About Diana
Diana’s 15-year journey in talent acquisition began with an entry-level recruiter role, fueled by her passion for connecting people with opportunities. Over the years, she honed her skills in sourcing, interviewing, and employer branding, steadily advancing into leadership roles. Her adaptability and embrace of new technologies and strategies have allowed her to thrive in the ever-evolving talent acquisition landscape.
Adding to her extensive expertise, Diana spent 5 years working in the US, specifically in the Chicago and Florida regions. This experience provided her with a nuanced understanding of the US labor market and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. Now a seasoned talent leader, Diana finds fulfillment in driving strategic talent initiatives and shaping the future of work, while her passion for the field continues to inspire her efforts.
1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in talent acquisition?
I’ve always been fascinated by people—how they work, what motivates them, and how the right team can achieve extraordinary things. My early HR roles gave me a strong foundation in hiring, onboarding, and employee engagement, but it was during my time as a recruitment trainee that I discovered my true passion. I loved the challenge of finding the right candidate for a role and building meaningful connections with both candidates and hiring managers.
My journey in talent acquisition began in 2006 at a small consulting firm. I still remember my CEO asking why I chose recruitment—it made me reflect deeply. I realized my love for listening to people’s stories, understanding their dreams, and helping them achieve their goals aligned perfectly with recruitment. Since then, talent acquisition has been more than a job for me—it’s become my passion.
2. What do you enjoy most about working with CloudQ?
CloudQ is an amazing place to work! It’s a company where I feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow both personally and professionally. What stands out most is the trust and support from my team and management. I’ve had the opportunity to work on unique and challenging projects that have helped me sharpen my skills and make a meaningful impact on the company’s success.
The culture here is truly remarkable—supportive, collaborative, and teamwork-oriented. Everyone is willing to lend a hand, and it creates an environment where innovation thrives. I’m so grateful to be part of CloudQ, a place where I can genuinely make a difference and thrive.
3. How do you typically start your day to ensure a productive approach to recruitment and talent strategies?
Every day in talent acquisition is different, but I always start by reviewing my emails and messages to prioritize tasks and address any urgent needs. I then glance over my to-do list, organize my priorities, and focus on impactful tasks like scheduling interviews, reviewing resumes, and strategizing with hiring managers.
If time permits, my team and I do a quick huddle to share updates and discuss challenges. I also spend time on strategic initiatives like researching industry trends, exploring new sourcing channels, and refining recruitment strategies. Working closely with my team and building strong relationships with hiring managers ensures that we stay aligned on goals and deliver great results.
4. What’s your go-to strategy for managing the challenges of sourcing and attracting top talent?
Sourcing top talent is both a challenge and the most exciting part of my job! One of my key strategies is building strong relationships. I spend a lot of time networking, attending industry events, and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. This helps me stay ahead of the curve and access talent before roles even open up.
Employer branding is equally important. We showcase our company culture, values, and employee experiences through social media, testimonials, and other channels to make CloudQ an attractive place to work. I also leverage technology—tools like applicant tracking systems and AI-powered sourcing platforms help to streamline processes. However, I believe there’s no substitute for the human touch in recruitment.
5. Are you an early bird or a night owl, and how does that impact your approach to recruitment tasks?
I’m a bit of both! Mornings are typically reserved for strategic tasks like planning recruitment strategies, reviewing candidate applications, and meeting with hiring managers. Evenings often involve more flexible activities like researching industry trends or connecting with candidates across time zones.
Recruitment’s flexibility allows me to adapt to different schedules and deliver results, regardless of the time of day. Ultimately, it’s about staying productive and effective, whether it’s early in the morning or late at night.
6. Which behavior or personality trait has been most instrumental in your success as a Talent Acquisition Manager?
Effective communication is at the heart of my success. Listening actively to candidates, hiring managers, and my team helps build trust and strong relationships. Adaptability is equally important in a fast-paced role like this, allowing me to pivot strategies when needed.
