Tell us your career path before you were in TA
I began my career at Iris, where I played a role in hiring over 100 people for their UK office. It was there that I discovered my true passion for People and Culture. My foundation was in advertising, working as an EA to senior leadership at global agencies. This experience gave me invaluable insight into how businesses operate and what truly makes an agency thrive—its people.
Without realising it, I was also building an incredible network of advertising professionals, which became the perfect launchpad for my next chapter as a recruitment consultant at Cogs, a media industry-focused consultancy. Having firsthand knowledge of the industry and its key players, I was uniquely positioned to connect the right talent with the right opportunities—a true win-win for all
From your personal experience what's the best thing about being in talent acquisition?
It's so rewarding to find people in their roles. I especially love working with junior talent, unearthing their talents, building confidence and bagging the job. The more off the grid in terms of experience the better in my opinion. Transferable skills are golden
Since you've been in TA, how have you seen it change?
Talent Acquisition is a rollercoaster, constantly shifting with the economy and industry trends. One moment, you're scaling up; the next, you're pulling back. The key is to stay true to your values and navigate the waves with resilience - You got this, everyone! !
I feel like more businesses are recognising the value of in-house recruitment teams and investing in them. They want TA professionals to adopt a strategic mindset, contributing not just to hiring but to overall business growth. TA is evolving beyond recruitment—teams are now deeply involved in DEI, workforce planning, and talent strategy to name but a few. This shift highlights just how essential a strong TA function is to a company’s long-term success
How do you see AI impacting the future of talent acquisition?
AI is here—let’s embrace it! While it can streamline processes and enhance efficiency, it will never replace the human touch—the heart and mind behind great talent decisions. In Talent Acquisition, AI will play a crucial role in automating tasks like scheduling and data processing, giving us back valuable time to focus on what truly matters: building meaningful connections, shaping strategy, and driving impactful change.
What advice would you give to job seekers today?
Build connections—it’s crucial. Behind the scenes, Talent Acquisition professionals navigate a flood of applications, sometimes receiving over 100 overnight. The candidates who stand out are often those who have engaged with the company—liking posts, commenting thoughtfully, or sending a short message. At the interview stage, make sure you have researched the company and know why they should hire you! In-person interview: I might sound a bit old school here, but make sure that handshake is a strong one! :) These small, consistent touches can make a big impact. Stay proactive, stay visible, and most importantly, don’t give up!
Sabrina Gigante, Head of Talent and Employee Experience at Captify