Global Talent Acquisition Day – September 3

Talent acquisition might seem like a modern field, but it actually has roots that stretch back thousands of years. Throughout history, humans have always needed to find and hire skilled individuals to fill important roles. In early times, governments were often the ones leading these efforts. Empires and kingdoms relied on talented people to serve as political advisors, military leaders, and administrators.

Take ancient China during the Song Dynasty (960 A.D. to 1279 A.D.) for example. To join the civil service, citizens had to pass a series of challenging exams. These tests were so tough that only about one percent of applicants succeeded. This strict selection process made sure that only the most capable individuals were entrusted with running the government.

Similar practices were found in the Greco-Roman world. Both Greek and Roman societies were highly focused on their militaries. Governments sent recruiters out to find skilled soldiers and commanders to strengthen their forces. Julius Caesar, who lived from 100 B.C. to 44 B.C., introduced an early version of an employee referral program. Recruiters who brought in talented recruits could earn up to a third of their yearly salary as a reward. This clever incentive helped boost recruitment efforts. But the Romans went even further — military service was seen as a mark of honor, and soldiers often received tattoos. This made joining the army a prestigious move, which helped swell the ranks thanks to Caesar’s recruitment strategies.

Moving forward in history, World Wars I and II saw talent acquisition evolve with the use of powerful recruitment campaigns. The famous Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster became one of the most recognizable symbols of American military recruiting during this time.