A talent acquisition specialist is an HR professional who manages the entire recruitment cycle. They are responsible for finding and recruiting candidates who are the best fit for a companys long-term goals. Their duties include establishing hiring criteria, understanding recruiting needs, and finding the right candidates. They work closely with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and candidate selection criteria. They devise and implement sourcing strategies, such as employer branding initiatives, which are designed for long-term success in the industry by building pipelines through innovative processes like including social media interviews or video sharing platforms on their sites. They source potential candidates through online channels, such as LinkedIn and other professional networks, and attend job fairs and recruitment events to build a strong candidate pipeline. They create job descriptions and interview questions that reflect the requirements for each position and compile lists of the most suitable candidates by assessing their CVs, portfolios, and references. They also maintain records of all materials used for recruitment, including interview notes and related paperwork, to share with key stakeholders.

A good talent acquisition specialist can be an invaluable addition to the modern HR team. They can significantly influence an organizations future by bringing in the best possible candidates and helping a company grow and develop. To be successful in this role, they should have excellent communication and organizational skills, two or three years of experience in talent acquisition, proficiency with applicant tracking systems, and an ability to devise sourcing strategies for potential applicants. They should also have up-to-date knowledge of current employment law, experience with applicant tracking systems and HRIS, and at least five years of industry experience in HR and/or recruiting.