Q&A With Danielle Lindquist, Manager of Talent Sourcing and Operations
Q: Can you tell us about your professional background and what brought you to Inside Talent?
While I was working on my Master’s degree in Human Resources, I also started an internship focused on employee benefits at a small but high-growth company in downtown Minneapolis. One day, the leader of the Talent Acquisition team asked if I would be interested in covering for someone on his team who was going out on maternity leave. I was incredibly hesitant but decided to give it a try. I’m so glad that I did! Having a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a very goal-oriented personality, it just felt like a natural fit. For the next 15 years, I worked as a corporate recruiter in very mission-driven industries, including medical device. I absolutely loved being the conduit for exciting opportunities and learning so much about the company through the broad variety of roles that I worked on. Because I spent so much time recruiting in medical device and working on very niche roles, passive candidate sourcing became a natural extension of my day-to-day recruiting work. Almost two years ago, I decided to join the Inside Talent team so that I could round out my skillset and focus on growing my sourcing capabilities.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
This is a tough question to answer because there are so many things I love about my job. First and foremost, I love the thrill of the hunt and delighting our clients with talent that might not have otherwise known about or considered their opportunity. I get energy from researching a role, learning the terminology and space, and figuring out where that particular type of talent “lives.” There’s no better feeling than knowing I was a part of helping a hiring leader not only fill their role quickly, but with someone who will truly help advance their business and mission. While I learned so much working on the corporate side, I also love the variety and opportunities to learn that come from working for a growing recruiting firm.
Q: What is the best tip you would give someone just starting out in recruiting?
Do your homework on each and every role! If you don’t understand the acronyms or terminology associated with the role, Google it! Don’t be afraid to ask the hiring leader to do a little “show and tell” for you. Sit in on a meeting to learn more about the big project this new hire will be involved in. Get your hands on the actual product line that they will be working on. Recruiters are expected to be instant experts in the departments they are recruiting for and are often learning a new language so to speak with each new opening. Taking a little extra time at the front end to educate yourself will help you triangulate faster on the right hire and build credibility with both hiring teams and candidates.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Don’t just identify a problem or wrench in the machine. Also come with one or two suggestions on how to fix it. Be part of the solution.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Any new quarantine hobbies?
I love to do anything outdoors and active, whether it’s walking our dog around the neighborhood, running, or biking with my family. During our first quarantine summer, we took up boating since we live five minutes from Lake Minnetonka. It’s safe to say our entire family is hooked and that we will be spending every warm, sunny weekend on the water.
Q: If you could choose any other job or profession (regardless of talent and ability) what would it be any why?
Wedding or event planner. I love the idea of tailoring a celebration to each person’s unique needs and personality. I also think I could tap into my organizational skills and ability to see both the big picture and the details.
Q: What are three words that your friends or family would use to describe you?
Achiever, caring, and honest.