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Writer's pictureVaishnavee Gonnade

Talent Mapping 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Talent Sourcing Strategy



The industry now understands the importance of talent sourcing. The various methods, strategies, and thought processes have reached a top-notch level, which means tough competition for talent.


When competition for talent increases, organizations need to be on their toes to find, attract, and engage candidates first and better than others. However, they need to find candidates before attracting and engaging them.


Thus, the need to identify potential talent pools quickly, rather first, and efficiently has led to the emergence of the concept - talent mapping.


Let’s dive further into the concept!


What is Talent Mapping?

Talent mapping is like creating a map of the skills and talents in a company. It involves identifying the strengths and potential of employees so that the company can ensure everyone is in a role that suits them best. Some benefits of talent mapping include better planning for future leadership, higher employee satisfaction, and a better alignment between employees' skills and the company's goals.


How to do Talent Mapping: Step-by-Step Guide



  1. Define Objectives: Set clear goals for your talent mapping project. Do you want to fill specific roles, prepare future leaders, or match skills with future needs?

  2. Identify Key Roles: Determine which jobs are most important for achieving your business goals.

  3. Assess Current Talent: Evaluate the skills and potential of your current employees using performance reviews and feedback.

  4. Analyze Gaps: Find out where there are gaps between the current talent and the skills needed in the future.

  5. Develop Talent Pools: Create groups of potential candidates for each key role, considering internal and external talent.

  6. Implement Development Plans: Set up training and development programs to help employees gain the skills needed.

  7. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check and update your talent mapping strategy to keep it aligned with business goals.


Talent Mapping Tools and Software

Using tools and software can make talent mapping easier. These platforms offer features like talent assessments, skill gap analysis, and succession planning. Some popular talent mapping tools include:


#. SAP Success Factors

SAP SuccessFactors is a robust human capital management (HCM) solution that provides comprehensive tools for managing and developing talent inside organizations. It offers an integrated suite of applications that cover a wide range of HR processes, including talent mapping and succession planning.

  1. Talent Mapping: SAP SuccessFactors allows organizations to identify and assess the skills, competencies, and performance within the organization. This process, known as talent mapping, helps companies to understand their current talent landscape, pinpoint skill gaps, and plan for future needs. The platform's analytics and reporting capabilities enable HR professionals to create detailed talent maps that visualize the strengths and weaknesses of their workforce.

  2. Succession Planning: Preparing for future leadership transitions is crucial for long-term success. SAP SuccessFactors provides tools for succession planning, enabling organizations to identify high-potential employees and develop them into future leaders. The platform facilitates the creation of development plans and career paths, ensuring that critical roles are filled with qualified individuals when needed.

  3. Comprehensive Talent Management: In addition to talent mapping and succession planning, SAP SuccessFactors offers modules for recruiting, onboarding, performance management, learning and development, compensation, and more. This holistic approach ensures that organizations can manage the entire employee lifecycle, from attracting top talent to nurturing and retaining them.


#. Oracle HCM Cloud

Oracle HCM Cloud is a robust cloud-based HCM solution that provides organizations with tools for managing their workforce. Its comprehensive suite of applications covers various aspects of HR, including talent acquisition, management, and development.

  1. Talent Identification: Oracle HCM Cloud offers robust analytics and data-driven insights to help organizations identify top talent within their workforce. Through features like talent profiles, skills assessments, and performance reviews, HR professionals can gain a deep understanding of their employees' capabilities and potential.

  2. Talent Development: Once top talent is identified, Oracle HCM Cloud provides tools for developing these individuals. The platform supports personalized learning and development plans, allowing employees to acquire new skills and grow in their careers. It is facilitated through e-learning, instructor-led training, and on-the-job experiences.

  3. Comprehensive HCM Features: Beyond talent management, Oracle HCM Cloud includes modules for core HR functions such as payroll, benefits administration, workforce planning, and employee engagement. This integrated approach ensures that organizations can manage their entire workforce efficiently and effectively.


#. Workday

Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. Its HCM solution includes features designed to help organizations map and develop their employees' skills and potential.

  1. Skill Mapping and Development: Workday's skill mapping capabilities allow organizations to track and manage the skills of their employees. The platform helps identify skill gaps and provides recommendations for training and development. It ensures that employees continuously improve skills, and stay aligned with the organization's needs.

  2. Career Development: Workday offers tools for career development, including career pathing and mentorship programs. These features enable employees to explore different career opportunities within the organization and receive guidance from mentors. It not only helps in retaining talent but also ensures that employees are engaged and motivated.

  3. Integrated HCM Suite: Workday provides a comprehensive suite of HCM applications that cover recruiting, onboarding, performance management, compensation, and more. This integration allows organizations to manage their workforce seamlessly, from hiring to retirement.


These platforms—SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM Cloud, and Workday—provide robust solutions for managing talent and developing future leaders. They offer a range of features that help organizations identify, nurture, and retain top talent, ultimately driving business success.


Yet, it is a tedious commitment to invest in these platforms for a small and medium business, given their limited hiring and constrained resources. Hence, the tools can be burdening for SMBs.


#. Talent Mapping for the Tech Industry

Talent mapping in the tech industry is challenging due to several factors:

  1. Rapidly Evolving Skill Sets: The tech industry constantly evolves, making it difficult to predict and map the necessary skills and qualifications for future roles.

  2. High Demand for Specialized Skills: There is intense competition for specialized talent, like AI, cybersecurity, and software development experts, making it hard to find and retain the right-fit candidates.

  3. Geographical Dispersion: Tech talent is often scattered globally, making sourcing and understanding regional talent landscapes complex.

  4. Confidentiality and Data Sensitivity: Tech companies often deal with proprietary technologies, challenging detailed information collation about competitors' talent.


Hence, talent mapping tech candidates need expertise, experience, and active efforts. A dynamic talent mapping framework to constantly evolve with trends is mandatory for tech organizations. 


Help from outside, such as outsourcing talent sourcing companies, can go a long way, saving time and costs. 


Conclusion

Talent mapping is a crucial strategy for any company wanting to succeed in today’s business world. Companies can build a strong pipeline of talented employees by understanding the importance, following the correct steps, and using the right tools. It helps them grow and innovate. Start using talent mapping today to prepare your company for future challenges.






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