Tell us your career path before you were in TA
My journey into talent acquisition wasn’t something I mapped out, it just sort of found me. After school, I started a degree in Computer Science, but about two years in, I realized it didn’t spark any real passion in me. I was at a bit of a crossroads and wasn’t sure what direction to take next. A friend of mine was studying HR at the time, and as I learned more about what he was doing, it really piqued my interest.
So, I decided to make the switch, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In my final year of the HR degree, I completed a work placement with one of Ireland’s largest event management companies. I was responsible for recruiting event staff, and from the very first day, I knew I’d found something I genuinely loved. The fast pace, the connection with people, the satisfaction of matching the right person to the right role, it all just clicked.
After graduating in 2015, I applied for my first role in talent acquisition and was thrilled to get it. I’ve been in TA ever since, and it’s become so much more than just a career path, it’s something I’m truly passionate about.
From your personal experience what's the best thing about being in talent acquisition?
There are so many things I love about working in talent acquisition, but what I enjoy most is being part of something truly life-changing. I get to help people take that next big step in their careers. Sometimes it’s their very first step, sometimes it’s a leap into something completely new. It might be supporting someone as they leave an environment that no longer fulfills them, or helping them secure a work visa so they can move abroad and start a new chapter. Knowing that I play a small role in someone’s professional journey and personal growth is incredibly rewarding, it’s what keeps me passionate about what I do every day.
Since you've been in TA, how have you seen it change?
There have been huge changes in talent acquisition since I started my career back in 2015. At that time, candidate experience and employer branding weren’t major priorities — the focus was mainly on job boards, resumes, in-person interviews, and simply filling roles as efficiently as possible.
Today, the landscape is completely different. There’s a much stronger emphasis on how candidates experience the hiring process. Transparency, speed, communication, and feedback all play a crucial role. A poor experience can be costly, while a positive one can build long-term trust and advocacy.
Employer branding has also become far more important, with companies highlighting their values, culture, work–life balance, and flexibility as key selling points. On top of that, there’s been a significant shift toward building more diverse and inclusive talent pipelines, with greater investment in DEI initiatives that truly shape how organizations hire and grow.
How do you see AI impacting the future of talent acquisition?
AI is already transforming the world of talent acquisition. There are now countless tools and applicant tracking systems that help streamline sourcing, selection, and interviewing. But I believe AI should be seen as a strategic partner and not a replacement for recruiters.
When used thoughtfully, it can enhance how we attract, evaluate, and retain talent, allowing us to focus more on the human side of recruitment which is building relationships and understanding people. I’m genuinely excited about what the future holds and how we can continue to harness AI to make talent acquisition smarter, fairer, and more impactful.
What advice would you give to job seekers today?
Some of the most important things job seekers should focus on today are personal branding, networking, and adapting to AI.
When it comes to personal branding, think of yourself as your own recruiter. Your online presence is often the first impression you make, so ensure your LinkedIn profile is clean, professional, and up to date. Depending on your field, showcasing a portfolio of work can also make a strong impact. Highlight your certifications and commitment to continuous learning because employers place a high value on curiosity and a growth mindset.
Intentional networking also plays a huge role in landing interviews. Attend industry events, join professional communities, connect with people in your desired field, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. Building genuine relationships often opens more doors than cold applications ever could.
Finally, as more companies use AI to filter candidates, it’s important to tailor your CV to each role. Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description and structure your experience clearly. This helps your application stand out, both to automated systems and to the humans reviewing them.
Tell us a little about the company you hire for and what makes it so great?
Quantcast is a leading digital advertising, audience measurement, and AI-driven marketing platform.
We help brands, agencies, and publishers understand their audiences and reach them more effectively across the open internet. By leveraging real-time data, advanced AI modeling, and privacy-first technology, we empower advertisers to make smarter, faster, and more impactful marketing decisions.
Stephen Kilgallon, Principal Recruiter, EMEA at Quantcast