to me like they just "refer" people up the ladder?

[sandsthetime]

Originally Posted by KonaldDuth

For example, what used to be called recruiters are now Talent Acquisition Managers.

I don't think it really fits, as most recruiters wouldn't know talent if it slapped them in the face.

Also, the term "dynamic" is another big buzzword I've seen recently. Even for a $10 job like data entry or administrative assisting, you have to be dynamic.

[tnff]

Ya'll are late to the party. "Talent" has been a buzzword for several years now. So has "dynamic" along with "fast paced" etc. They have defined "talent" as the A workers and fawn all over them. So if you're defined as "talent" then you are way ahead of the game. Unfortunately "talent" seems to have little to do with actual ability and a lot to do with image.

[bUU]

There has always been a distinction between pursuit of the employees who's specific skills become costly to replace, due to induction to the specifics of the business taking week or months or even years, and those positions for which replacements can often come up to speed in a matter of days or weeks.

[newJerseyPinky]

The company for which I formerly worked titled them human resource recruiting manger. In 2008 these very same people, under a new EVP of HR, had their titles changed to talent acquisition manager. Nothing in their roles had changed, some of whom were with the company for ten years. Just the title. Around the same time, they revamped the mission statement and came up with a litany of new core values. This was all simply window dressing, and the new management team making their mark. Ah, fun times.

[Serious Conversation]

Talent has become a buzzword for staff or personnel.

[Hemlock140]

Titles and descriptions change over time but the meaning is the same. The Personnel Analyst of the 80s became the Human Resource Specialist, and now Talent Acquisition Manager, all with local variations. Looking at the timing, I would attribute this to the tech industry, in attempting to differentiate themselves from other employers. They are not workers, nor even programmers now. They are developers, engineers, or IT talent.

[Arthur Digby Sellers]

You are putting WAY too much thought into this.