Embracing Challenges, Taking Risks and Standing Out: Tips from a Top Talent Acquisition Leader

Sharita Powers never expected to pursue a career in the pest control industry. Finding the courage to venture into something new and embracing challenges as her authentic self was crucial to her success as a Talent Acquisition Manager, where she leads a team of senior recruiters at Rentokil Terminix.

“Don’t be afraid to try something new,” says Powers when asked what tips she has for women looking to make significant career changes in a new role or industry. “Five and a half years ago, I would have never guessed I’d be working for the pest control industry, but getting out of my comfort zone was the best decision I’ve made thus far. I’ve been able to use transferable skills, learn new things, and meet some amazing people in the process.”

We connected with Powers to explore her impactful work at Rentokil Terminix, what she's learned throughout her career journey, and her advice for women looking to stand out as they grow their careers. Here’s what she had to say.

What’s the most memorable piece of career advice you’ve received?

I’ve been lucky enough to have many mentors throughout my career who have given me really good advice that I’ve carried throughout my different career stages. One of the most memorable pieces of advice was to celebrate my career wins but also embrace any failures that may come. There’s something to be learned from embracing failure and considering these moments as a stepping stone to success. Continuous improvement is something I encourage my team to strive towards.

What tips do you have for women who are considering a career change and want to break into a totally new role or industry? How can they best make their application and skills stand out?

My advice to women who are uncertain about their next career move, or maybe you're not sure your experience will translate well for the role that sparks your interest, is to highlight those transferable skills by customizing your application with emphasis on the experience you have relevant to the requirements of the role you are seeking.

We hear from so many women that it’s hard to get past automated application systems if they don’t have a personal connection at a company. How do you suggest women get through automated systems? What about making that personal connection — do you recommend candidates connect with current recruiters or employees for informational interviews before applying?

In such a social media-driven environment, I think it’s important to network with the companies that interest you. Connect with online groups like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Facebook, to name a few. Attend career fairs and events to put a face to future employers as well. It’s absolutely okay to express your interest to recruiters and ask questions to learn more about the organization and the talent they’re looking for. As recruiters, we’re constantly building pipelines for great candidates, so connecting with potential talent is essential to our success.

How do you suggest candidates prepare for an interview at Rentokil Terminix? What’s the information they must know when interviewing?

Research the company! If you have access, talk to people (other women) in similar positions to ensure you have a full understanding of what you may be embarking on. If necessary, work on acquiring credentials, certifications etc., that you may need to be successful in the role prior to joining.

What are your biggest tips for what NOT to do when applying or interviewing at a company?

Lack of preparation — be prepared to speak about your experience that makes you the best candidate for the position. You should also prepare some questions ahead of time. The questions can be role-specific, something about the company you learned through research or even general questions related to your own expectations from your next employer (salary, benefits, incentives, etc.)

Avoid dishonesty — don’t falsify information or describe your level of skills dishonestly. It’s okay to say you are willing to learn and how you can improve your skills in a specific area. More often than not there’s a training process in place for new hires.

What are your top pieces of advice for acing an interview?

A great way to separate yourself from other candidates is to be prepared to ask questions. Asking questions shows that you're interested in the role and the company in general. Ask questions about the future of the company or current projects this role will be responsible for. Above all, do your research on the company beforehand. Doing your homework on an organization and the role will allow you to speak with confidence and align your answers with the company's mission, vision, values, and goals. Interviewers also look for your level of engagement throughout the interview. Perfect opportunity to let your personality shine! Last but not least, remember what got you to this present moment. Be yourself! Avoid trying to be someone you are not or pretend to have skills or experiences you don't have. Authenticity is key, so don't be afraid to be honest about your strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and challenges.

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