
Stephanie Cramer
Senior Director of TA,
Iron Bow Technologies

Kate O’Neill
Recruitment Coach,
Kate O’Neill Coaching
The Recruitment Podcast EP. 11: Stephanie Cramer reveals what no one tells you about talent acquisition
Talent acquisition has changed.
Forget filling roles, it’s more of a strategic function that drives a recruiter’s success.
Without adding more, let’s get into how you can change your recruitment strategy to fit in and win big.
1. Connect like a human. Not AI.
Stephanie Cramer’s journey, a leading talent acquisition specialist, began on a farm in Missouri.
She learned early on that recruitment is about people.
Whether you’re hiring for a tech firm or a healthcare organization, the human connection is critical to recruitment success.
So, move away from generic hiring processes. Take the time to understand your candidates’ stories, interests, and goals. Personalize your communication and show empathy to build a connection.
“We’re all human, and recruitment is about connecting with people. Empathy is the cornerstone of a successful function.”
2. Shift from cost to strategy
Historically, talent acquisition was seen as a cost center within HR.
Today, aligning talent acquisition with business objectives is key to transforming it into a strategic function.
Focus on recruitment as an investment in the future and build a strategic talent plan that aligns with your company’s growth and development goals.
This approach ensures that your hiring decisions support long-term success.
3. Align recruitment strategies with business goals
“Most organizations measure recruitment costs as expenses, but forward-looking companies view them as an investment, similar to a marketing budget, focused on attracting and nurturing ideal candidates.”
One of the most important steps is aligning your recruitment strategy with broader business objectives.
To be successful, recruiters need to understand the company’s mission and hiring needs.
Before starting the recruitment process, take the time to connect with your leadership team.
Understand the business goals and tailor your recruitment strategy to meet these objectives.
This ensures a more cohesive and effective recruitment process.