HR answers the most frequently asked questions

Today we continue our "HR Respond" column with another exciting and useful interview, in which we will introduce you to Svetoslava Klisuranova, Recruiting Team Manager at Trenqualder Bulgaria. Svetoslava has many years of experience in recruitment. She shares what inspires her at work, as well as her views on the challenges and opportunities in HR.

We know each other well, but what would you say to our readers to help them figure out who you are?

Hello! My name is Svetoslava Klisuranova and I am the Recruiting Team Manager at Trenqualder Bulgaria. I have been with the company for about 6 years - I started my career in 2018 as a "Recruitment Assistant". I have a Master's degree from the UNWE, specializing in Human Resource Management, and even then I knew that recruitment was exactly what I wanted to do. I am married and have a lovely daughter. In my spare time I like to meet friends and go to the mountains - probably because I come from a small mountain town.

1.Tell us a bit more about your working day. How does it usually go?

My work day starts at 9:00 am and the first thing I do is go through my emails from the day before to make sure I haven't missed anything important. Then, with a cup of coffee in hand (because you can't do without it!), I start contacting active candidates through the various channels we work with. I usually leave the afternoons for administrative tasks. The work is quite dynamic and sometimes you don't feel how the day has flown by.

2.What challenges do you face most often in your job?

One of the main challenges is the constant communication with clients and candidates. In order to achieve good results, we need to pay special attention to each one and gain insight into their needs and goals.

3.Have there been cases when it was really difficult to find the right candidate? What do you do then?

Of course.The most difficult situation for any recruiter is when you can't find the right candidate for a company. No matter how hard you try, there are times when things just don't work out. Then you feel dissatisfied with your job and start looking for new ways and new recruitment channels.

4.Which platform do you think is the most effective for finding candidates right now?

For senior positions LinkedIn is certainly the best platform - we can find qualified and experienced candidates there.

5.What is LinkedIn's place for you and how does it influence the recruitment process?

LinkedIn is a really important part of my job. In recent years it has established itself as a platform that connects professionals with businesses, and now many companies prefer to recruit there. I personally use it on a daily basis to monitor trends and find suitable candidates.

6.Are there many candidates you find specifically through LinkedIn?

Yes, in fact a large proportion of them - over 70% - are from LinkedIn because this channel usually attracts the most suitable professionals.

7.When you interview candidates, is there something that makes you believe in them, even if they lack experience?

Definitely! A candidate's willingness and determination are most important to me. If a person is motivated to learn and develop, I am always willing to give them a chance, even if they have no experience.

8.What do you think are some of the common mistakes candidates make during an interview?

The most common mistake is insufficient preparation for the interview. When candidates don't know the company and the position they are applying for well, they sometimes have to improvise, and this rarely leaves a good impression. Another mistake is when they rush to ask about pay before they have learned the details of their duties.

9.What tips would you give to candidates to make a good impression in an interview?

I would advise them to be natural and confident. It is also important to present their skills to the best of their ability and remember to smile - this always makes a good impression.

10.Is there anything that wouldn't be appropriate to wear for an interview?

It is better to avoid overly sporty and revealing clothing. Clothes play an important role in the first impression.

11.What is the best style for an interview? Are there universal clothes that always make a good impression?

In my opinion, the most important thing is to feel comfortable in your clothes. Neither a strictly formal style nor overly casual clothing, such as a sports legging or tracksuit, are appropriate for an interview. For me, a practical combination is one of trousers, t-shirt and jacket - it looks professional but is also comfortable enough for the candidate to feel confident and relaxed.

12.What are the things you think are good to avoid during an interview?

I would recommend not being late for the interview because it is often planned on a strict schedule. It's also important to avoid lying or making negative comments about previous employers and colleagues - it doesn't make a good impression.

13.And lastly... something from you

Before you apply for any position, make sure it's the area you really want to develop professionally.

This advice is particularly valuable and very soon we will find out why, as well as learning the answers to more interesting questions. Why? Because there's so much we want to know that one interview with Sveti just wasn't enough...

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