A 14-Year Journey in Talent Acquisition

A 14-Year Journey in Talent Acquisition

In the ever-evolving landscape of human resources, my passion for identifying, engaging, and nurturing top talent has been the driving force behind my professional endeavor's. Over the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of navigating the intricacies of the talent acquisition field, adapting to industry trends, and consistently delivering impactful results.

My journey began with a fervent belief in the power of people to drive organizational excellence. From early experiences in recruitment, I honed my skills in sourcing, interviewing, and selecting candidates who not only met the technical requirements but also aligned with the cultural fabric of the organizations I served.

As I progressed in my career, I embraced leadership roles where I successfully designed and executed comprehensive talent acquisition strategies. I have collaborated with diverse teams, leveraging innovative technologies and methodologies to streamline processes and elevate the overall recruitment experience.

One of the hallmarks of my journey is my commitment to continuous learning. I have kept pace with the ever-evolving landscape of HR function , staying abreast of emerging trends, and incorporating cutting-edge practices to ensure that my contributions remain forward-thinking and impactful.

Talent acquisition is not just a profession; it's a dynamic and ever-evolving field that requires a blend of expertise, adaptability, and a genuine passion for connecting the right talent with the right opportunities. In the subsequent chapters of my narrative, I will delve deeper into the pivotal moments, transformative experiences, and the lessons learned that continue to define my trajectory in the world of talent acquisition.

Year 1-2: The Foundation

Starting relatively as a candidate with one year of experience in V-Guard and a degree in Human Resources, the first years were about grasping the basics of recruitment. From understanding job requirements to conducting initial candidate screenings, the focus was on building a solid foundation. Learning the intricacies of resume parsing, effective communication with candidates, and basic negotiation skills became crucial.

 

Year 3-4: Sourcing Mastery

With a few years under the belt, the focus shifted to becoming a sourcing expert. Learning advanced search techniques on job boards, social media, and professional networks, this period was about building a network of potential candidates. The emphasis was on understanding the importance of a diverse talent pool and implementing strategies for reaching passive candidates.

Year 5-6: Leadership Aspirations

As competence grew, so did the desire to lead. The individual transitioned into a team lead role, taking charge of a small group of recruiters. Leadership skills were developed, and the focus shifted to not just personal success but the success of the entire team. This period involved learning about team dynamics, conflict resolution, and setting and achieving team targets.

Year 7-8: Technology Integration

Recognizing the impact of technology on recruitment, these years were about embracing and integrating new tools. Learning about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), AI-driven recruitment tools, and data analytics became essential. This phase was marked by a commitment to staying technologically current, ensuring that the team remained efficient and competitive in the rapidly evolving recruitment landscape.

This phase of embracing technology in recruitment marked a transformative period, where staying ahead of technological advancements became synonymous with staying competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.

Year 9-10: Strategic Recruitment

Having gained expertise in tactical aspects, the focus shifted to strategic recruitment. This involved aligning recruitment efforts with organizational goals, understanding workforce planning, and contributing to employer branding initiatives. Learning to partner closely with hiring managers and understanding broader business strategies became paramount. This experience allowed me to develop a keen understanding of the importance of aligning recruitment efforts with the overall business strategy.

Year 11-12: Adapting to Challenges

The career journey hit a challenging phase with economic downturns especially covid and talent shortages. These years were about adaptability and resilience. Learning to pivot strategies, engage in cost-effective recruitment, and navigate uncertainties marked this period. The importance of continuous learning and staying agile in the face of adversity became clear.

During this challenging phase, we experienced a shift towards remote work as a necessity to ensure business continuity. The rapid adoption of digital technologies and collaboration tools became crucial for maintaining productivity and communication. Embracing virtual work environments highlighted the significance of technological literacy and the ability to adapt to new digital platforms.

Year 13-14: Thought Leadership and Mentorship

With a wealth of experience, these few years were about giving back to the industry. Engaging in thought leadership, speaking at industry conferences, and contributing articles on recruitment trends became part of the agenda. Becoming a mentor to junior recruiters, sharing insights, and contributing to the professional development of others marked the culmination of a rich and rewarding career in Talent Acquisition.

Throughout this 14-year odyssey, I have encountered and overcome challenges, built lasting relationships with both candidates and colleagues, and witnessed the transformative impact that exceptional talent can have on organizational success.

As I look back on this incredible journey, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. My passion for talent acquisition remains unwavering, and I am eager to leverage my wealth of experience to contribute meaningfully to the success of our organization.

 

 

 

Karthika Pillai

Senior Recruitment Specialist | Technical Recruiting | Talent Sourcing

2mo

Inspiring! Congratulations JOHN MATHEW SEBASTIAN on this remarkable achievement which is a testament to your resilience and perseverance. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to have worked under your mentorship. Wishing you even more success in all your future endeavors! 👏🏼

Aparna Jayakumar

Learning & Development at KPMG LG

3mo

An inspiring journey, articulated so well! 👏 Onwards & upwards!

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Venkateshwaran Sundaram

Vice President & Head HR - VGUARD Industries Ltd / Ex - Dr REDDY’s / Ex - Amazon / Ex - PepsiCo / Ex - Godrej.

3mo

Way to go!

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Akash K Sugunan

Flipkart - Category Growth, Post Purchase & Experience | IIM Nagpur | Retail & E-Commerce | V-Guard | OLX | TCS

3mo

Very inspiring sir :)

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Roji George

Vice Principal, Saintgits College of Engineering (Autonomous)

3mo

Congratulations John. A commendable achievement

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