Nurturing Talent the Three Across Way

As a Talent Partner at Three Across, I have had the privilege of witnessing the dynamic evolution of India's talent market firsthand in the past 12 months. In a country with such a diverse and vibrant pool of talent, the challenge is not just about finding the right candidates but about connecting with them effectively. Bringing technology into the picture from the very beginning simplified the process, however leveraging technology in the inception can be challenging in a bootstrapped organisation. I was advised by a mentor in the early days that this would be crucial for success, and it has indeed helped. When we started, we realised that technology is necessary to add value only for the database management, trust me, it’s way beyond! What helped us sail through early and gave us time to build a boutique talent firm:

**1. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: ** Not a new term for any of us—India's workforce is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and skills. Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace not only broadens your talent pool but also drives innovation and creativity. Our data shows substantial growth in company profits where DEI is practised seriously. DEI is no longer just about optics; it’s a way of life for authentic leadership in any arena. Ensure that your recruitment practices are unbiased and that your workplace culture is welcoming to people from all backgrounds.

2. Leverage Technology: In today's digital age, leveraging technology is crucial. From our experience of integrating technology into our day-to-day practices, we have achieved better results in shorter time frames. An instance I often quote when asked about using technology for faster outcomes is the use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). At Three Across, we managed to get 30% more candidates into the final round of interviews and have almost 15% administrative tasks taken off the recruitment team- all thanks to ATS and AI implementation. Utilise AI-driven tools and platforms for sourcing, screening, and engaging candidates. From applicant tracking systems (ATS) to AI-based chatbots for initial candidate interactions, technology can significantly streamline the recruitment process, making it more efficient and effective. If you think such a system does not exist yet, our soon-to-be-launched tech platform will put all your doubts to rest! Follow our official LinkedIn page for more information.

3. Focus on Employer Branding: When you start afresh with a vision to bring the best talent to attention, you safeguard your company’s reputation with your life. Your company’s reputation is critical in attracting top talent. Invest in brand building by showcasing your company culture, values, and growth opportunities. Two decades ago, if I had started from scratch as I did now, I would not have emphasised the best practices of utilising social media platforms, employee testimonials, and company achievements to create a compelling narrative that attracts potential candidates. But today, the landscape is different. Your online reputation is a key player in your growth story- Everyone wants to know the organisation/ leadership much before she/he takes a plunge and plays such a vital role.

4. Invest in Employee Referrals: One thing that I am proud of at Three Across is our impeccable Employee Referral Programme. The calibre of people we have met through referrals has added to the quality of work and growth we have envisioned at Three Across. Employee referral programmes are often the most reliable source of quality hires. They get you the best candidates at a quicker pace. Encourage your current employees to refer candidates by offering incentives and recognising their efforts. This helps build confidence and trust faster. 30% of our teams are referrals and that works in our favour.

5. Develop a Strong Internship Programme: At Three Across, we don’t believe in hiring interns just for the sake of it. We bring in stellar individuals, help them gain hands-on experience with our team, and train them to be ownership-oriented individuals with a deeper understanding of the sectors they aspire to work in. Internship programmes are an excellent way to identify and nurture young talent. We have collaborated with institutions to create internship opportunities that provide valuable experience to students while giving you a pipeline of potential future employees. 100% throughput on interns deployed so far.

6. Invest in Talent: When we started Three Across, we realised there was a significant gap between a person’s profile and the person themselves. The major hurdle was the skill gap reflected in the interview. Thus, at Three Across, we invested our resources in giving candidates a deeper understanding of the industry and their profile, leading to a 20% increase in selections and winning client confidence. Investing in the continuous learning and development of your employees helps retain talent and attract ambitious professionals looking for growth opportunities. Offer training programmes, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, better pay, incentives, and facilities to ensure your team is always learning and evolving. We do this internally, as well for our client partners.

7. Localise Your Approach: India is a vast country with varied local nuances. The talent roles are increasing, allowing recruiters to tap into a market of unlimited possibilities. Tailor your talent acquisition strategies to align with people from various walks of life. An unbiased, flexible approach can go a long way in hiring the right candidates for your company.

8. Maintain an Authentic Narrative: Maintain an authentic dialogue about the goals and vision of your organisation, so candidates can make informed decisions. Remember, candidates look for future growth prospects in a company. Patience and persistence in finding the right fit for your organisation are key.

9. Initiating ESG: Our goal for a better future goes beyond our company. At Three Across, we are taking significant strides towards ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, along with prioritising employee well-being. We focus on sustainability by using refurbished laptops, tablets, and phones, as well as energy-efficient appliances, fostering a paperless work environment infusing the spirit of resource conservation into all our actions. Our commitment to employee well-being and safety is paramount. These efforts, along with our dedication to societal impact through responsible employment practices, underscore our contribution as a small-scale firm towards environmental and social responsibility. Our journey as a service company has been enriched with the support and trust of the organisations that believed in us from day one. We believe in the power of strategic recruitment and are dedicated to helping organisations navigate the complex landscape of talent acquisition in India. We often get asked about the “Go to Market” strategy, and the answer is simple: we will work relentlessly for organisations across industries and learn on the fly to provide the best talent. #India #RecruitmentStrategies