Author(s): Laxmidhar Biswal, Megha Upadhyay, Suman Kalyan Chaudhury, Vinod Malap, Jasmine Bhuyan, Apoorva Behera
Human resources play a pivotal role in driving organizational success by aligning the vision and mission of both employees and employers. In the contemporary competitive landscape, strategic talent acquisition has emerged as a critical determinant of institutional sustainability and growth. It involves not only recruitment but also comprehensive strategic workforce planning, robust retention strategies, and meticulous performance evaluation to ensure the optimal utilization of human capital. Traditional recruitment and performance evaluation methods, however, often fall short due to inherent subjectivity and inefficiency. Consequently, organizations, particularly in the dynamic IT sector, are increasingly integrating advanced technologies to fundamentally transform talent acquisition practices. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its diverse applications— such as Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Predictive Analytics—are profoundly reshaping Human Resource Management (HRM). This technological shift enables data-driven decision-making, significantly enhances operational efficiency, and demonstrably improves overall workforce productivity. The paradigm shift from conventional staffing functions to strategic talent acquisition emphasizes cultivating a strong employer brand, implementing diversity-focused outreach, leveraging social media for targeted sourcing, and fostering internal mobility opportunities, alongside strategically utilizing referral networks to strengthen recruitment pipelines. Despite these significant innovations, organizations continue to face formidable challenges in acquiring highly skilled professionals, building strong employment brands, and sustaining competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving labor market. This study rigorously explores the innovative practices and technological advancements adopted by talent management in the IT sector. It specifically examines how AI-driven recruitment strategies, social media integration, and employee engagement mechanisms contribute to enhanced workforce optimization. Furthermore, it meticulously analyzes the measurable impact of these contemporary practices on both individual employee performance and overall organizational productivity. By thoroughly exploring emerging trends and directly addressing existing challenges, this study provides critical, actionable insights into how IT firms can strategically manage talent acquisition to achieve sustainable growth and maintain a decisive competitive edge in the global market.