Tom, a talent acquisition expert, shares his experiences and insights on building scalable talent functions. He emphasizes the importance of pragmatism and adaptability in fast-growing companies. Tom also discusses the challenges of defining and measuring quality of hire and the role of data analytics in talent acquisition. He highlights the essential tools and technologies for supporting scalable talent acquisition, including ATS, sourcing platforms, and AI-powered solutions. Tom also mentions the potential of AI in sourcing and screening candidates, although he acknowledges the need to balance automation with human interaction. Takeaways Pragmatism and adaptability are crucial in building scalable talent functions in fast-growing companies. Defining and measuring quality of hire is a complex challenge that requires a nuanced understanding of the company's goals and context. Data analytics plays a fundamental role in talent acquisition, providing insights and backing up assumptions with evidence. Essential tools and technologies for supporting scalable talent acquisition include ATS, sourcing platforms, and AI-powered solutions. AI has the potential to revolutionize sourcing and screening processes, but the balance between automation and human interaction needs to be carefully considered. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:07 Key Experiences Shaping Talent Acquisition Approach 06:40 Common Challenges in Building Scalable Talent Functions 10:04 The Role of Data Analytics in Talent Acquisition 15:16 Essential Tools and Technologies for Scalable Talent Acquisition 24:33 Key Takeaways and Closing Remarks