Talent Acquisition Specialist

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.
Learn more about our recruitment process.

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Term: 1 year

This position is being offered as a temporary contract.  

Job Description:

Primary Purpose​

​​The Talent Acquisition Specialist supports campus throughout the staff recruitment process by providing client-focused, equitable recruitment support that aligns with organizational policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.

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​​Key Accountabilities​

Provides client-focused full-cycle recruitment guidance and support for volume recruitment 

• Conducts intake meetings with hiring managers to clarify position requirements, establish recruitment timelines, and support the recruitment process. 

• Manages the recruitment process including documenting and tracking all pertinent information using Workday. Responsible for the data integrity in all information entered into the ATS and meets established recruitment service levels and timelines. 

• Serves as a primary contact for hiring managers and candidates throughout the recruitment process for assigned client groups. 

• Reviews all submitted resumes and credentials for appropriateness of skills, experience and knowledge in relation to position requirements while upholding policies, procedures, and best practices. 

• Collaborate with hiring managers to identify appropriate advertising and recruitment channels. 

• Screens resumes and conducts preliminary phone interviews with selected candidates to further validate skills, experience and knowledge in relation to position requirements using behavioral-based interview techniques.  

• Conducts in-person and panel interviews as requested by hiring managers. 

• Ensures adherence to provisions of the appropriate Collective Agreements, policies and procedures, and applicable legislation such as Employment Standards Act and Human Rights Code. 

• Coordinates panel interviews with hiring committees, while ensuring confidentiality throughout the process. 

• Maintains candidate pools for select areas of high-volume recruitment. 

• Coordinates offer preparation, candidate communications, and associated recruitment administration through the completion of the recruitment process. 

Provides candidate attraction support : 

• Builds candidate pools for a variety of staff positions using recruitment tools, job boards, professional networks, and social media platforms. 

• Provides support to hiring managers in identifying candidate sourcing channels and recruitment advertising options. 

• Supports the development and maintenance of candidate pools to support recurring recruitment needs. 

Acts as an ambassador for the University of Waterloo for talent acquisition: 

• Liaises externally with professional, community organizations, and agencies 

• Promotes the recruitment brand of the University of Waterloo at external events and networking functions 

• Promotes equitable recruitment practices in accordance with university policies, procedures, and legislative requirements. 

• Develops effective working relationships with hiring managers, client groups, and HR colleagues. 

​​Required Qualifications​ 

Education 

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• CHRP designation or progress towards professional HR or Talent Acquisition designation is considered an asset. 

Experience 

• Demonstrated success supporting full-cycle recruitment activities, including:

• • Conducting intake meetings and identifying appropriate recruitment approaches with hiring managers

• • Preparing and posting job advertisements

• • Screening and assessing candidates

• • Coordinating and participating in interviews

• • Supporting offer preparation, presentation, and candidate communications

• Working in a high-volume, client-focused recruitment environment, including:

• • Managing multiple concurrent requisitions and competing priorities

• • Meeting service standards and recruitment timelines

• • Providing responsive support to hiring managers and candidates

• Utilizing applicant tracking systems (ATS) and HR information systems to:

• • Manage recruitment workflows and requisition activity

• • Maintain accurate candidate and recruitment records

• • Ensure data integrity and process compliance

• • Workday experience is considered an asset

• Attracting candidates through a variety of recruitment channels including job boards, professional networks and social media. 
• Applying recruitment policies, procedures, and employment-related legislation throughout the hiring process.
• Collaborating with hiring managers and other stakeholders to support effective hiring decisions and positive candidate experiences.

• Supporting equity-informed recruitment and selection practices in a diverse workplace environment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities 

• Strong interpersonal, client service, and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with hiring managers, candidates, and colleagues.

• Demonstrated recruitment and candidate assessment skills, including:

• • Behavioural interviewing methodologies

• • Competency-based assessment techniques

• • Candidate screening and selection practices

• Understanding of employment-related legislation, policies, and best practices, including:

• • Employment Standards Act

• • Human Rights Code

• • Employment equity and inclusive hiring principles

• • Labour and employee relations agreements and policies

• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to:

• • Manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines

• • Maintain accuracy and attention to detail

• • Deliver results in a high-volume environment

• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems and human resources management systems 

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.