Charna Westerhold

Early in Profession and Inclusive Hiring Programs Talent Acquisition Director, Microsoft

With 23 years of experience in talent acquisition, including 18 years within the tech industry and 5 years in agencies, Charna is deeply committed to fostering inclusive hiring practices and creating equitable pathways for all individuals in the workforce. She believes that diverse teams drive innovation and success, and is dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. Charna’s expertise in workforce planning and capacity planning is crucial for ensuring that organisations have the right talent in place to meet their strategic goals. These areas are vital in talent acquisition as they help forecast future hiring needs, optimise resource allocation, and ensure a balanced workload across teams.

Coaching and developing teams is another area she is deeply passionate about. Charna believes in empowering her team members to reach their full potential, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Outside of work, she is a dedicated mother, wife, and animal lover. Charna enjoys spending my downtime immersed in books of all genres or staying active through various workouts.

What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?

One of my proudest professional achievements is leading an award-winning team that has gained market recognition and is transforming how we attract and assess early-in profession talent.
Our innovative strategies are setting new industry standards and influencing best practices in talent acquisition. By focusing on inclusivity, we’ve created a dynamic recruitment process that identifies and nurtures early in professional individuals.
This achievement highlights our lasting impact on the industry and our commitment to shaping the future workforce

How has the RL Community/helped you this year?

The RL community has been instrumental in my professional growth. Through my involvement, I’ve significantly increased my market knowledge, gaining insights that have enhanced my strategic approach. Additionally, the connections I’ve built with industry leaders have been invaluable. These relationships have not only provided mentorship and collaboration opportunities but have also evolved into lasting friendships.

What is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?

As we approach 2025, I predict several key trends will shape the talent acquisition industry:
1. AI and Automation: These technologies will streamline recruitment, making processes more efficient and data-driven.
2. Diversity and Inclusion: Emphasis on diverse and inclusive workforces will grow, with unbiased hiring practices becoming standard.
3. Remote and Hybrid Work: Flexible work models will continue to influence talent attraction and retention strategies.
4. Employer Branding: A strong employer brand and positive candidate experience will be crucial for attracting top talent.
5. Skills-Based Hiring: Focus will shift towards hiring based on skills and potential rather than traditional qualifications.
6. Sustainability: Candidates will seek employers committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility.
The RL100 community has been pivotal in enhancing my market knowledge and building lasting connections with industry leaders. These insights and relationships have been essential in shaping my predictions and strategies for the future of talent acquisition.