Arjun Rao
Human Resources Professional
Bengaluru,KA
Summary
Professional with strong background in talent acquisition, skilled in sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding top-tier candidates. Known for fostering collaborative team environments and adapting quickly to changing recruitment needs. Demonstrates expertise in candidate assessment, relationship building, and strategic hiring processes, consistently driving successful outcomes. Reliable and results-focused, delivering high standards in every aspect of recruitment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
5
5
Languages
Work History
Talent Acquisition Specialist
IKEA India & IKEA Kuwait
04.2021 - 01.2025
- Managed full-cycle recruiting process for multiple roles simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards in candidate assessment and selection.
- Leveraged talent mapping to provide strategic insights on competitor landscapes and market trends to senior leadership.
- Spearheaded diversity recruiting initiatives, resulting in more diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Championed diversity and inclusion by hiring individuals from 21 different nationalities, building a globally representative and inclusive workforce.
- Actively sourced top-tier talent for senior and specialized roles using advanced methods like head-hunting, professional networking, and targeted advertisements.
- Leveraged online platforms and internal databases to identify and proactively engage with passive candidates, nurturing relationships for future talent needs..
- Reduced time-to-fill for open positions by implementing efficient recruitment strategies and effective collaboration with hiring managers.
- Evaluated resumes, interviewed, and presented qualified candidates to hiring managers and solicited feedback to refine recruiting strategy.
- Created and distributed job postings on job boards, corporate career sites and social media networks to increase reach.
- Partnered with key stakeholders, including Steering and Hiring Managers, to consult on sourcing strategies and ensure alignment with business needs and expectations.
- Drove recruitment for management, leadership, and complex searches, demonstrating a focus on building pipelines for critical capability roles.
- Championed an outstanding candidate experience throughout the hiring process, from initial contact to offer, by maintaining strong relationships and providing consistent follow-up.
- Developed strong talent pipelines by utilizing various sourcing techniques, including social media, job boards, and networking events.
- Acted as brand ambassador to educate candidates on culture, career growth, benefits, and advantages of working for company.
- Experienced in leveraging Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) such as Workday, Avature, and Taleo to streamline recruitment workflows and manage candidate pipelines.
Associate Recruiter
Tesco
01.2019 - 09.2019
- Conducted thorough candidate screenings, including interviews and reference checks, ensuring high-quality matches for clients.
- Employed data-driven approach to refine recruitment tactics, increasing overall placement rates.
- Coordinated job fairs and networking events to expand outreach efforts and enhance company''s brand reputation within the industry.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with placed candidates to assess satisfaction levels and address any concerns or issues promptly.
Senior Recruiter
Hinduja Global Solutions
12.2015 - 12.2018
- Spearheaded strategic sourcing initiatives for high-volume and large-scale hiring projects, leveraging a diverse mix of cost-effective channels including head-hunting, professional networking, and campus partnerships.
- Managed end-to-end recruitment processes for a high volume of positions, from initial candidate screening to placement, while operating and maintaining applicant tracking and candidate management systems.
- Cultivated an exceptional candidate experience throughout the interview process, which directly led to increased offer acceptance rates and a higher quality of placements.
- Developed strong relationships with hiring managers to better understand their needs and successfully fill vacancies in a timely manner.
- Trained junior recruiters on best practices for sourcing, interviewing, and candidate management.
- Assisted hiring managers in creating accurate job descriptions that accurately reflected role requirements and attracted qualified applicants.
Recruiter
IBM India Pvt Ltd
05.2014 - 12.2015
- Coordinated schedules to arrange management interviews with applicants.
- Negotiated competitive salary packages with candidates, resulting in successful offers and acceptances.
- Managed high-volume requisitions in a timely manner to meet client staffing needs efficiently.
- Organized job fair events that attracted diverse talent pools, increasing the company''s reach within local communities.
- Developed diversity hiring initiatives, resulting in more inclusive workplace culture.
- Coordinated with universities and professional associations to source top talent for internships and entry-level positions.
- Conducted thorough background checks and reference verifications, ensuring reliability and integrity of new hires.
Senior Recruiter
Allegis Global Solutions
05.2013 - 01.2014
Order Management Associate
Dell International Services
02.2011 - 05.2012
Education
B.Com - Business & Commerce
Bengaluru University
Bengaluru 04.2001 -
Skills
Candidate sourcing
Salary and benefits negotiations
Onboarding processes
Global recruitment
Career fair management
New hire orientation
Recruitment planning
Candidate pipeline management
Applicant tracking systems
Social media recruiting
Accomplishments
- Led the talent acquisition strategy for a major market expansion, hiring over 1,500 co-workers across key functions like Sales, Marketing, and Operations. This effort directly facilitated the successful opening of three new retail stores for IKEA (two in Kuwait, one in India).
- Spearheaded a new campus recruitment strategy at HGS, which resulted in a 25% reduction in hiring costs while building a robust pipeline of new talent.
Timeline
Talent Acquisition Specialist
IKEA India & IKEA Kuwait
04.2021 - 01.2025
Associate Recruiter
Tesco
01.2019 - 09.2019
Senior Recruiter
Hinduja Global Solutions
12.2015 - 12.2018
Recruiter
IBM India Pvt Ltd
05.2014 - 12.2015
Senior Recruiter
Allegis Global Solutions
05.2013 - 01.2014
Order Management Associate
Dell International Services
02.2011 - 05.2012
B.Com - Business & Commerce
Bengaluru University
04.2001 -