GLOBALFOUNDRIES Knows Engineering — And a Whole Lot More

What does GLOBALFOUNDRIES know? “We know engineering.” That’s what Nadine VanBuskirk, who works there as Sr. Talent Acquisition, Business Partner, says. Of course, that’s not all they know, but seeing as 77% of their employees are engineers and technicians, that definitely makes them an expert on the profession.

GLOBALFOUNDRIES is the world’s leading specialty foundry, and it’s also a leading company dedicated to a diversified workforce. They offer 20 paid weeks for maternity leave globally, customized mentoring programs, opportunities for professional development, and partnerships with external educational and professional affiliates.  

GF’s largest employee resource group is GLOBALWOMEN, an alliance of women and men working in partnership with allies to drive initiatives that support the professional development of women at the company. Recently, VanBuskirk shared with Fairygodboss what it’s like to work at GF, as it’s also known, and why she thinks of recruiting as building relationships and changing lives.

How long have you been in your current role, and what were you doing previously? 

I am entering my 5th year with GLOBALFOUNDRIES and prior to that I was a Manager for an International Managed Service Program/Recruitment Process Outsourcing (MSP/RPO) company. 

What is your favorite part of working in recruiting? 

The most rewarding part about my job is when you find the perfect position for a candidate where it has the potential to change their life, not just professionally, but personally. This has been and continues to be one of the most rewarding and gratifying parts of my job. Because recruitment is about people and building relationships, I have made many friends along the way.  

As a recruiter, what are three things about your company that you always make sure to highlight when talking to a candidate? 

1. We know engineering. GF is a semiconductor manufacturing company where 77% of our workforce are engineers and technicians.  

2. We are truly global. We have fabricators on three continents with remote sites all over the world. Our workforce is one of the most diverse in the semiconductor industry.

3. GF really cares about their employees and offers many benefits that focus on employee well-being. We are one large extended family who look out for one another.

What’s one thing your company does — whether a formal policy or program, or more in terms of office culture — that you think is particularly unique or unexpected?

Since we have so many engineers, we like to solve problems and come up with solutions.  Before COVID-19, we hosted our very own Shark Tank, where employees presented work projects with proposed solutions, presenting to our senior leaders. The winners received two tickets and all expenses paid to an NFL game. 

Tell me a bit about your company’s D&I efforts and/or employee resource groups. 

GLOBALFOUNDRIES places a high priority on our diversity and inclusion efforts, and I'm proud to be a part of a company that focuses on the recruitment, development and retention of a diverse talent pool.  We have a big network of Employee Resource Groups that embraces the diverse experiences of women, families, early career professionals, black professionals, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. ERGs foster professional growth, a sense of community, and networking opportunities. GF has a lot of allies that participate in our ERGs as well. 

As a recruiter, what are the top 3 qualities you look for in a candidate? 

These are just a few and not in any specific order:

1)    Confidence & Communication Skills (Written & Verbal)

2)    Integrity & Problem Solver

3)    Motivation, Passion & Strong Influencing Skills

What virtual resources or networking opportunities would you recommend to job seekers?

1)    LinkedIn

2)    Glassdoor

3)    Company Website

4)    Professional Organization Websites

5)    Social Media

6)    Networking Events

Do you have any recommendations for job seekers who are looking to make a great first virtual impression?

1)    Be prepared and show up on time

2)    Ensure the platform requested by the employer will work on your network, laptop or device (ex: Zoom, Skype or Google Hangouts)

3)    Be ready to discuss your background

4)    Remember this is an interview. Dress for success

5)    Stay focused and engaged

6)    Remove all outside interferences, conduct the interview in quiet setting

What’s your #1 piece of advice for women who are looking for jobs right now (mistakes to avoid, how to negotiate salary/job title)?

Be open to all opportunities. Know that this is not a sprint but a marathon. Project confidence and most importantly be yourself. The key to success is believing in yourself and when you do that, you can never go wrong.

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