Alternative careers for Heads of Talent Acquisition

Alternative Career Paths for Heads of Talent Acquisition

In today’s fiercely competitive world of Talent Acquisition (TA), many Heads of TA are finding it increasingly challenging to navigate their careers.

With a large number of exceptional TA Leaders between roles right now and with compeition so high, it’s no surprise that some TA professionals are considering their options.

Here are a few talking points and career options we often explore with our TA candidates:

Consulting: Leveraging Your Expertise

Many TA professionals find fulfillment in consulting, where they can leverage their extensive experience to help multiple organisations. Consulting offers a unique blend of flexibility and variety, whether you choose to work freelance or join a consulting firm. By diving into different projects, you can continuously expand your skill set and enjoy the satisfaction of making a tangible impact across various businesses.

Pivot Within HR: Explore Specialised Roles

There are many specialised roles within HR that might align with your skills and interests. For example, you could become a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, focusing on creating inclusive workplaces. Another option is Employee Engagement, where you can use your people skills to improve company culture & employee satisfaction.

Go Niche: Become an Expert in a Specific Area of TA

Another viable option is to become an expert in a specific area of Talent Acquisition. Executive Recruiting can be highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and influence key hiring decisions. Specialising in areas such as Diversity hiring can also set you apart from the competition and open up new career opportunities. By honing in on a niche, you can become a go-to resource for organisations seeking specialised TA expertise.

NED Opportunities:

Leverage Your Professional Experience
Non-Executive Director (NED) opportunities can be a great way to leverage your professional experience in a new and impactful way. HR tech vendors or emerging growth HR suppliers often value the insights and connections that seasoned TA professionals bring. This path allows you to contribute strategically to organisations that can benefit from your extensive experience, creating a win-win scenario for both parties.

Career Coaching: Guiding Others to Success

With your background in talent acquisition, transitioning to career coaching can be an incredibly rewarding move. As a career coach, you can help individuals navigate their professional journeys, offering guidance and support based on your expertise. This role allows you to continue using your TA skills while making a significant difference in the lives of others.

Consider the ‘Dark Side’: Agency or Executive Search Practice

Could a return to a reputable agency or executive search practice be your next step? This path offers the chance to share your experiences with a broader audience of organisations and talent. Working in an agency setting can provide a dynamic environment where you can leverage your TA skills on a wider scale and continue to grow professionally.

Branch Out Completely: Embrace a New Industry

Sometimes, the best move is a complete change. Many TA professionals have successfully transitioned to roles in different industries, such as education or entirely new fields. Whether temporarily or permanently, branching out can reignite your passion and provide new challenges and rewards. It’s all about finding what excites and fulfills you while also meeting your financial needs.

Concluding thoughts

It’s essential to remember that career paths are not linear. You have the power to redefine your trajectory based on your interests and market opportunities. By exploring these alternative paths, you might discover a career that’s not only successful but deeply satisfying. Embrace the journey, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The world is full of opportunities waiting for you to seize them.

Get in Touch with PEEQ HR Recruitment Agency

We are here to help you. If you have any questions, queries or would like to discuss a potential hire, a job application, or require clarification on anything detailed on our website, then we would love to hear from you.

Please feel free to call, email or complete the form provided and we will assist you.

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