Amanda Eilertson
Amanda Eilertson

Amanda Eilertson
Recruiter
Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

Nominated For: The Talent Innovator Award

This award recognizes the experienced early career professionals who are reimagining how companies connect with Gen Z talent. They challenge traditional thinking by introducing new strategies, platforms, and touchpoints to meet students where they’re at. Whether through technology, storytelling, or community-building, they’re closing the gap between how recruiting has always been done—and how it needs to evolve.

From the Community: Why this Nominee Stands Out

To be considered for the CRCAs, individuals had to be nominated by a peer, manager, colleague, or direct report. This quote was shared by the person who nominated this person for recognition, highlighting the impact and excellence they’ve demonstrated.

“As a recruiter with a background in executive search, Amanda brings a unique perspective to early-career recruiting—one that blends strategic insight with a deep commitment to candidate experience. She believes that recruitment isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about helping people find the right fit for their goals, values, and future.

Amanda's background in executive recruiting has shaped how she supports early-career candidates. She coaches them to think strategically about their careers, articulate their value, and navigate complex hiring processes with confidence. That experience helps her offer guidance that’s both practical and empowering.

What truly sets Amanda apart is her approach that begins from the very first moment a candidate engages with us—whether that’s a LinkedIn message, a conversation at a career fair, or a resume submission. Amanda personally reviews resumes not just for qualifications, but to understand the story behind them. She responds with intention, curiosity, and care. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, to make someone feel seen, and to help them take the next step in their journey with confidence.

Amanda doesn't believe in “selling” roles. She believes in listening and taking the time to understand what each candidate wants—personally and professionally—and only moves forward when she know the opportunity is a true match. That alignment leads to better outcomes for everyone.

At career fairs, Amanda makes it a point to be approachable and real. She wants candidates to feel like they can put their guard down when they come to my table. Whether they’re confident or nervous, she meets them where they are. She builds an inclusive culture by letting them know she is their ally, and truly wants them to succeed.

One of the things I appreciate so much about Amanda is deep care for creating space for candidates to show up as their authentic selves—not a polished, overly rehearsed version of who they think they need to be. She wants them to know they don’t have to put on a corporate persona to be taken seriously. Their individuality, their story, and their values matter. When candidates feel safe to be real, that’s when the most meaningful connections happen—and that’s when we all win.

Amanda consistently reminds our internal teams—hiring managers, stakeholders, and leadership—that the candidate experience is everything. She advocates for interview processes that are respectful of candidates’ time and aligned with how Gen Z views the world. She is not afraid to push back on outdated practices, overly long timelines, or misaligned messaging, because every touchpoint shapes how candidates perceive not just the role, but our brand. Prioritizing empathy, clarity, and authenticity ensures we don’t just hire better—we build trust that lasts.”

Vote for Amanda Eilertson as the winner of the Talent Innovator Award by voting through the form below! 

 

Congratulations to Amanda for being nominated for the Talent Innovator Award, part of RippleMatch's 2025 Campus Recruiting Choice Awards!

Explore all Award categories and this year's standout nominee class by clicking the button below:


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