Patrick Boonstra:I am Absolutely Proud of the Setting of Tru

We had the pleasure of speaking with Patrick Boonstra, one of the TruSkopje Track Leaders and the driving force behind TruAmsterdam, the Dutch chapter of Trumunity, which originated from TruLondon. TruAmsterdam has been part of the Tru UNconference movement, hosting over 1,000 events across 150+ cities worldwide and now starting in Skopje.

Patrick is an experienced project lead with a specialization in recruitment, particularly in tech and innovation projects. His expertise centers on integrating technology to optimize recruitment processes. He offers a unique combination of deep knowledge and insights in recruitment, employer branding, technology, and supplier management. Check out how he responded to our questions.

What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve learned from a TRU event over the years?

There is not a single truth or way to do it > You can have completely different views or approach how to tackle a certain Recruitment problem, and still BOTH be right. There are multiple ways that lead to Rome, you can learn from other people’s decisions and struggles, and the trick is to find the best setup that works for YOU!

TRU events bring together people from diverse backgrounds. What’s one industry or perspective you’d love to see more represented at future events?

While I am happy not to be in commercial advertising (there is a significantly ‘higher’ impact into matching people to the right job, than there is on selling a new iPhone, or a new car): I do feel we can learn more from eCommerce (conversion driven) companies, especially those in entertainment (like gaming, movies, music, gambling and porn).

Recruitment technology is evolving rapidly. What’s one tech innovation in recruitment that you believe will have the biggest impact in the next five years?

Obviously, AI and automation technology will finally enable us to fully automate certain tasks. However next to the technologies being available, I feel the biggest impact will be on Design thinking of automation and AI being fully and seamlessly INTEGRATED. Standalone solutions will never be fully adopted, it’s only when you fully integrate and take away resistance to USE tech is when success follows.

What’s the most unusual or offbeat session topic you’ve ever seen at a TRU event, and how did it go?

I’ve had many memorable sessions: workshops to develop a new TV format for employer branding, or a ‘which generation makes the best recruiter’ competition, or a full 60minute DJ set where all Recruiter-influencers were typecasted with their own song. But sometimes it’s the smaller sessions with just 3 or 5 people where you really get surprised by people’s openness and strength (by being vulnerable). Also: I’ve heard people complain about sessions, where others actually come up to me saying they LOVED it; each can have their own experience.

Can you share a moment from a TRU event that made you realize the impact these gatherings have on the HR and recruitment community?

We’ve had fierce discussions at Tru where emotions can run very high, and debate is heartfelt, and you know both parties will never agree. And the interesting thing is: They can both be absolutely right! Each can have their own background, setup and beliefs to come to a certain approach, and both can still be successful!! – I am absolutely proud of the setting of Tru where you can share these discussions, participate, learn and mostly walk away together afterwards to share a drink on the event, or call each other later to do business together because of the connections made.

Patrick Boonstra

Recruitment Tech Lead

Looking forward to his insights? Buy your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/d448aQ-U