From Psychology to Recruitment
Hello, my name is Caro Oliva. I am a senior recruiter here at ITS, and I love my work! It's funny, but when I finished my studies as an Industrial Psychologist and started working in human resources, I thought the last area I would work in was recruitment, but guess what? I have been in talent acquisition for the last 10 years! I now have 30 years of experience in human resources, and during this time, I have learned that talent acquisition is not just calling candidates from a pipeline and filling jobs. It is a daily journey that differs from day to day, working with unique individuals and listening to their stories, concerns, goals, jokes, and experiences. Then, I get to help them build their dreams. It's a priceless experience. When I receive a message thanking me for the time I spent with them trying to get the right opportunity, it makes me believe that I chose the right profession and validates my love for what I do. And I am not talking about only candidates; I'm talking about clients also.
Building Dreams and Strong Relationships
I have built trusting relationships with hiring managers and helped them understand what we do and how we can help them with hiring for their companies. Most of my clients are people whom I have worked with in the past, so they know me and generally make great future referrals. I always say, "If you do your job right and perform it with love and passion, it will pay in the end." And I am not talking about just your career or money; I am talking about everything involved in your life. If you are happy with what you do, it shows, and you project it.
Recruiting in Mexico and the U.S.
I work in both Mexico and the U.S., which can present challenges, but I like to work in various industries, and being in 2 countries at the same time allows me to know both cultures and learn something new every single day. I have spoken English and Spanish since I was in high school, and I now love practicing and getting into the new era of AI and young culture. You need to learn something new every day to stay young! Besides my job, I enjoy being with my family, and in the spirit of growing as a person, I started a Yoga certification this year, which will end in the next months, so I can say I am in a stage of fullness and satisfaction, doing what I love! What else can I ask in this life?!
Walking in a Candidate's Shoes
When I am working with a candidate, I start with the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, current situation, what they are looking for in a role, and motivation. I like to picture myself in their shoes, currently looking for a position and embodying what I know about their background. If I can see them fitting in well, I move forward with the next steps.
Client Needs and Communication
To be honest, the most important qualities you look for in a client looking to hire are their simply needs, pains, and if they communication openly. These are all crucial in understanding and working with the client. I usually ask them, "What is something you don't like to see regarding a candidate?" so I can focus on their exact pains and desires. I encourage transparency so I don't have to guess, which helps smooth out the processes!
Staying Updated on Industry Trends
To keep up with the latest trends and changes in the various industries I support, I usually research the companies I work for, their specific verticals, what they do, and about them in general. I don't want to call someone without a clue in my mind, so I also study the open position, understand it completely, and look for more information about the full job description. Often, I also learn through candidates who share details about their jobs. But when some of them teach, you need to know the basics to understand them. You don't have to be an expert, but you need to be prepared for every candidate screening.
Caro's Journey with ITS: A Perfect Fit
I started with ITS back in 2016, and it has been a great journey. I have always felt like a member of this great family, meeting so many valuable people from whom I have learned so much. ITS has a great team and is a fantastic place to work. I am 100% convinced when you work for the right company where the goals, values and environment are aligned with yours, you are in the perfect spot. No matter which country you live or if you are even speaking the same language!
Thanks for your time in reading about me and my journey. If you would like me to help with any struggling role, I will be more than happy to assist you!
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.
Don't miss out on future editions! Follow us on social media to stay informed and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of recruitment. Together, we can shape the future of careers and empower professionals to thrive.
Contact us today, and we'll help you achieve the success you deserve!