Talent Acquisition Specialist Salary Averages: What You Need to Know
Brandi Glass
• 5 min read
Talent Acquisition Specialists are professionals who source for top-tier candidates among a pool of qualified job seekers. If you are interested in this position, you must be an expert at modern hiring practices and onboarding procedures.
With a studied approach and a genuine desire to improve staff quality, you’ll quickly become indispensable and make positive, impactful connections that serve you well throughout your career. If you are starting and want to learn more about this position, we’re here to help.
We’ll cover the fundamentals in this article, like how much is the average talent acquisition specialist salary and what roles you’ll take on in a company.
What Are the Principal Roles of Talent Acquisition Specialists?
Although some may confuse a Talent Acquisition Specialist’s position with your average HR employee, many differences exist. For starters, you are responsible for full-cycle recruitment processes. That means finding candidates, piquing their interests, interviewing, hiring and onboarding them.
On the other hand, HR personnel may have one specific role in the team. You may work alone or, if you’re in a corporate environment, have the help of Talent Acquisition Coordinators.
Successful Talent Acquisition Specialists are master negotiators and find the best possible candidate for open positions. With experience, you’ll start to develop an eye for breakthrough talent and exceptional candidates, interview them, assist with the hiring process and onboard them once they join.
You’ll handpick these candidates among a sea of others, and some may not be looking for a career change. Your role is to entice them to join, as attracting talent is central to your job.
How Much Does a Talent Acquisition Specialist Make?
While it depends on the state you live in, the average Talent Acquisition salary is quite high. According to Salary.com, the average Talent Acquisition Specialist salary nationwide ranges between $64,141 - $80,767 per year. As for the highest earners, they can make up to $90,323 annually.
Glassdoor.com lists the nationwide Talent Acquisition Specialist salary at $74,794 per year. The highest earners can make up to $179,000 in major cities like Los Angeles and New York City.
Do I Need a Degree to Work in this Industry?
Most companies will require a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Human Resources Management to apply for this position.
Experience and certifications in an HR-related field go a long way in this field. Although you should not overlook the importance of a degree, knowledge and accreditation distinguish you between candidates.
If you are a fresh graduate, you can still gain footing in the industry by applying for a Talent Acquisition Coordinator role. With fewer responsibilities to handle, you’ll learn the ropes by supporting an experienced Talent Acquisition Specialist. This experience helps you understand the industry better and familiarizes you with your future role once you progress.
Although a Talent Acquisition Coordinator salary is less than a specialist’s, the role has high earning potential and allows you to transition later.
What Is The Difference Between a Talent Acquisition Specialist and a Coordinator?
Talent Acquisition Coordinators play more of a supporting role for the specialist. Coordinators schedule interviews, check-in with applicants, manage the paperwork and handle the specialist’s calendar. Unlike a specialist, a coordinator usually does not work independently and is part of a company. The average Talent Acquisition Coordinator salary is $51,000 per year.
How Can You Progress in This Career?
The best way to advance in your career is to work on attracting high-caliber talent and help the HR department retain them once they’re on board. Once you prove that you have the people skills and the discernment to choose the best candidates, you’ll establish a name for yourself. This reputation may lead to a recruitment offer for a more senior position.
Some roles to consider include:
- Manager of Talent Acquisition
- Director of Talent Acquisition
- Senior Corporate Recruitment Specialist
- HR Generalist
- HR Manager
- HR Director
Although not an exhaustive list, you can probably tell that you’ll have the opportunity to apply for more intensive HR-related roles. These will be a breeze for you since you’ll have the knowledge, experience and help to perform your job optimally.
Must I Have Special Skills to Work as a Talent Acquisition Specialist? Yes, Talent Acquisition Specialists must have unique skills to perform their jobs well. These include:
- Above-par communication and interpersonal skills
- Emotional Intelligence
- Superior negotiation
- Active listening
- Human Resources and workforce planning
- Technological and systems expertise
- Cost management
- Stress management
- Organization
Although each organization and work setting differs, these core skills are essential for optimal performance and hiring the best talent. Don’t forget – your job isn’t just to headhunt – it’s critical that you match a position with the most qualified candidate.
After a while, those with little experience may find that candidates all seem the same and have the right qualifications. However, an experienced Talent Acquisition Specialist picks up nuances in their applications and personalities that others cannot.
What Are the Advantages of this Position?
Besides the robust salary, you can enjoy a high quality of life by working as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. You can work in multiple industries such as banking and finance, motor vehicles, sales and even medical settings. No two days are the same, giving you new experiences and keeping you busy.
Depending on your workplace, you’ll rub shoulders with executives, directors, and higher-ups who have the potential to advance your career. Your networking opportunities and the nature of your role give you much social flexibility and allow you to aim higher for the future.
Are There Drawbacks to Working as a Talent Acquisition Specialist?
Of course, every position has drawbacks. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, you have a great deal of responsibility. Department heads will trace the hires back to you if they fail. Moreover, this is quite a competitive field. It is not easy to find top talent when other companies provide better offers. You work with what you have, which involves negotiating with your company to make your job more effective.
Additionally, this is a job that involves much communication and speaking. You’ll cold-call candidates and spend hours on the phone, which gets tiresome. Finally, the negotiation process may fall through at any time, despite your time and effort.
How Can I Stand Out as an Applicant?
Passionate, communicative and charismatic applicants make the best Talent Acquisition Specialists and get far in their field. To stand out as an applicant, you must have a drive to work in this business and a desire to help others meet their goals.
Build experience and gain certifications to emphasize your strengths and reach your goals. Learn the latest technologies used in the industry and take advantage of workshops that enhance your skills.
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