Driven. Empathetic. Creative.
At Kryterion, our success starts with our people — and that includes the people who help us find them. This month, we’re proud to highlight Noura Essa, a Talent Acquisition Specialist whose passion for people, process, and purpose shines through in everything she does.
Where People and Process Meet
Noura’s journey into recruiting began with an unexpected turn. After earning her degree in Engineering Management from Arizona State University, she thought she’d pursue a path focused on systems and efficiency. But her extroverted personality and genuine love of connecting with people led her toward a career that perfectly blended analytics and empathy.
“I realized my true passion was in talent acquisition, helping others find meaningful roles while continuously improving the systems behind the process,” she shares. “At Kryterion, that balance between analytical thinking and human connection shapes how I approach recruiting and candidate experience every day.”
Building Better Systems for Better Hires
One of Noura’s proudest accomplishments has been revamping Kryterion’s recruiting process, from updating job descriptions and offer letters to designing structured interview guides and scorecards.
“These changes improved consistency and fairness in hiring while strengthening collaboration between HR and hiring managers,” she explains. “The results were clear, faster hiring timelines and stronger long-term retention.”
Her work not only streamlined the recruitment process but also enhanced transparency and teamwork across departments.
Learning Through Challenge
Recruiting for highly technical and niche roles has tested Noura’s adaptability and curiosity. Early in her career, she learned that success depends on building trust with hiring managers, asking insightful questions, and finding creative sourcing strategies.
“I approach every tough requisition as an opportunity to learn the business more deeply and sharpen my strategy,” she says. “It’s about being resourceful and never losing sight of the human side of recruiting.”
Facing Challenges with Optimism
Of all Kryterion’s core values, the one that resonates most with Noura is We Face Challenges with Optimism. “Recruiting naturally comes with its share of obstacles, tight timelines, competitive markets, shifting priorities, but maintaining a positive mindset makes all the difference,” she reflects. “Optimism isn’t about ignoring challenges. It’s about approaching them with creativity, resilience, and the belief that every situation has a solution.”
Advice for New Team Members
Her advice to new hires is simple but powerful: stay curious. “Take the time to understand how your role connects to the bigger picture,” Noura says. “Kryterion is full of supportive, passionate people. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, share ideas, and build relationships across teams. That collaboration is where the magic happens.”
Outside of Work
When she’s not connecting candidates to career opportunities, Noura finds balance through Pilates and spending quality time with her son. “Pilates keeps me grounded and energized. It’s my go-to way to reset after a busy week,” she says.
She also loves exploring new places and spending time with family and friends. “That’s where I find the most joy and balance in life.”
Travel is another source of inspiration for her. “I absolutely love Chicago. Walking through a big city with a beautiful body of water nearby makes me feel alive and inspired. As for a dream destination, Costa Rica is high on my list for its beaches, nature, and adventure. I love places that let me unplug, reset, and reconnect with myself.”
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Meet more of the amazing people behind Kryterion:
About Kryterion
Kryterion Inc. is a global leader in innovative testing and credentialing solutions, helping organizations across various sectors develop and manage their assessments with our advanced test development platform and multi-modal delivery solutions. Established in 2001, Kryterion offers secure, integrated services and extensive support, empowering candidates to demonstrate skills and achieve success in world-class careers.