P.S. A Journey Beyond Recruitment: Life as a Talent Success Manager

A lot of folks end up in recruitment without really planning for it from the start. Personally, I used to dream of becoming a global software development professional, and I made it. But as I gained more experience in the professional world, I found myself drawn to the complexities of recruitment and talent management.

The turning point came when I was running my own startup and had to oversee hiring several times a quarter and support those resources after they were hired so we could ship according to our strategic plan. It became clear to me that I wanted to be part of fixing what many people see as a flawed talent management system.

I switched gears and took on roles as an Advisor at various startups to support them in hiring senior engineering professionals. While I enjoyed matching people with positions, my real passion was improving the experience of managing talent. I wanted to give professionals a smoother journey, making sure they knew their value and be set up for success.

Then, in July 2023, I scored my dream job at Gun.io, a tech talent marketplace, as a Talent Success Manager. Those close to me know how much I enjoy my job. After a rewarding year in this role, I felt compelled to demystify the job title and do a self-interview to address common questions from candidates.

Question: Does the role of a Talent Success Manager closely resemble that of a Talent Acquisition Managers who work for recruitment agencies?

Working as a Talent Success Manager is quite different from being a Talent Acquisition Manager. Although both positions involve helping people in their career paths, the way TSMs and TAMs approach their roles and what they prioritize are quite distinct.

As a TSM, my responsibilities revolve around driving the success of software engineers within the organization. This entails collaborating closely with various stakeholders, conducting regular check-ins with talent to understand their challenges, and providing technical guidance and support.

Talent Acquisition Managers mainly serve as go-betweens connecting candidates with hiring companies. On the other hand, a Talent Success Manager’s focus is inward, aimed at supporting and empowering the talent already within the organization. In my role, I use my technical knowledge to boost talent productivity and ensure their satisfaction. Additionally, I play a crucial role in refining and enhancing the TSM program by providing insights and guidance from a technical standpoint. This active involvement in program development distinguishes the TSM role from that of a recruiter.

Question: What motivates you as a Talent Success Manager?

Talent Success Managers are fueled by the positive impact they have on the careers of the software engineers they assist. Seeing talented individuals flourish under their guidance brings them immense fulfillment and a sense of purpose. They relish the opportunity to continuously grow their technical expertise and talent management skills while providing mentorship. Building meaningful connections with software engineers, understanding their individual challenges and goals, and guiding them along their career journeys are sources of great satisfaction for TSMs.

For Talent Success Managers, the chance to forge personal connections and influence others’ career paths holds more value than any external rewards. They’re fueled by a desire for excellence and constantly strive to enhance their performance. Contributing to the organization’s overall success and growth is a major driving force for them. By creating a nurturing and efficient environment for software engineers, they play a pivotal role in bolstering the company’s reputation and achievements.

Question: How does Talent Success Managers support multiple software engineers simultaneously?

As a Talent Success Manager, juggling hundreds of candidates at once demands careful planning and efficient resource management. TSMs make use of specialized tools and systems to keep track of each talent’s progress throughout a project. By tapping into these resources, they can pinpoint where professionals are in their journey and identify areas where their guidance is most needed.

Talent Success Managers take a proactive approach to candidate support, focusing on resolving issues and offering support where it’s most necessary. Recognizing that not every candidate requires the same level of attention at any given moment, TSMs prioritize their efforts based on the urgency and complexity of each situation. They simplify their interactions by tackling common challenges and providing candidates with the tools they need to navigate the platform independently whenever possible.

Question: How does a daily routine entail as a Talent Success Manager at Gun.io?

As a Talent Success Manager, my daily routine centers on providing personalized support to people while ensuring the success of Gun.io Talent Program. I start by reviewing professionals’ progress and prioritizing tasks based on their individual needs. Throughout the day, I engage with candidates, offering tailored guidance and assistance. Additionally, I collaborate with internal teams to enhance our talent support strategies and actively participate in the tech community to share insights, build connections, and contribute to the improvement of our retention rates.

Overall, my role involves a blend of support, collaboration, and continuous improvement efforts aimed at driving candidate success.