The job of a talent agent includes marketing and promoting various people that have specific talents in acting, modeling or both. Many talent agents work exclusively with actors or actresses, while others work with models of different ages or may focus on just children or just adults. A talent agent works closely with the talent to help them learn the various skills needed to land the job that they are auditioning for. This means that the talent agent should have a good background in the type of career the talent is interested in pursuing.
In today’s marketplace finding enough qualified talent is challenging for companies and their hiring managers. Recent studies by the Bureau of Labor Statics confirm that last year more than 1.3 million new jobs were produced. This year, plans for hiring are tracking to continue as last year’s new job creations, amid economic uncertainties. In the study it was reported that one in three employers reports that it is typical for positions to go unfilled for two months or longer resulting in lost revenue and productivity. Why do these positions go unfilled so long?
The market place wants the brightest talents that are on top of their game and can make a
direct impact on a business. This a big reason why positions go unfilled for so many months. After 15 plus years of recruiting and placing thousands of professionals at Fortune 1000 and government agencies I see the market place continue to do the same process in finding their best talent. As a more traditional recruiter and marketing manager I have the need to change my approach and start delivering like a Hollywood talent agent of developer, project managers, help desk analyst, administrators, accountants and other professionals. The best professional talent in today’s market place needs a talent agent that represents their and can articulate their talent, points out their value, skills, promote their personality and negotiates their compensation and benefits. I can see the need for a true talent agent for the information technology, accounting, marketing and administrative professionals out there.
In this new role of a talent agent I will need to spend a good deal of my time networking with potential employers, hiring managers and other customers that have a need for talent of some sort. As an agent I am able to make recommendations, book interviews or book jobs for the various talent that I represent that meets the customers’ needs. In addition to just meeting with companies and customers I also would promote new talent. This may be in the form of advertisements, personalized videos or presentation of skills and ability. As a talent agent I will also advise the talent about additional skills or training that is needed to be that top talent that gets to main role.
I see a lot positions being open for a long time. I see a lot of talent in the market place. I see
a lot of mistakes being made in aligning talent with open positions. It is time we do it different and maybe we need talent agent model. Companies would need fewer auditions to fill their positions and quickly feel a positive direct impact on their business.
