If you’re applying for a job at Apeel, chances are you’ll probably get to know Shaina Semiatin. She’s our Director of Talent Acquisition, and that means she knows a thing or two about what it takes to work here. Besides being extraordinary at finding great candidates, Shaina previously served as the Chair of Diversity & Inclusion for the Santa Barbara Human Resources Association (SBHRA). On top of that, she’s also a published poet. Shaina lives in Santa Barbara with her wife, Anjuli, and cat, Matzah. Learn more about Shaina and the best way to be offered a job at Apeel Sciences by reading on.
For those of you out there wondering what it’s like to work here – or what it’s like to work in talent acquisition in general – we sat down with Shaina to ask her five questions.
1) For those who aren’t familiar with Talent Acquisition, tell us about your role at Apeel.
SHAINA: Simply put, it means that I own the day-to-day functions of the Talent Acquisition Team, as well as our global talent acquisition strategy. This includes helping to fill positions in multiple domestic and international locations, as well as acting as a coach, trainer, and mentor for all of our internal stakeholders. I also work to define and evolve our employer brand on our website, out in public, and internally with all of our colleagues.
Really, my job is to help set the path of our incredible talent acquisition team and then to get out of the way so they can succeed!!
2) Have you always been interested in working in such a people-focused role? What brought you to where you are now in your career?
SHAINA: I think it’s rare that people actually say, ‘I want to be a recruiter when I grow up!’ Like most people in this space, I always knew I loved people, but I wasn’t sure how to incorporate that into my work.
Initially, I studied international relations at the University of Chicago and was planning to join the State Department. During my time at the University of Chicago, I unexpectedly got hooked on social entrepreneurship, which led me laterally into recruiting in Boston.
After several years there, I missed the Central Coast and specifically targeted talent acquisition roles with California startups fighting food waste. Finding Apeel was truly meant to be –I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible team and to help the company grow!
3) You’re the head of one of our quickest growing departments! – What do you look for when you’re hiring someone to be a part of the Talent Acquisition team?
SHAINA: Yes!First of all, our P&C Team is growing quickly and we are currently looking to add experienced members to our team!
We don’t look for candidates that check every single box or excel in every single category. Rather, we hire for skills, aptitude, values fit, and authenticity. We look for candidates with attention to detail and a true passion for Talent Acquisition or P&C.
The best advice I can give anyone who is interested in joining our team is to be authentically themselves throughout the interview process and to do their research on our company’s mission, vision, and values.
4) What is your favorite thing about working at Apeel Sciences?
SHAINA: It’s so hard to list just one! If I had to pick, I’d say that it is two primary things: the people and our mission.
Everyone at Apeel is truly motivated to make the world a better place, which is palpable in the ways we work with each other (both in person and digitally). Additionally, our mission is so compelling that it motivates me to give my best every single day. Often times, in talent acquisition, recruiters are helping to support the growth of other companies or other innovators, but as part of Apeel’s TA team, we are at the front lines of building a world-changing company. We spend every day helping to build a world-class and diverse team of colleagues that we hope will grow with us for many years to come.
5) What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
SHAINA: At a conference I attended, the author Carla Harris said something that has always stuck with me: “Authenticity is your single greatest competitive advantage. Own it. And bring yourself into your work every day.”
Thanks, Shaina!