Using Talent Mapping to Uncover Hidden Talent Pools and Gain a Competitive Edge

Finding the right talent has become increasingly challenging for the energy, power and adjacent sectors. Companies are not only vying for top performers but also for specialists with niche skills in renewables and emerging technologies. In fact, one estimate suggests that by 2030 the skills gap in the green energy sector will reach 7 million globally. Closing that gap is where talent mapping comes into play. It can be a powerful tool to identify and engage top talent before your competitors do, giving you a strategic advantage and helping you to scale your business when needed. 

What is Talent Mapping?

Talent mapping is a strategic approach to recruitment that involves systematically identifying, analysing, and engaging potential candidates who could fill key roles within your organisation, both now and in the future. It’s about building a proactive pipeline of talented individuals who are not always actively looking for a job but may be the perfect fit when an opportunity arises.

Unlike traditional recruitment methods that focus on filling positions reactively, talent mapping takes a long-term view. It allows you to stay ahead of the curve by understanding the talent landscape in your industry. Whether it’s discovering skilled traders or finding innovative engineers, talent mapping equips you with the insights you need to make informed hiring decisions.

The Benefits of Talent Mapping for Talent Acquisition

Talent mapping offers numerous advantages, especially for complex and specialised sectors like energy, power and emerging technologies.

• Gain Access to Hidden Talent Pools

  Talent pools that are often overlooked in traditional recruitment processes are rich with passive candidates who may not be actively job hunting but are open to engaging in a conversation. Using recruitment mapping, you can identify skilled professionals who might otherwise remain hidden.
  
  

• Build a Proactive Recruitment Strategy

  In sectors like energy and commodities, where new opportunities can emerge quickly, having a proactive recruitment strategy is crucial. Talent mapping allows you to build a pipeline of qualified candidates, ensuring that when a vacancy arises, you already have a shortlist of pre-vetted individuals. This approach reduces time-to-hire, ensuring that key roles are filled quickly without sacrificing quality.
  
  

• Improve Talent Market Intelligence

  Understanding the dynamics of the talent market is essential for making strategic hiring decisions. Talent mapping offers valuable insights into trends, salary expectations, skills availability, and candidate mobility. This talent market intelligence helps you tailor your recruitment strategy to better align with market conditions, ensuring you stay ahead of competitors.
  
  

• Gain a Competitive Advantage

  Companies that invest in talent mapping gain a competitive advantage by having access to high-quality candidates before their competitors do. This early engagement builds strong relationships with potential candidates, making them more likely to consider your company when a suitable opportunity arises.
  
  
  

How Talent Mapping Works

To use talent mapping successfully, it’s essential to follow a structured process. 

Step 1: Define Your Talent Needs

The first step is to have a clear understanding of your current and future hiring needs. This includes identifying critical roles, skills, and competencies that are essential for success. Try to plan for both short-term (up to 6 months ahead) and longer-term needs. Just 18% of UK businesses look 2 years ahead but thinking long term can be beneficial especially for harder to fill roles.

Step 2: Conduct Market Research

This involves analysing competitors, understanding market trends, and pinpointing where top talent is. In the energy and commodities market, for example, research might focus on identifying key talent hubs, industry innovators, or companies undergoing significant transformations.

Step 3: Identify Talent Pools

Once you've gathered market intelligence, it's time to identify potential talent pools. These pools can include passive candidates, rising stars in the industry, or professionals in adjacent sectors who have transferable skills. 

Step 4: Engage and Build Relationships

Talent mapping is not just about identifying candidates—it's about engaging them effectively. Building a relationship with potential hires before they are needed increases the chances of a successful recruitment when the time is right. Use social media platforms, industry events, and networking groups, to keep potential candidates warm and engaged.

Step 5: Maintain an Updated Talent Pipeline

To keep your pipeline relevant, it's crucial to regularly update your data, track candidate progress, and stay informed of any changes in the talent landscape. This ensures that when a vacancy arises, you have an up-to-date list of qualified candidates who can be approached.

Practical Ways to Build a Pipeline of Qualified Candidates

Building a strong pipeline requires a combination of strategy, tools, and persistence. Here are some practical tips for using talent mapping successfully to achieve this:

• Use Technology to Your Advantage

  Software tools can help in recruitment mapping and pipelining efforts. For example, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms keep track of candidate interactions and store valuable data on potential hires.
  
  

• Network Strategically

  You can engage candidates online through social media and other platforms, but often face-to-face interactions can be crucial for building credibility and trust. Attending industry events, trade shows, and conferences can give you access to talented professionals.
  
  

• Offer Value Before You Recruit

  Providing value early in the relationship helps establish you as a trusted industry leader, making it easier to recruit when opportunities arise. Consider sharing valuable industry insights, reports, or hosting informational webinars.
  
  

• Monitor Competitor Movements

  If a competitor is expanding or undergoing structural changes, it may be an opportunity to engage with talent who might be open to exploring new options. This aspect of talent market intelligence is crucial for staying ahead.
  
  

• Partner with a Specialised Recruitment Agency

  For businesses in specialised sectors, partnering with a recruitment agency like Eleven can be transformative. We have deep industry knowledge, access to extensive networks, and the expertise needed to carry out comprehensive talent mapping, helping to identify hidden talent pools and create a tailored recruitment strategy to meet your specific needs.
  
  

Gain a Competitive Edge with Eleven Associates Talent Mapping Services

At Eleven, we understand the complexities of recruiting in the energy, commodities, and emerging technology sectors. Our team specialises in helping businesses uncover hidden talent pools and build a competitive edge. With our industry insights, extensive networks, and expertise in talent pipelining, we ensure that you have access to the best candidates in the market.

Contact us today to discover how our talent mapping services can give you a strategic advantage in your industry.