Episode 303: Growing A Soft Skills Assessment Platform For High-Volume Hiring – with Stephane Rivard from HiringBranch

When companies use realistic job simulations, they can finally see beyond CVs and surface true talent, regardless of background. Removing bias from recruitment isn’t theoretical; it’s achievable. Grounding hiring decisions in real-world, data-driven simulations gives every candidate a fair shot and helps teams identify who will actually succeed in the role. Smart hiring isn’t about who interviews best. It’s about who performs best. Stephane Rivard, CEO and co-founder of HiringBranch, a Montreal-based company using AI and job simulations to transform high-volume recruitment, shares the evolution of Hiring Branch, why traditional interviews fall short, and how data-driven, skill-based hiring can result in fairer, and more consistent outcomes. Other topics we covered in our conversation: Evolution from language and soft-skills training to data-driven, skills-based assessments. Why success in customer-facing roles goes beyond empathy to skills like rapport, grit, and critical thinking. The difficulty of replacing traditional interviews and reducing bias in hiring. How HiringBranch adapts its platform across industries using deep, role-specific data. Go-to-market insights: experimentation, conferences, networking, and customer outcomes. Advice for HR tech firms on partnerships, focus, and differentiation. And much more! If you’re interested in fair and effective hiring practices, data-driven HR, or the future of skills assessment, this conversation offers a grounded, experience-based look at what works and what’s changing in the world of recruitment. Website: www.hiringbranch.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephane-rivard-entrepreneur Check out this B2B podcast launch service. About The A Better HR Business Podcast The A Better HR Business shares strategies, tactics, success stories, and more about marketing for HR consultancies and marketing for HR tech companies, and how to get more clients. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss future episodes. For show notes and to see details of our previous guests, check out the podcast page here: www.GetMoreHRClients.com/Podcast HR BUSINESS GROWTH RESOURCES Get the new book - Grow A Successful HR Business Your Way Launch your own business podcast: B2B Podcast Agency VISIT GET MORE HR CLIENTS Want more clients for your HR-related consultancy or HR Tech business? Visit the Get More HR Clients website for articles, newsletters, podcasts, videos, resources, and more at www.getmorehrclients.com.