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 Charlotte Grant. If you'd like to be next, please reach out to a TTC Community Manager.
Introduce yourself:
Hello, I am Charlotte, a passionate TA Leader based in Barcelona with 11+ years of industry experience. Most recently I was Heading up Global Talent Acquisition at Tier Mobility, scaling the Team to 22.
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?
My journey in talent acquisition has been a combination of experiences, each contributing to my growth and evolution within TA. Like many in the industry, it all started on the agency side. After a couple of years, I decided to make the switch to internal. As cliche as it sounds, my initial main driver in doing so was realising that while I was placing candidates into roles, I never got to witness their success firsthand within the organisations I served. I found immense job satisfaction in building internal relationships and witnessing their impactful contributions firsthand when I switched over.
My entrepreneurial spirit led me to establish my own consultancy while living in London—an endeavour that provided invaluable exposure to diverse companies and their unique challenges. This chapter taught me the importance of adaptability, emphasising that there's no one-size-fits-all solution in talent acquisition. It was a period of significant growth, both professionally and personally, as I navigated through various organisational cultures and refined my approach to address distinct needs.
Despite the enriching experience of consultancy, I eventually decided to close that chapter and return to permanent roles. My decision stemmed from a desire for vertical progression and the opportunity to delve deeper into strategic leadership within talent acquisition. Over the past four years, I've been fortunate enough to have managers who recognised my potential and provided avenues for me to prove myself and ascend the professional ladder. Their trust and support have been instrumental in shaping my journey and fuelling my ongoing passion for talent acquisition.
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?
One strategy I've implemented, both for myself and my team, is dedicating a specific time slot each week for development activities. By setting aside a blocker in our calendars, we ensure that amidst the hustle of daily tasks, we prioritise our growth and skill enhancement. This deliberate approach helps prevent development from slipping through the cracks.
During these dedicated hours, I leverage a variety of resources to broaden my knowledge and sharpen my skills. I find value in the likes of the Recruiting Brain Food newsletter, which offers insightful webinars and keeps me informed about the latest trends and best practices in our field. Additionally, I make time to listen to relevant podcasts, explore new tools, and conduct research on industry innovations and emerging practices. I actively seek out courses on platforms like Udemy to deepen my expertise in specific areas.
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?
Navigating the challenges of talent acquisition, especially amidst the current industry climate, has certainly been a test of resilience. From experiencing redundancy myself to having to make tough decisions regarding my team, it's been a period of uncertainty and upheaval. Unfortunately TA was heavily affected by the pandemic also and so it is another knock just as it felt like we as an industry were recovering.
One of the most daunting aspects has been the saturated job market, where responses to applications are often scarce, and rejections can feel arbitrary. The exhaustive application processes, including lengthy forms and demanding case studies, only add to the frustration.
However, amidst these challenges, I've found strength in recognising that this isn't a reflection of my worth as a professional nor is it personal. It's crucial to maintain a sense of empowerment and discernment, knowing when to gracefully step away from opportunities that don't align with my values or expectations. While the pressure to secure employment can be intense, it's essential to be honest with yourself so as not to waste yours and the company's time and strike a balance between necessity and ensuring the right fit for long-term satisfaction.
Maintaining perspective is key. Reminding myself that this phase is temporary and we are already seeing signs that the market conditions are gradually improving.
I have loved to see how the industry has stepped up to support each other. Communities like TTC offer invaluable networking opportunities. For those encountering similar hurdles, I urge you to take advantage of the community we have and leverage the support available. Stay connected, share experiences, and draw inspiration from one another.
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?
Balancing the demands of the recruiting world with personal well-being has been a journey of self-discovery for me. I'll be honest—I used to struggle with this, falling into the remote working trap of not separating the two, often finding myself immersed in work well beyond the typical hours. However, prioritising this balance has been transformative in releasing much more potential.
One of the foundational elements of my routine is starting each day with a yoga or pilates session. Moving your body is great mediation and medicine, it also clears my mind, setting a positive and focused tone for the day ahead. By prioritising exercise in the morning, I ensure that no matter what unfolds, I've already achieved something meaningful for myself.
Creating boundaries is essential. I block off time in my diary for lunch, safeguarding at least one hour each day for a much-needed break. Stepping away from my desk, even if just for a brisk walk, rejuvenates me.
Maintaining a structured to-do list is another crucial aspect of my routine. It helps me maintain clarity amidst the whirlwind of tasks and ensures I stay on track with priorities, even when unexpected challenges arise.
Ultimately, finding balance is an ongoing process—one that requires intentionality and self-awareness.
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?
Two notable advancements that have made a significant impact on the industry, including my role, are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Video Interviews.
AI stands out as a game-changer across industries, and talent acquisition is no exception. Its introduction has revolutionised our approach, enabling us to streamline processes, enhance the quality of interactions, and delegate routine tasks. By automating administrative functions, AI liberates valuable time that can be redirected towards fostering genuine human connections and tackling high-value projects. This shift has been instrumental in allowing me to focus on strategic initiatives and provide enhanced support to both the TA and hiring teams.
The adoption of video interviews marks another pivotal trend that has transformed recruitment practices. Gone are the days of exclusively on-site interviews, which not only prolonged the hiring process but also incurred significant costs, particularly for multiple-stage interviews requiring candidates to travel. Video conferencing has revolutionised the interview experience, offering convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for both parties.
Candidates now have the opportunity to assess role fit and organisational culture earlier in the process, without the logistical constraints of physical attendance. This not only expedites time-to-hire but also enhances the overall candidate experience, aligning with modern expectations of efficiency and accessibility.
In essence, the integration of AI and video interviews has redefined the parameters of talent acquisition, enabling us to operate more efficiently, thoughtfully, and inclusively. Embracing these technologies has empowered me to navigate the evolving recruitment landscape with agility and deliver greater value to stakeholders across the board.
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?
For those embarking on a journey in talent acquisition, my foremost advice would be to start your career journey with an agency. Reflecting on my own path, I've realized the invaluable skills honed in this environment—resilience, adept stakeholder management, the importance of candidate experience. These fundamentals often are the back bone to success in talent acquisition, that unfortunately too often than not get forgotten or undervalued.
Never underestimate the power of continuous learning. In an ever-evolving landscape, staying stagnant is not an option. Stay vigilant for emerging trends, immerse yourself in webinars, subscribe to industry newsletters, and seek mentorship from seasoned professionals. Actively seeking employment presents a unique opportunity to refine your skills and bridge any knowledge gaps you may have. Use this time wisely to polish your expertise, ensuring you're primed to make an immediate impact when you secure your next role.