Tarina Oelofse is a Talent Acquisition Team Lead at Inspired Testing, a Dynamic Technologies group company, in a role that involves staying current with emerging recruitment technologies and automation tools, and ensuring efficient hiring processes and seamless candidate experiences. And as successful as she is in this often male-dominated environment, she’s also a burgeoning trophy-winning darts player, maintaining that, as in the tech world, skill, focus and a bit of strategy matter far more than gender.
In her work environment, Tarina and her team connect talent to business using several systems daily. These include Breezy (an application tracking system), LinkedIn Recruit, PNET, Bamboo HR, MIE (background verification systems) and TrueLens (Inspired Testing’s proprietary AI-powered recruitment platform). But, as Oelofse points out, it’s also about recognising talent and seeing the human behind the recruitment systems.
She says, “The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that my work genuinely makes a difference. Every day, I get the chance to connect people with opportunities that match their skills and aspirations – and seeing the impact that has on their lives and careers brings me much job satisfaction.” She adds, “There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping the people you lead achieve more than they dreamed possible. Guiding someone through the process of self-discovery, encouraging them to set big goals, helping them embrace accountability and watching them learn the power of persistence is deeply rewarding. For me, leadership isn’t just about results, it’s also about unlocking potential and watching people grow beyond what they thought possible.”
Oelofse joined DVT as a coordinator for the Johannesburg and Cape Town teams. Transitioning to Inspired Testing in January 2019 felt like the start of something exciting, and not long after that she stepped into a Talent Acquisition Coordinator role. This is where her passion for people and talent flourished. “Inspired Testing is where I’ve grown personally and professionally. I’ve had the chance to build my career here, stepping into roles that constantly challenge me and push me forward. This kind of career growth speaks to the innovation and leadership within the company; Inspired Testing has created an environment where appreciation, recognition and empowerment are part of daily life. I’ve always felt supported, and there’s a real sense of fairness, diversity and inclusivity. That means a lot, because when people feel seen and valued, they can thrive.”
She gives credit to the people. “My colleagues are amazing – they’re supportive, collaborative and inspiring. We work together and we uplift each other. For me, Inspired Testing represents a community where leadership is effective, teamwork is natural and every effort is appreciated. That’s what makes it so meaningful to me.”
As part of a global company, Oelofse recognises her role as one of opportunities and responsibilities. The wide talent pool that she has access to boasts different skills, backgrounds and perspectives from around the world, and creates a powerful diversity that pushes Inspired Testing to think bigger and adapt faster. “This challenges me to be adaptable and curious. Talent acquisition in a global context is about understanding different markets, appreciating cultural nuances and making sure we connect the right people to the right opportunities no matter where they are. I get to play a role in shaping a workforce that reflects innovation, inclusivity and collaboration on a global scale. It means that the work my team and I do impacts locally while also contributing to Inspired Testing’s success around the world.”
In her dart world, Tarina is also making waves. She started playing darts in 2024 as a reserve and ended up as a permanent team member. Now a serious hobby, she says “I enjoy the challenge and focus it requires, and it’s a great way to unwind and have fun with friends and family. There’s something satisfying about aiming for a target, strategizing your throws and improving little by little. It’s also a social activity for me – a way to connect with people, share a laugh and take a break from the usual work routine. So, while I’m not a professional by any means, I do enjoy playing with a bit of friendly competition and always trying to improve my game.”
Oelofse won the Championship League Wild Card in 2024 and was chosen to participate in Gauteng events. At the end of the year, she received the Rookies Lady of the Year award from her own darts club and her social league, the Centurion Darts Alliance (CDA). Winning several medals, trophies and accolades along the way, she’s proving that much like the tech space, darts is no longer a male-dominated space.
“People are often surprised to see a woman holding her own. But that’s half the fun. Being in a male-dominated environment, whether in darts or tech, has taught me resilience and confidence, and not to take myself too seriously!”