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New iCIMS Research Uncovers C-Suite Misalignment on Talent Acquisition

In the rapidly evolving landscape of human resources, a new report from iCIMS has shed light on a significant discrepancy within the C-suite regarding the perceived value of talent acquisition (TA). Despite 88% of HR leaders claiming they drive strategic changes in their organizations, only 27% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) agree with this assessment, highlighting a substantial divide that may hinder effective talent strategies.

The 2025 State of the CHRO Report from iCIMS, which involved the perspectives of 1,000 U.S.-based Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs), 500 CIOs, and 1,000 adults aged 18 and over, analyzes the top priorities and challenges facing HR leaders today. The report reveals a concerning lack of alignment, particularly as HR departments demonstrate increased investment in hiring and technology. Research indicates that while 75% of HR executives plan to augment their TA investments in 2025, a robust connection with IT remains crucial.

Laura Coccaro, Chief People Officer at iCIMS, emphasizes the critical nature of this partnership, stating, "People are the heart of business success, and HR must be seen as a strategic partner essential for connecting talent, technology, and overall business growth." As organizations face stiff competition in attracting and retaining top-tier talent, the alignment of HR and IT strategies becomes imperative.

The Strategic Shift in Talent Acquisition

The report points to a transformative shift in how HR leaders perceive their roles. Almost 90% of HR practitioners evaluated had anticipated a transition to more strategic positions last year, and currently, 88% are actively leading such conversions. However, a mere 34% of those surveyed believe that their organization views TA as a core strategic endeavor. This statistic underscores the need for HR professionals to solidify their collaboration with IT and demonstrate how their initiatives can tangibly benefit the business—from improving efficiency to fostering innovation.

For CIOs, understanding the necessity of HR-IT collaboration is pivotal. Almost 89% of CIOs acknowledge that such collaborations are crucial for attracting quality talent. Nevertheless, obstacles such as strategic disconnect (51%), limited resources (48%), and misunderstanding of technology capabilities (48%) obstruct this partnership. By acknowledging overlapping interests, CIOs and CHROs can forge more cohesive TA technology strategies that fuel business growth.

The Changing Landscape for Job Seekers

For job applicants, the landscape is shifting as well. Approximately 60% of HR leaders are integrating AI into their TA processes—transforming the way candidates are sourced, screened, and hired. With nearly half of surveyed adults indicating plans to seek new employment, the demand for digital proficiency and comfort with AI technologies is more significant than ever for candidates navigating today's job market.

Despite the challenges that AI introduces, such as ranking high on the list of concerns for HR leaders, it is concurrently seen as a significant opportunity. Twenty-two percent of CHROs identified AI as their top priority in TA, yet it poses challenges that keep them awake at night. Over the next few years, 72% of CIOs plan on implementing agentic AI, indicating a critical deadline for organizations to strategize effectively.

Jo-Ann Feely, Chief Innovation Officer at AMS, remarks, "AI provides TA an opportunity to become a more strategic influence within organizations—this is thrilling. However, to maximize this shift, TA leaders must formulate more influential roles, align goals with wider business objectives, and ensure they are included in discussions surrounding AI strategies. They need to lead the charge instead of simply reacting to the technology."

The iCIMS report is now available for download and includes insights from industry leaders at various organizations, such as Konica Minolta and Checkr. HR and TA practitioners are encouraged to participate in iCIMS Next, a free virtual conference aimed at enhancing their impact and learning about likely future advancements in AI within talent acquisition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, iCIMS’ report highlights a critical misalignment between HR and IT, which could undermine the potential of talent acquisition strategies. By addressing the gaps in collaboration and recognizing the strategic importance of TA, organizations can better position themselves to thrive in a competitive business environment. Both HR leaders and CIOs must work together to align their strategies effectively, ensuring that talent acquisition is treated as a vital component of organizational success.