Time management and attention to detail are non-negotiable—I ensure everything from reviewing resumes to finalizing offers is done accurately. Resilience, persistence, and enthusiasm keep me motivated, while strategic thinking and collaboration help drive impactful recruitment strategies. These traits collectively empower me to navigate the ever-changing landscape of talent acquisition.
7. What was your first role in recruitment, and how did it shape your approach to talent acquisition?
My first role was as a Recruitment Trainee. It was a period of immense learning—understanding sourcing, screening, and onboarding candidates while also honing my ability to connect with people.
This role taught me the value of active listening and relationship-building. Even when candidates weren’t the right fit, maintaining positive connections proved beneficial in the long run. Today, these lessons guide me to approach recruitment with a focus on long-term relationships and innovation.
8. Which aspects of your role energize and motivate you the most?
I’m energized by the tangible impact my work has on individuals and the organization. Helping candidates find their dream roles and watching them succeed is incredibly rewarding.
The collaborative environment at CloudQ also keeps me motivated. Interacting with diverse teams, tackling challenges, and refining strategies push me to bring my best to the table every day.
9. What’s one thing that surprised you about working at CloudQ?
The genuine care for employee well-being. CloudQ’s initiatives, from flexible work arrangements to robust development programs, have been a pleasant surprise. The culture here promotes growth and inclusivity, making it a place where you feel both valued and inspired to contribute.
10. Could you provide a brief overview of your key responsibilities as a Talent Acquisition Manager?
My role revolves around aligning talent strategies with the company’s goals. This includes developing recruitment strategies, managing a team of recruiters, overseeing the onboarding process, and ensuring a seamless experience for candidates and hiring managers.
Data-driven decision-making also plays a big part in my responsibilities. By analyzing metrics and trends, I continually refine our processes to attract and retain the best talent.
11. Having been with the company for some time, what keeps you inspired and driven in your role?
The dynamic nature of recruitment keeps me inspired—it’s a field that constantly evolves with trends and technologies.
The culture at CloudQ is another driving force. Working alongside talented colleagues, exploring innovative strategies, and seeing the real impact of my efforts on the organization’s success are highly motivating.
12. What strategies do you employ to ensure a seamless and enjoyable onboarding experience for new hires?
Onboarding is the first impression of a company, so it must be exceptional. My approach includes clear communication, personalized experiences, and structured onboarding plans.
I also ensure that new hires are introduced to their teams, given comprehensive training, and provided with all the resources they need to succeed. Regular check-ins during the initial months help address any concerns and foster a positive relationship.
13. Can you share one memorable success story from your career in talent acquisition?
One of my favorite moments was helping a candidate who was initially hesitant about applying for a leadership position. Through multiple discussions, I encouraged them to take the leap, and they ultimately secured the role.
A year later, they reached out to thank me, sharing how the role had transformed their career. Moments like these reaffirm why I love what I do—making a difference in someone’s professional journey is incredibly rewarding.
14. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and changes in the talent acquisition space?
Continuous learning is key. I attend webinars, industry events, and training programs to stay informed about emerging trends and tools.
Networking with other professionals also provides fresh perspectives and insights. Reading industry blogs and participating in online communities further helps me stay ahead of the curve.
15. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a Talent Acquisition Manager?
First and foremost, develop strong communication and interpersonal skills—these are the foundation of effective recruitment.
Be adaptable and willing to learn. The recruitment landscape is constantly evolving, so staying updated and open to change is crucial. Lastly, focus on building genuine relationships and fostering a positive candidate experience. Recruitment is more than just filling positions—it’s about connecting with people and helping them grow.
That’s a wrap on this interview with Diana! We hope you enjoyed learning about her impressive journey in talent acquisition and her dedication to building strong teams. A big thank you to Diana for sharing her story with us. Stay tuned for more interviews with our incredible team members. See you next time!
Want to meet others at CloudQ? We have a fantastic lineup of Get to Know posts here you can browse. Thank you so much for reading!
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