Tell us your career path before you were in TA
I began my career in a hotel in Spain, taking on a client-facing role to improve my Spanish, while also supporting the HR department - where my interest in recruitment was first sparked.
I later led recruitment and customer care at a home care company, gaining hands-on experience managing both people and processes. After a few years in Valencia, I moved to Madrid to work as a headhunter for a boutique consultancy.
From there, I joined RTB House, where I further developed my experience in in-house recruitment.
I'm now at Adlook - part of the same group - where I focus on hiring for client-facing roles across EMEA and the US.
From your personal experience what's the best thing about being in talent acquisition?
From my personal experience, the most rewarding part of being in Talent Acquisition is the ability to connect exceptional people with the right opportunities, where both can truly thrive.
There's something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that a single hire can not only transform someone’s career but also drive meaningful growth within a business. Seeing a candidate you championed succeed, make an impact, and become a key player in the company is a powerful reminder of the value we bring - it's a genuine win-win for everyone involved.
As Walt Disney said - “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world…but it requires people to make the dream a reality”
TA is here to make those dreams come true :)
Since you've been in TA, how have you seen it change?
Talent Acquisition has changed dramatically since I started, and it continues to evolve at a rapid pace. We’ve shifted from a transactional approach - focused on reviewing CVs and filling roles - to becoming strategic partners for both the business and candidates - we act like a bridge and we’re responsible for providing the best experience to both parties.
Today, it’s not just about hiring: it’s about employer branding, market insights, and creating an exceptional candidate experience.
TA is often the first touchpoint candidates have with a company, and in a competitive talent market (as in life), that first impression can make all the difference.
We've also entered a space where the dynamic has changed - candidates aren’t just being chosen by companies; they’re choosing where they want to work. This means building relationships, networking proactively, and staying engaged with talent even outside of open roles is more important than ever.
One clear indicator of this shift is how many organisations now invest in internal TA teams that deeply understand their business, products, and culture. This not only enhances market impact but also drives greater efficiency and long-term value.
How do you see AI impacting the future of talent acquisition?
AI is here to stay, and it’s already transforming the way we work in Talent Acquisition.
From automation of repetitive tasks to smarter sourcing and screening, AI helps us save time and operate more efficiently - efficiency being one of the key drivers in our industry today.
That said, I don't believe AI will ever replace recruiters.
Instead, recruiters who know how to leverage AI will have a clear advantage over those who don’t.
Staying up to date with emerging tools and learning how to integrate them into our workflows is essential.
The human element remains irreplaceable - our empathy, intuition, and relationship-building are what truly set us apart.
The future of TA will be a mix of smart technology and meaningful human connection.
What advice would you give to job seekers today?
Stay up to date with industry trends. We’re part of a fast-evolving landscape, and every insight counts.
Never settle, and never give up
The market is highly competitive, and hearing “no” is part of the process. Use those moments to reflect, gather data, and identify where you can improve - whether it’s your CV, interviews, or networking approach
Feedback is a gift, ask for it!
Be authentic - your personality is your superpower.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarity; your next move should feel like the right fit for you, not just a role to fill.
And finally, remember: a “no” today doesn’t mean you’re not talented - it often just means “not now.”
The right opportunity might be just around the corner.
Rafael da Costa Ferreira, Talent Acquisition Manager at Adlook