A career in human resources did not immediately come to mind for
Simon Parkin. Even after graduating from McMaster University
with a degree in economics and political science, it wasn’t until a
friend convinced him to enroll in the post-degree HR program at
Sheridan College did he find his calling.
“I knew on the first day that human resources was a great fit for me,” he
said. “The profession offered a great opportunity for working with people and
businesses in achieving their goals and successes.”
Since that time 20 years ago, Parkin – who grew up in Thornhill, Ont. –
has built a strong career as an HR, recruitment and talent leader. He started
his career at Accenture, where he was initially responsible for providing employee
relations support to HR business partners and leaders.
“After a few years, I had the opportunity to move into a recruitment strategy
role helping to shape and execute their progressive vision of recruitment,”
he said.
From Accenture, he was approached by American Express to develop and
lead an in-house recruitment model focused on acquiring quality talent in
the Canadian market. After successfully building that model, Parkin continued
to develop and lead recruitment functions for American Express markets
across the globe, becoming their global talent acquisition leader.
He then decided to open his own full-service HR consulting firm and
formed the Talent Company in 2011.
HR Professional caught up with Parkin to discuss why he loves this industry
– and particularly recruitment – so much.
What is your role as senior recruitment
transformation advisor and practice leader?
Simon Parkin: I am focused on projects ranging from developing
and enhancing key components of our client’s
recruitment practices to a complete review, analysis and
transformation of their function.
We have a number of high-growth clients who have asked us
to build their HR and recruitment practices. Many mid-sized clients
come to us with a challenge – not just to solve an issue – but also
how to evolve as a recruitment function and become more proactive.
What do you love about your job?
SP: I love the great people I work with. I have been fortunate to
build a great team of experienced professionals who share the
same focus of quality and innovation with me and are also fun to
work with.
We work with so many great organizations of all sizes across
many different industries and regions around the globe that I
NEYRO/Shutterstock
career paths
HR CAREER PATHS:
Simon Parkin
RECRUITMENT EXPERT
By Lisa Kopochinski
“I ALSO MAKE IT A POINT TO NOT
TAKE MYSELF TOO SERIOUSLY. IT’S
VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE A SENSE
OF HUMOUR AND APPRECIATE THAT
WE ARE IN A HUMAN BUSINESS. “
HRPATODAY.CA ❚ FEBRUARY 2015 ❚ 61