Talent Acquisition Specialist - Grooming

As a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Barkbus, your primary responsibilities include managing the end-to-end recruiting process for our grooming team, which involves creating job postings, reviewing applications, screening candidates, and negotiating offers. You'll also ensure a stellar candidate experience by anticipating needs, resolving issues, and collaborating with the People Team. Staying engaged with the dog grooming community to source candidates effectively is crucial, along with maintaining proper ATS hygiene and documentation.

To be a successful Talent Acquisition Specialist at Barkbus, you should have at least 2 years of recruiting experience, preferably with skilled hourly populations. Strong communication skills are essential to help you connect with candidates and hiring managers. An organized and detail-oriented approach will help you manage multiple priorities, and being tech-savvy will support you in using ATS and job boards effectively. A passion for pets and the ability to create a welcoming environment are key attributes we value.

Barkbus fosters a fully remote work culture with flexible arrangements that empower Talent Acquisition Specialists to perform their best work. We provide competitive pay and benefits, including paid time off and holidays, alongside professional development opportunities. By promoting a collaborative culture centered around transparency, we ensure that our team members support each other and share in the fulfillment of our mission.

A typical day for a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Barkbus involves juggling multiple tasks such as reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and maintaining communication with candidates. You'll actively source grooming talent from various platforms, attend team meetings to align on hiring goals, and ensure a friendly candidate experience by checking in regularly. The fast-paced environment means no two days are the same, and you'll enjoy the excitement of building a team dedicated to pet care.

The company culture at Barkbus is vibrant, inclusive, and supportive. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, you'll be part of a team that embodies our core values: resilience, safety, respect, and positive energy. We believe in keeping each other's spirits high, maintaining transparency, and fostering collaboration among team members. The nurturing and engaging atmosphere helps everyone to thrive both personally and professionally.

When addressing candidate rejections, it’s essential to maintain transparency and respect. Aim to provide constructive feedback if possible, and ensure the candidate feels valued for their interest in the role. A polite and empathetic approach can help maintain your company's reputation and encourage candidates to apply again in the future.

Managing high volumes of applications requires strong organizational skills and an efficient process. I prioritize tasks, use an ATS to filter candidates effectively, and set specific timelines for reviewing applications. Implementing clear criteria for selection allows me to quickly identify top candidates while ensuring a thoughtful evaluation of each application.

To source candidates for grooming roles, I utilize a mix of traditional job boards and community outreach. This includes posting on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, and also engaging with grooming schools and professional groups on social media. Additionally, I tap into local pet communities and networks to find passionate candidates who align with our values.

Improving a hiring process often involves gathering feedback and analyzing metrics. For example, I once streamlined the interview process by implementing a structured format that reduced time-to-hire while enhancing the candidate experience. This involved setting clear roles for interviewers and ensuring efficiency without sacrificing quality in the evaluation process.

To ensure a positive candidate experience, open communication is key. I keep candidates informed throughout the process, promptly answer their queries, and provide feedback after interviews. Tailoring the experience to meet their needs, such as offering flexible interview times, demonstrates our commitment to a welcoming and respectful recruitment approach.

Meeting monthly hiring targets involves proactive planning and execution. I assess pipelines regularly, adjust sourcing strategies based on market trends, and leverage data to forecast needs. Establishing clear goals and collaborating with hiring managers ensures we remain aligned and responsive to the evolving demands.

Culture fit is crucial in recruitment, especially at Barkbus, as we aim to maintain our core values. I evaluate candidates not only based on their skills but also on their alignment with our cultural expectations. During interviews, I discuss our company's mission and values to gauge their enthusiasm in contributing positively to our workplace.

Conflicts with hiring managers can arise from differing expectations. I address these by fostering open discussions to clarify objectives and ensure alignment. By actively listening to their concerns and suggesting compromises, I aim to find common ground and keep the recruitment process moving smoothly.

I find ATS platforms invaluable for managing applications and tracking candidates through the hiring process. Additionally, using social media for outreach and networking helps immensely. Tools that assist with scheduling interviews and automating communication also contribute to an efficient workflow, allowing me to focus more on candidate engagement.

Empathy is one of the most important qualities for a Talent Acquisition Specialist. Understanding candidate perspectives fosters a positive recruiting experience and helps in building trust. Additionally, possessing strong communication and organizational skills ensures that I execute the hiring process thoughtfully and effectively.