A Career Built on Connection, Not Coincidence
Dawn O'Donnell didn't set out to become a recruiting professional, but once she found her footing in the industry, there was no looking back. Her career began in customer service management in the hydraulics industry, before she stepped away from full-time work for six years to raise her children. When her youngest started kindergarten, she knew it was time to return, and a trusted connection in her network opened the door.
"A friend who was a VP of Talent Acquisition took a chance on me, and the rest is history."
That chance turned into 16 years in corporate recruiting, four promotions, and a deep, firsthand understanding of what it takes to build high-performing teams. Dawn describes her career path as one that bridges two worlds she genuinely loves:
"It's a career that blends strategy with human connection, and that's what has kept me passionate about it ever since."
You Can't Teach Hunger
When evaluating candidates, Dawn looks beyond the resume to the person behind it. She believes the qualities that matter most are the ones that can't be trained into someone.
"You can teach skills, systems, and process, but you can't teach hunger. That internal drive, the spark, curiosity, and willingness to stretch are what separate great candidates from good ones."
Her approach to screening reflects that philosophy. Rather than treating a phone interview as a formal evaluation, she creates space for real conversation.
"I approach it as a conversation, not an interrogation. That mindset allows candidates to show their true potential, reveal how they think, and share what drives them. Often, you can learn more in those 20 minutes of genuine dialogue than you could from a resume alone."
What the Best Hiring Managers Have in Common
After working with hundreds of hiring managers throughout her career, Dawn has noticed a clear pattern among those who consistently win top talent.
"The strongest ones operate differently. They move with purpose, balancing thoughtfulness with speed, and provide clear, honest feedback instead of vague reactions. They trust market insight, staying open to real-time input on compensation, candidate availability, and expectations, even when it challenges assumptions."
She also emphasizes that great hiring managers understand the interview is a two-way street:
"They show up engaged, preparing for interviews, actively selling the opportunity, and remembering that top candidates are evaluating them too."
The result? Faster hires, stronger offer acceptance rates, and better teams built with less friction.
The Client Relationships That Drive Real Results
For Dawn, the best client partnerships don't happen by accident. They're built on a foundation of clarity, trust, and mutual investment in the outcome.
"Clients who have a clear understanding of what they need, while also being open to market insight, tend to see the best results. I view my role as a true partner, not just someone filling positions."
She values responsiveness just as much as alignment, because she sees hiring as a shared effort:
"When there's strong alignment, it leads to better decisions, stronger hires, and long-term success."
Staying Informed by Staying Connected
In a field that moves as fast as recruiting, Dawn keeps her edge by staying close to the people and conversations that shape the market.
"A big part of staying current comes from being in constant conversation with candidates and clients. You get real-time insight into what's changing, what skills are in demand, and how expectations are evolving."
Her philosophy on staying relevant is simple and effective:
"Recruiting is one of those fields where if you stay connected, you stay informed."
Why ITS Stands Out
Although Dawn is newer to the agency side of recruiting, she says she was quickly struck by what makes ITS different from other firms, and it comes down to the people.
"I've been incredibly impressed by how supportive and collaborative the team is. There's a strong commitment to delivering results, but it's paired with a genuine investment in each other and in our clients."
She points to the culture at ITS as something that directly enables better work:
"It's an environment where you feel supported, trusted, and empowered to do your best work."
Let's Connect
Strong teams start with great people. Dawn brings decades of recruiting experience, a consultative mindset, and a genuine passion for helping both clients and candidates succeed. If you're looking to elevate your hiring process or find top talent, reach out to Dawn and see how she can help.
Stay tuned for more engaging profiles and insights in our ongoing spotlight series. Whether you are a job seeker navigating this complex job market or an employer seeking top talent, this series aims to provide valuable information and highlight the experts who can help you achieve your goals.
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