Randstad US introduced its first interactive Mega Branch, embodying the company's newly unveiled Human Forward brand promise. This people-centered approach to job search and talent acquisition uses HR technology to empower human interaction. Randstad's commitment to keeping personal attention front and center in an increasingly technology-driven recruiting world reflects what job seekers and employers want, as determined by extensive research and market trend analysis.

Research conducted by Randstad US and outside firms found that while most candidates find value in technology, they are frustrated when it supersedes the human aspect of the process.

• 82 percent say they are often frustrated with an overly automated job search experience.

• 95 percent agree technology should be used to aid the recruitment experience, not replace it.

• 87 percent say technology has made the job search process more impersonal.

• 80 percent say it's important for staffing firms to recognize them as individuals beyond their resumes.

Employers agree: the majority (84%) prefer a staffing partner who provides a personal perspective about candidates. The Human Forward value proposition epitomizes these dual desires, embedding today's intelligent machines and technology within – not in place of – the fundamentally human talent-acquisition process.

Delivering on this expectation, Randstad's first interactive Mega Branch in Atlanta is a technology-empowered facility, offering job candidates access to both digital job search tools and personalized career guidance services. The immersive experience is guided by a virtual assistant, who invites candidates to start their search using in-office kiosks equipped with highly interactive HR technology to explore new career paths and find the best jobs to match their personalities. This virtual aspect of the experience includes technology from companies Randstad invests in through its Innovation Fund, like gamification platform Pymetrics, which offers fun and engaging ways to hone in on best-match opportunities. Complementing the technology is the familiarity and comfort of human interaction, where candidates meet one-on-one with expert recruiters to get personalized interview and resume advice.

"It is at the intersection of technology and humanity that Randstad delivers a better experience – what we call the "Human Forward" experience – for our customers, candidates and employees," said Alan Stukalsky, chief digital officer, Randstad North America. "This strategy and new job center give customers and candidates the best of both worlds. Our Human Forward promise helps Randstad redefine our business in the digital age, bringing interactive and immersive assets like gamification platforms into brick-and-mortar locations to deliver candidates the most engaging and effective experience possible."