In a recent LinkedIn post, Ben Eubanks is initiating a unique data-gathering process for his upcoming annual talent acquisition study, reaching out to his network of recruiting leaders for their most pressing questions and concerns. Eubanks, known for his work in the talent acquisition space, is seeking to crowdsource the critical themes that will shape the research for the year ahead.
He frames his request by explaining his methodology: “Every year in December I ping my circle of #talentacquisition and #recruiting leaders and friends about what they see as big themes, challenges, or opportunities. I’m sending that message out this morning but realized I spent a good bit of time looking through my LinkedIn feed to find some of you and it might be helpful just to post it here.” This approach highlights Eubanks’ commitment to ensuring his research is directly relevant to the real-world challenges faced by professionals in the field.
Gathering Collective Wisdom for TA Research
Eubanks poses a central question to his network: “what are the trends you are watching or curious about that you’d want to see research on?” He elaborates on this by asking what peers at hundreds of other companies would discuss if given the chance to connect. This open-ended invitation aims to capture a broad spectrum of current and emerging issues within talent acquisition.
To illustrate the potential scope of inquiry, Eubanks offers several thought-provoking examples of topics that could be explored. These range from significant operational concerns to more strategic, potentially fleeting trends. As Eubanks notes,
“Would it be candidate fraud? Would it be the metrics that matter in a soft hiring market? Would it be if this whole skills-based hiring thing is real or just another fad that nobody really cares about?”
These examples underscore the diverse landscape of challenges that talent acquisition leaders are currently navigating, from ethical considerations like candidate fraud to the practicalities of performance measurement in fluctuating economic conditions.
The Imperative of Relevant Research
Eubanks emphasizes that the feedback he receives will directly influence the questions finalized for his upcoming annual talent acquisition study, which is set to kick off in a few weeks. He expresses a desire to ensure no critical topics are overlooked.
“We’ll be conducting our annual talent acquisition study that kicks off in a few weeks but we’re finalizing questions soon and I want to make sure I don’t miss any critical topics that the community cares about,” Eubanks states in his post. This proactive approach demonstrates a dedication to providing actionable insights that resonate with the community he serves.
While the primary focus is on professional trends, Eubanks includes a touch of humor, humorously adding, “Would it be the best ice cream flavor? (FYI: cookie dough, no research needed🤣🤣🤣)” This lighthearted inclusion serves to build rapport and acknowledge the human element within the professional sphere.
By soliciting direct input from industry peers, Ben Eubanks is employing a community-driven strategy to ensure his research remains at the forefront of talent acquisition discourse. The insights gathered are poised to offer valuable perspectives on the evolving dynamics of hiring and talent management.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ben Eubanks on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 15, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →