Career Journeys in Talent Acquisition: Adrian Olivera

Thanks for reading! This series is designed to shine a spotlight on Talent Acquisition professionals and highlight their career journeys and learnings so far. Today, we're joined by Career Journeys in Talent Acquisition: Adrian Olivera. If you'd like to be next, please reach out to a TTC Community Manager.

Introduce yourself in one sentence: 

I'm a trilingual Senior IT Recruiter with 6+ years of experience connecting top tech talent with global companies, currently exploring new remote opportunities in technical recruitment.

Can you walk us through the key milestones in your career in the talent acquisition space? What were some pivotal moments or decisions that shaped your journey?

I started in recruitment back in 2017, initially focused on local roles, but a big turning point was moving into tech hiring. Joining Turing in 2021 was a key milestone, working remotely and globally really expanded my perspective. I’ve since specialized in technical recruitment across LATAM and beyond, using my English, Spanish, and Portuguese skills to connect with diverse talent. Lately, I’ve also been learning frontend development to better understand the roles I hire for and stay sharp in this fast-changing space.

In this rapidly evolving industry, what strategies or practices have you adopted to continuously enhance your skills and stay ahead of the curve? Do you have any resources or learning methods you'd recommend to others?

To keep up with the fast pace of talent acquisition, I make continuous learning part of my routine. I regularly listen to podcasts, read articles, and participate in online communities to stay informed about new trends and technologies.

Recently, I’ve been learning frontend development through freeCodeCamp and hands-on projects, which helps me better understand the roles I recruit for. I recommend combining practical skills learning with networking and staying curious, this approach really helps you stay ahead in the industry.

What has been the most challenging aspect of your career in talent acquisition, especially when you were actively seeking work? How did you overcome it, and what advice would you offer to others facing similar hurdles?

One of the most challenging moments in my career was navigating the job search while already being an experienced recruiter myself. It can be tough when you’re used to being the one doing the interviews, and suddenly you’re on the other side. What helped me overcome it was staying proactive, leaning into my network, and continuing to learn and upskill while applying.

I also treated my own job hunt like a project: tracking progress, customizing each application, and reflecting on feedback. My advice to others is to stay consistent, don’t take rejections personally, and keep improving your positioning, especially online. Even as recruiters, we’re still candidates too, and the process can teach us a lot about empathy.

The recruiting world can be fast-paced and demanding. How do you strike a balance between your professional commitments and personal life? Are there specific routines or rituals you follow?

Recruiting can definitely be fast-paced and demanding, so I prioritize setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. I plan my day in advance to focus on key tasks and make sure to take short breaks to recharge. After work, I disconnect fully to spend time with family, exercise, or pursue hobbies, which helps me avoid burnout. Having a consistent routine and making time for self-care are essential for maintaining a healthy balance between my professional commitments and personal life.

As someone involved in talent acquisition, you've likely witnessed various technology and trend shifts. Which technologies or trends do you believe have had the most significant impact on the industry, and how have they influenced your role?

One of the biggest shifts I've seen is the rise of AI and automation in recruiting. Tools that streamline sourcing, screening, and even interview scheduling have made the process faster and more scalable, especially in global remote hiring. Platforms like LinkedIn Recruiter, AI matching tools, and smart CRMs have changed how we build pipelines.

But beyond tech, the shift toward remote-first and async work has also been a game-changer. It’s pushed recruiters to adapt their strategies, embrace cultural diversity, and focus more on candidate experience and alignment rather than just location or pedigree. These trends have made my role more strategic and data-driven, while still keeping the human connection at the core.

For those entering the talent acquisition space or those looking to pivot within it, what's the one piece of practical advice you'd give to help them thrive, especially if they are actively job-seeking?

My best advice is to build genuine relationships and stay curious. Talent acquisition isn’t just about filling roles quickly, it’s about understanding people, their motivations, and how they fit into a company’s culture. For those job-seeking, I’d say tailor your approach to each opportunity, be patient with the process, and keep learning about the industries and technologies you’re recruiting for. The more you know, the more confident and effective you’ll be. And don’t hesitate to reach out to others in the field, networking can open doors you didn’t expect.