When we talk about talent, ‘talent finders’ are as valuable as they get. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist in the IT industry, one may face many challenges but also fulfillment. You will have the opportunity to develop personal skills such as communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. You will also have the chance to work with a diverse group of people and learn about different cultures, and different specifics of people living in other cities. Finding and hiring top talent can be a challenging task, but it is also very rewarding when you find the right person for the job. You will be able to help people find their dream job while also helping your company grow. Diana is exactly one of those handling such challenges and she’s opened up about what her day-to-day activities look like and what she’s learned doing this for a decade now.
Tell us more about what makes you happy in your personal time
My two boys are my favorite companions in my free time. We have fun, explore new things, create memories, and travel together. Their happiness is mine too 🙂 Being a mother has made me reconnect with my hobbies of skiing, swimming, and hiking, but now I share them with my kids. They also inspire me to try new and fun activities like tubing, horse riding, and biking on the trails to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine on Saturday afternoons.
What led you on the path to becoming a Talent Acquisition Specialist?
I have been working in HR for ten years and I have had various responsibilities in my previous jobs: HR admin, training, compensations and benefits, reporting, and employee motivation. However, I realized that recruitment is what challenges and motivates me the most to perform well in this field. The biggest challenge I face as a Talent Acquisition Specialist is finding candidates who have the right qualifications and skills, who align with the company values, and who can benefit from great career opportunities. It’s amazing to see how the team grows, and how the people I hired perform and develop. This is the greatest satisfaction for me. Here I have the opportunity to meet new people, learn from interacting with the candidates and build long-lasting relationships.
What inspires you in a typical workday? What drives you?
No two days are the same for me. Every day I face new challenges depending on the people I interact with. I think that building trust and meaningful connections with each person I contact is a key part of attracting talent. That’s where I get my inspiration from 🙂 My drive is success and for recruiting success it is essential to have the involvement of our hiring leaders. Here everyone is committed to bringing in the right people. The leaders really prioritize recruiting and hiring top talent. I’m happy that I’m surrounded by open-minded people, team player colleagues with strong collaboration & active listening skills, as well as an “Ain’t no mountain high enough” mindset.
What skills do you feel you’ve acquired on a personal level, by doing your day-to-day job?
Empathy is a quality that I value in myself. It helps me in almost every aspect of my daily life. It makes me compassionate towards others, and able to relate to friends, family, colleagues, and strangers. Being able to communicate quickly and clearly also helps me a lot with my kids because I want to have a relationship with them based on understanding and trust.
What is the biggest challenge/fail you’ve faced/had in your career? How about your biggest win?
My career has benefited a lot from having the right mindset. I have been lucky enough to overcome failures and achieve success with enthusiasm, motivation, and persistence. For me it’s important to “enjoy the present”, learn from all the experiences I go through, turn failure into a learning opportunity, and be grateful for being part of a great team.
Which is your favorite AscentCore value and why?
Integrity is the value I believe in the most. It is the foundation for building relationships and achieving results. I value honesty, respect for others around me, and promote open and honest communication. In a work environment, it is essential to find an ethical approach and values that reflect who you are.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time here at AscentCore?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my role is to never give up on finding that hidden unicorn candidate. Being persistent means trying again and again but in different ways. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
What has the future got in store for Diana?
Looking after my health will be my number one priority, also maintaining a healthy Work-Life Balance, staying active, and trying to spend more time with family and friends. As for my career journey, maintaining the energy & enthusiasm I have now will help me achieve my goals and reach my full potential.
