Everyone seems to have certifications. Everyone seems to know AI. Everyone seems to be upskilling.

So why do some professionals create extraordinary value while others struggle to stand out?

In this episode of H.I.R.E.D., by iimjobs and All Things Talent, we sit down with Abhilash George, Business Head – High Value Search at Randstad India, to explore how the definition of talent is changing in an AI-driven world.

From the declining importance of pedigree and the rise of outcome-based hiring to the growing premium on judgement, context, and ownership, Abhilash shares what organisations are truly looking for when evaluating talent today.

We discuss:

• Why pedigree and impressive resumes are no longer enough
• The difference between skills, capability, and real-world impact
• Whether AI proficiency can outweigh domain expertise
• Why organisations are prioritising ownership and business thinking
• The truth behind the so-called talent shortage
• What skills are becoming commoditised—and what will remain valuable in the age of AI

One particularly powerful insight from the conversation: AI may make execution faster, but it dramatically increases the value of knowing what should be executed in the first place.

Whether you're a leader, recruiter, HR professional, or someone navigating your own career journey, this episode offers a practical perspective on how talent, value, and employability are being redefined.

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