Hiring · HR glossary

Talent Pipeline

A talent pipeline is a group of potential candidates being developed or engaged for anticipated roles. It usually implies an ongoing process of maintaining relationships and assessing readiness or interest.

Example

A firm stays in touch with promising placement students and previous finalists who have agreed to hear about suitable future vacancies.

What to keep in mind

A list of names is not necessarily an active pipeline. Keep records current, confirm interest, respect retention limits and avoid implying that contact guarantees an eventual job offer.

Further reading

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