The most commonly required skill for TA leaders is communication, a vital soft skill that also tops the list of the most in-demand skills overall. As previously alluded to, training and development is the one skill that appears on both these lists, meaning it’s an already-crucial skill that’s gaining even more importance.
Other notable highlights include analytical skills (which we saw increasing in importance years ago), project management, and talent management. That last skill in particular points to the expanding scope of talent leaders. As one influencer recently asked: “So, is the future of TA actually talent management?” (His answer: yes).
Final thoughts
As we’ve seen, the terrain of talent acquisition leadership is shifting, with a clear trend toward more complex and strategic roles that marry traditional recruiting responsibilities with broader organizational development tasks.
For talent acquisition leaders and those aspiring to these roles, staying ahead means continuously updating your skill sets to meet these new demands. Whether you’re mastering the latest in training and development or honing your skills as a strategic advisor, the future of TA leadership will reward those who can persevere and adapt.
Methodology
Only skills explicitly mentioned in the “Requirements” section of a paid job posting for talent acquisition leadership positions are included. LinkedIn premium job postings in the previous two years are considered. When the analysis was run in July 2024, the timeline was July 2022 to June 2024. The yearly analysis was split as: August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023 vs. August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024. Talent acquisition leadership positions are defined as recruiting-related positions with an upper-level management seniority, such as director, vice president, or higher.
