I live in the recruiting world...been a citizen for around 10 years now. While I have seen numerous posts on the horror stories of individuals who have encountered less than ethical recruiters in their pursuits, not all of cut from the same cloth. Some of us take pride in what we do and see the value of helping people put their talents and abilities to work with great employers. The difference here would be integrity, purpose, and strategies. 

In a conversation with a peer a few days ago, she asked where the term "Talent Acquisition" came about, and all of the variations of it since. Her point was that she had heard other terms that just sounded better...more appealing. She suggested "Talent Attraction." Now, I know that there are companies out there already that use this term, so this is not a new idea. I've heard it many times before. But since our conversation, I have continued to think about her point.

If you look up the definition to the word "acquisition," you would see - "an asset or object bought or obtained." Well, doesn't that make you feel warm and fuzzy all over??? I was to go to work today and obtain assets. That just doesn't inspire me. However, if you were to look up the word "attraction," you would see - "the action or power of evoking interest, pleasure, or liking for someone or something." Now THAT is more like it! I can get into that! That inspires and provides a level of passion that acquisition just cannot muster.

So, heretofore, I submit that all the world drop "Talent Acquisition" as a job title or department name and immediately move toward "Talent Attraction." Now, I work for a large, global, lots of approvals type organization, so it may take me a while to convince my internal team to make this change...but I will begin making this effort. Please refrain from calling me a hypocrite for a while until I can make some progress.

I hope that you are inspired by the work you do as a recruiter. Consider that there are people behind each of those resumes that you look you. Those people have stories...and some of them are going through very difficult times at the moment. That application they submitted to you, they have a lot riding on it and are anxiously awaiting news about where they stand. You see, their mortgage is way overdue and the bank is about to repossess the home. The credit cards are all maxed out as they have been unemployed for a while and had to buy groceries and pay the electric bill on credit just to get by. The car isn't running right and needs some work, and each time they get in it, they pray that today won't be the day that it just simply dies. 

When you approach your job with that vision and that state of mind, this is a profession that is noble and should be applauded. Now, go attract some talent today!