Why I love Talent Acquisition
The theme of my month in the TWIT chair has been on IMPACT. So far we have covered:
- Impact TA has for business
- Impact TA has for candidates
- Impact of creating meaningful work for your TA team
For my last week I decided to look at the impact that being in Talent Acquisition has had on my career. When people ask me why I love my job, the answer is simple and not surprising: Impact. The impact we have on people’s lives, on businesses, on communities and on ourselves. In the world of HR, few roles offer the unique blend of strategy, creativity, and human connection that Talent Acquisition does. For me, TA has been more than a career, it’s been a journey of growth, learning, and impact.
From agency hustle to in-house strategy
Like many of us, I started in agency recruitment. It was fast-paced, competitive, and the perfect environment to learn the fundamentals of how to source, engage, assess and place talent. It also taught how to build relationships, and the impact we can have for people. Whilst I was successful it was the opportunity to have the ongoing engagement that led me to move in-house.
I got to see the bigger picture. I wasn’t just filling roles; I was helping shape teams, build cultures, and drive business outcomes.
Over the years, I’ve been very privileged to have worked across a diverse range of industries: oil and gas, health, resources, and even Australia’s largest software company. Each experience added a new layer to my understanding of how talent drives transformation. I’ve been on multi-billion-dollar coal seam gas projects, developed an understanding of the challenges facing our health systems, visited mine sites, travelled domestically and internationally, worked with and led teams globally and recruited all over the world. Each industry taught me something new, and each role deepened my appreciation for the craft of TA.
Now: Utilities, community and purpose
Today, I’m in the water utilities sector, and I can honestly say I’m loving it. It’s a space where community, sustainability, and innovation intersect. The work we do has a tangible impact on people’s health and wellness and the environment, and the people I work with genuinely care about making a difference. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about recruiting for an organisation that is focussed on building a better future. Whether it’s supporting environmental initiatives or helping deliver essential services, I know the work we do in TA contributes to something meaningful.
TA: The best part of HR
In my opinion, TA is the best part of HR as it is the perfect intersection of disciplines:
- Part HR: We understand people, culture, and organisational dynamics. We’re deeply embedded in workforce planning, diversity and inclusion, and employee experience, ensuring talent strategies align with broader HR goals.
- Part Marketer: We craft compelling narratives to attract top talent. From employer branding to Employee Value Proposition (EVP) development, we tell stories that resonate with candidates and reflect the heart of the organisation’s culture and values.
- Part Problem Solver: We tackle complex workforce challenges with creativity and agility. Whether it’s navigating skills shortages, designing innovative sourcing strategies, or supporting business transformation, we help organisations succeed through talent.
- Part Connector: We build bridges between candidates and hiring managers, between departments, and across industries. TA professionals are relationship builders, creating networks that drive collaboration and long-term success.
- Part Project Manager: We manage timelines, stakeholders, budgets, and deliverables. From rolling out new ATS platforms to coordinating high-volume hiring campaigns, TA requires precision, planning and execution.
We’re also on the frontlines of change! Keeping up with the cutting edge of business, technology, and workforce trends. And we’re never alone. The TA and HR community is one of the most collaborative and supportive I’ve encountered. From colleagues past and present, fantastic leaders and executives, vendors and suppliers and industry networks like Brisbane Recruitment Meetup, Talent Table and of course ATC, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and contributing to a vibrant network of professionals who are passionate about what they do.
We share ideas, face the same challenges, lift each other up, and celebrate the wins – big and small.
The real impact: People
At the heart of it all, TA is about people. It’s about creating opportunities, opening doors, and changing lives. I’ve had the honour of leading incredible teams, mentoring emerging talent, and helping individuals find roles that truly fit their skills and aspirations. There’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve helped someone land their dream job or given someone a second chance. That’s the kind of impact that stays with you.
Just last week one of my team completed a Certificate IV in Leadership and I got to see her go from strength to strength. And the day after, someone I had placed a few years ago approached me and told me what an impact I had on her and her family’s life by helping her secure her role. Real impact and very rewarding.
Why I stay
Like many I didn’t set out to be a Talent Professional, I kind of fell into it because of my natural skills and personal motivators. I stay because it’s rewarding. Because it’s fun. Because it fills my cup. But most of all, I stay because I believe in the power of what we do. Talent Acquisition isn’t just about hiring, it’s about shaping the future of work, one person at a time. Because it has IMPACT.
