From the Desk of Dylan Ulmer, Senior Tech Recruiter
When I began my career at Optomi, I had no idea what a day in the life of a recruiter actually looked like. I knew it involved constantly talking to people, building relationships, and probably a lot of phone calls, but beyond that, I was unsure of what I was getting myself into. I felt overwhelmed and excited, but slightly unsure how I would fare in this new industry.
This is where The Acadomi completely altered the trajectory of my career.
Learning the Basics (Without Feeling Like a Robot)
The Acadomi did more than just teach me how to recruit. It taught me how to be myself while doing it. One of the biggest lessons I learned was that I didn’t have to sound like I was reading a script and repeat the same lines over and over again. I could be a real person having genuine conversations that actually matter.
Through my training in The Acadomi, I developed a very good understanding of key recruiting technologies and industry tools. From an operations standpoint, I gained hands-on exposure to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), like Bullhorn, as well as sourcing platforms such as LI Recruiter and Dice.
Additionally, the program strengthened my technical fluency by providing insight into widely used tools and systems that candidates work with daily. This includes project management platforms such as Jira and Confluence, UI/UX design tools like Figma, and programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and C#, among others.
Being introduced to these tools and technologies helped me build a foundation that made my job feel manageable and realistic. Rather than trying to figure everything out on the fly, this new knowledge allowed me to succeed early on, and this job that originally seemed overwhelming felt like an attainable role, one I confidently stepped into.
Taking What I Learned and Applying It in Real Life
Once I graduated from The Acadomi in April of 2024 and transitioned into my role as a Tech Recruiter, everything started to click. The lessons did not remain in training; they showed up in my daily routine, my conversations with candidates, and dictated how I handled challenges.
I felt more comfortable picking up the phone, more confident explaining roles, and more prepared to navigate situations that did not always go perfectly. Recruiting is far from predictable, but having that foundation from The Acadomi made it much easier to stay focused and keep moving forward.
The Impact of an Incredible Sales Team
At Optomi, the recruiting and sales teams collaborate daily, and our sales team gets things done, plain and simple. Everyone shows up for one another, stays on top of what needs to be done, and genuinely wants to see their peers succeed.
While I trained as a recruiter in The Acadomi, others chose the sales path. The same program that prepared me for my role as a recruiter simultaneously prepares others for roles as Account Executives at Optomi. Their skills, organization, and approach to client relationships all stem from that shared foundation, leading to better collaboration between Account Executives and Tech Recruiters.
We speak the same language, understand expectations, communicate clearly, and work toward the same goals. This alignment makes collaboration easier and more effective, creating an environment where everyone can continue learning and growing together.
Rookie of the Year and Knowing I Chose the Right Path
Each year, the top producers at Optomi are awarded a spot on the annual Platinum Club trip. In addition to producers who have met or exceeded their goals, four more spots are awarded to Optomi employees who go above and beyond. Rookie of the Year is classified as achieving record success with a short tenure, and all newcomers (Acadomi and new hires) are eligible.
Just months after graduating from The Acadomi, I had the honor of being named the 2024 Rookie of the Year. Receiving this award was an incredible moment. It meant more than just recognition—it confirmed that I chose the right career path. Seeing my hard work pay off was amazing, but realizing I genuinely had a knack for recruiting was even better.
Looking Ahead
At the start of my journey with Optomi, I was unsure of what my future in recruiting would look like. Now, I am confident, motivated, and excited about what’s ahead. The Acadomi was truly a launching pad for my career. Not many other companies can boast a 3-month training program that sets their new employees up for success, but Optomi can. I was a graduate of the twelfth Acadomi class (and we’re on class eighteen now).
If you’re considering a career in the recruiting industry but aren’t sure if you have the experience, The Acadomi at Optomi may be for you. Does it take dedication and a desire to learn and grow? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
I credit not only my strong start as a recruiter to The Acadomi, but also my continued success long after graduation. My coaches still check in on me to this day, and the lessons still continue. I would not be where I am today without their support and the framework they provided for me to build from.
