Her Story
About Tamela
Tamela Scaife is an accomplished Senior Recruiter at CivicSoft, bringing nearly eight years of experience in talent acquisition, candidate sourcing, interviewing, and workforce development. In her role, she works closely with candidates and hiring stakeholders to understand organizational needs, identify qualified professionals, and facilitate connections that support both career growth and business objectives. She is particularly skilled at assessing candidates beyond their resumes, taking into consideration their professional backgrounds, capabilities, career aspirations, and potential cultural fit. Her approach is centered on building authentic relationships and creating positive experiences throughout the recruitment process.
Scaife began her career with a background in criminal justice and initially considered pursuing work in probation services. Following an internship, however, she recognized an opportunity to take her career in a different direction. After graduating, she entered the IT field before transitioning into recruiting when a recruiter with Kelly Services recognized her potential and provided her with an opportunity to learn from an experienced senior recruiter. Through hands-on training in phone screening, candidate qualification, interviewing, and talent matching, she developed the foundation for a successful career in recruitment. She later expanded her expertise in the manufacturing recruiting sector with Manpower, where mentorship from a senior recruiter helped her strengthen her communication skills and learn how to effectively partner with managers and other stakeholders.
Throughout her career, Scaife has placed thousands of professionals in new career opportunities, developing a deep understanding of the importance of matching the right person with the right organization. In addition to managing recruitment responsibilities, she is passionate about mentoring and developing emerging recruiters, sharing practical strategies and lessons learned from managing her own recruiting desk. Scaife holds an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Oakland Community College and a Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University, and she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix. Her areas of specialization include talent acquisition, executive and professional recruiting, candidate sourcing, interviewing, talent matching, recruitment strategy, stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and recruiter mentorship.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tamela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors, experiences, and relationships that have shaped my career, along with my commitment to continuous learning and helping others succeed. One of the most influential mentors in my career was Keisha, a senior recruiter at Manpower, who taught me valuable strategies and practical insights that strengthened my approach to manufacturing recruiting. I have carried those lessons forward by mentoring new hires, welcoming them into the profession, and sharing the knowledge, techniques, and strategies I have developed throughout my career. My educational journey, including an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Oakland Community College, a Bachelor’s degree from Oakland University, and my current pursuit of a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix, has further supported my professional growth. My experience as a cheerleading coach has also strengthened my leadership, communication, and teaching abilities, reinforcing my belief that success is most meaningful when I can use my experience to positively impact the lives and careers of others.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the recruiting industry is to believe in yourself and never underestimate your abilities. Be open to learning, take in as much information and guidance as you can, and embrace every opportunity to grow. Your career will come with successes as well as challenges, but both are valuable because they provide lessons that can make you stronger, more capable, and more confident. Do not shy away from difficult situations or allow setbacks to discourage you. Instead, face challenges with resilience, learn from each experience, and use those lessons to continue developing both personally and professionally.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, service, integrity, and making a positive difference in the lives of others. My personal connection to diabetes, through my mother’s experience with Type 2 diabetes, has strengthened my commitment to supporting awareness and giving back to causes that impact families and communities. I participate in annual 5K walks supporting diabetes awareness and research, which allows me to turn that personal connection into meaningful action. Professionally, I carry the same values into my work by treating people with respect, listening to their needs, and striving to create opportunities that can positively impact their lives and careers.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.