FurstPerson presents Spotlight Series, which focuses on the humans behind HR, Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, Training and Organizational Development. Follow the series to learn more about the industry leaders who are bringing innovation, growth, and passion to their organizations.
NAME: Carla Arthur
TITLE: Manager, Talent Acquisition Operations at WestJet
EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND:
- I have my Commerce (Business) degree from the University of Victoria with a focus in International Business.
- Fell into agency recruiting out of school, worked for agencies in Vancouver, BC, Toronto, On and Calgary, AB (worked contingency and executive)
- Went to recruit inhouse after I met my husband in search (total talent nerd family)
- Spent 9 years recruiting in oil and gas
- Was laid off during the down turn, humbling experience but actually the best thing that every happened to me for my career
- Landed at WestJet and have had two roles in 14 months
My biggest workplace lesson...
Always be learning, it’s easy to get comfortable, but at the pace the world is moving you can quickly get left behind. Plus it’s fun to learn new things!
The best workplace/career decision I ever made...
To get clear on my values and what I wanted from my job (this has changed over the years as my career has matured along with my personal life, ie. money much more important when I first started working!)
I think leaders in TA/HR/Recruiting should...
Partner with the business and don’t be afraid to ask for help, we are in this together to find top talent. We are introducing secondment roles onto our talent team to help with workload. It has been a win-win partnership where we are developing employees through learning recruiting and the business has some skin in the game.
The qualities most important to me in building my team are...
Having a growth mindset and always wanting to be better for themselves and as a team. I will always support the teams growth and development.
I never start my day without...
Coffee and a kiss from my kids!
I’m currently reading...
Tim Sackett, The Talent Fix
The advice I’d give to my younger self is...
This sounds cheesy, but believe in yourself because others will then to!
Topics: Recruiting and Sourcing, talent acquisition, Spotlight Series