Recognizing Recruiters Worldwide: The Story of Global TA Day

Rod HessBy Rod Hess
September 4th, 2024 • 4 Minutes

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“TA pros are the architects of growth, the champions of culture, and the catalysts for success for many businesses,” shares Katie Fortunato, president of RecruitmentMarketing.com. “Your role in identifying and securing the right talent for your organization—it’s not just a function, it’s a mission.”

Yet, ironically, for a profession focused on visibility, large parts of your role go unnoticed.

You’re there, in the background, making things happen. Filling roles, sure. But also shaping cultures. Driving growth. Seeing the person behind the resume.

It’s a juggling act. Part strategist, part people person. Always looking ahead. Your fingerprints are on every successful hire, every smooth onboarding, every cultural fit that propels a company forward.

But recognition? That’s often in short supply.

That’s where Global TA Day comes in. It’s a spotlight on the often invisible work you do every day.

Curious how this day of recognition came to be? So were we.

We got to hear from co-founders of Global TA Day, Adriana Kevill and Audrey Agot Fox, as well as Ryan Christoi, who helped bring it to life. They spent some time telling us about how a simple idea to acknowledge TA pros sparked a global movement.

Let’s dive into the story of this day dedicated to celebrating your impact!

The Birth of Global TA Day

It started in 2018 with an interesting observation. As Ryan Christoi, President, Enterprise at Recruitics recalls, “In 2018, I was approached by two KRT Marketing teammates with a BIG idea.”

The spark? A gap in the holiday calendar. Adriana Kevill and Audrey Agot Fox noticed that while there seemed to be a day for everything—from National Dog Walker Day to National Ice Cream Day—there wasn’t one dedicated to talent acquisition professionals.

The team at KRT Marketing saw an opportunity. They decided to establish the first Wednesday of September each year as Global Talent Acquisition Day (aka Global TA Day). 

Audrey highlighted the human-centric focus of the day: “Since the beginning, TA Day has been all about the people. The talent acquisition heroes that connect people to opportunities.”

Why September? 

As Ryan explains, “The week of Labor Day was selected as many companies wouldn’t have labor today if it wasn’t for the talent acquisition team working hard with companies to attract and hire new employees.”

The founders didn’t intend this to be a self-serving initiative.

Adriana emphasizes, “Today was created to be a movement powered by social media. No ads, gated content, or self-promotion. A day for everybody to celebrate, recognize, and show gratitude to all talent acquisition professionals, the unsung heroes of so many companies.”

Audrey echoes this sentiment, stating, “We always celebrate when someone gets their dream job, but it’s important that we also celebrate the people that help to make it happen.”

The founders had a vision of a day that would truly honor the profession. They took a significant step by bringing the celebration to the Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals (ATAP). As Ryan notes, this was done “with the belief that the day should be ‘owned’ by an industry association.”

From these humble beginnings, Global TA Day has grown into something much larger than its founders initially imagined. 

Ryan reflects, “Fast forward seven years later, and it is so incredibly cool to see what started as just the kernel of an idea has now evolved into a day that is celebrated by thousands of talent acquisition professionals around the world.” 

Audrey adds, “Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with some talented and dedicated talent acquisition professionals, and this day is for them.”

The Evolution of Global TA Day

Over the past six years, Global TA Day has taken on a life of its own. What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a worldwide celebration. “The first year we got some traction. The years that followed got bigger, different type of events were added around the day,” Adriana noted.

The day has grown beyond social media posts and office celebrations. It now includes industry events, webinars, and recognition programs across the globe. Companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500s, have embraced the opportunity to recognize their TA teams.

The Significance of Global TA Day

Global TA Day is more than just another day of recognition on the calendar. It’s a recognition of the vital role that talent acquisition professionals play in the success of organizations worldwide.

This day serves multiple purposes:

  1. Recognition: It’s a chance for companies and colleagues to acknowledge the hard work and impact of TA professionals.
  2. Community Building: It brings together TA pros from around the world, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
  3. Education: Many organizations use this day to offer learning opportunities and share best practices in the field.
  4. Reflection: It provides a moment for TA professionals to step back and appreciate their own contributions to their organizations and the broader business world.

Celebrating Global TA Day

So, how can you celebrate Global TA Day? Here are some ideas:

  • Share your experiences, insights, or appreciation for colleagues on social media using the hashtag #GlobalTADay.
  • Organize a special event or recognition program for your TA team.
  • Attend or host webinars, workshops, or networking events focused on TA best practices.
  • Share success stories that highlight the impact of great hires on your organization.
  • Take a moment to thank the TA professionals in your network who have made a difference.

Global TA Day has come a long way since its inception in 2018. What started as a simple idea has grown into a worldwide celebration of the talent acquisition profession.

As Ryan puts it, “Happy Global TA Day to everyone out there who’s making a real difference.” It’s a day to recognize the strategic importance of talent acquisition, to celebrate the professionals who shape the future of organizations, and to reflect on the impact of great hiring.

Whether you’re a seasoned TA veteran or new to the field, Global TA Day is your day. It’s a reminder of the crucial role you play in building successful, dynamic organizations. So take a moment to celebrate, connect with your peers, and appreciate the impact of your work.

After all, as Katie reminds us, “Having once been a former recruiter myself, I’ve seen the impact of how great talent can make or the wrong talent break your company.”

On this Global TA Day, and every day, remember: Your work matters. You’re not just filling roles; you’re shaping the future of work itself.

A woman holds a paper sign that says, "Thank you for all that you do," for Global TA Day
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