Staff Excellence: Human Resources — Talent Acquisition

It takes an excellent staff to build an outstanding workforce, from managing job requisitions to identifying top-tier talent and implementing innovative training programs. Human Resources’ Talent Acquisition team always strives to recruit, hire and onboard employees who lift the university to new heights.

These staff members are the force that oversees all recruiting efforts for Purdue Global, the Purdue Applied Research Institute and staff positions on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus; acts as subject matter experts for the SuccessFactors recruiting system; and manages the Purdue Careers social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, X and Pinterest.

In the past year, these 19 individuals have managed over 2,900 job requisitions, reviewed 44,000 resumes and processed more than 9,000 background checks. Their impressive reach and impact ensure Purdue remains a competitive and attractive employer in the higher education sector.

From the moment they receive a job requisition, Talent Acquisition staff members step in to guide the hiring manager through the process of finding the perfect candidate. They’ll craft the job posting, tap into talent pools, provide guidance on a position title, review resumes and offer sample interview questions, all the while prioritizing swift response and turnaround times to maintain a consistent and reliable line of communication.

“Our Talent Acquisition team understands that building a talented workforce is essential to Purdue’s success,” says Brenda Coulson, senior director of Talent Acquisition. “By collaborating closely with hiring managers to fill roles with top-tier candidates, we ensure that our employees, who are invaluable to the university’s achievements, drive Purdue forward. Continuously refining our processes and effectively showcasing ‘Why Purdue’ allows us to attract and retain the best talent, enhancing our overall efficiency and impact.”

Though the foundation for their success rests on their knowledge and mastery of basic hiring principles, they’re persistently pouring their creativity and inventiveness into bold initiatives that elevate recruitment and retention. Last year, Talent Acquisition revamped the university’s employer brand, featuring a new employer value proposition that conveys the values and culture of Purdue employees. This included the launch of Telling Your Story, a survey-based approach that offers employees an outlet to share their success stories.

In an effort to empower candidates and elevate their job search experience, Talent Acquisition created its Connect with a Recruiter Program, allowing external and internal candidates to receive career guidance and resume feedback from recruiters. Last year, the team expanded its role to include faculty dual-career and relocation services, which supports the dual career assistance program. The initiative provides personalized job search guidance and networking opportunities to support the professional aspirations of dual-career couples.

No matter the position it’s filling, this staff takes pride in hiring individuals who contribute to the long-term success of the university.

“The challenges are always here and changing,” says Larri Sackett, senior talent acquisition specialist. “One day I may be trying to fill a molecular beam epitaxy engineer, and the next, a service desk specialist. They all have their different challenges, but it is the best feeling when you can connect a person with a career and watch them excel in it.”

But they don’t just watch employees excel, they help make it happen. Talent Acquisition has rolled out multiple programs geared toward fostering employees’ growth and development through every stage of their careers. Moving Forward in Four, a virtual program designed to strengthen Purdue employees’ internal opportunities, allows employees to meet with Talent Acquisition professionals and develop a personal brand, tweak their resumes and prepare for job interviews. Meanwhile, New@Purdue walks employees through the onboarding experience, fully engaging them from the start of the recruiting cycle through their entire first year of employment.

Although Talent Acquisition staff members are great at what they do, they realize there’s always room for improvement. By constantly analyzing data and refining strategies, they’re regularly searching for ways they can elevate their impact on the university and its employees.

“We’re constantly benchmarking, reviewing and coming together as a team to see what we’re doing well and what we’re not,” Coulson says. “We’re always trying to reinvent ourselves, rethink processes and improve the candidate experience.”

Whether they’re attending career fairs, tailoring hiring campaigns, recruiting for critical leadership positions or conducting candidate experience surveys, they always maintain a high standard of excellence in their work. Their role is essential in recruiting and retaining world-class talent; and the pipeline they’ve carefully crafted will continue to fuel Purdue’s growth and success for years to come.