How to Survive and Thrive in a Global Job Market
Insights from a Freeletics Recruiter
For those of you making big career-related resolutions for 2021, we get it. It’s a new year full of new possibilities. Whether you’re taking the first steps in your career or bringing years of experience to the table, navigating the job market and landing your dream job can be tough. We spoke with Freeletics Recruiting Manager Anca and asked her for some insights on how she hires and her tips for how to fast track your CV, crush the interview, and land the position.
You sort through hundreds of CVs per week. Which ones stand out to you and why?
I enjoy reading simple CVs. Sure, they can be colorful and show personality, but the most important thing for me is that they are short and sweet, and to the point. When viewing brief, 1–2 page resumes I am able to quickly build a snapshot of the candidate. I also appreciate applications that include links to a candidate’s personal channels like their LinkedIn profile, blog, GitHub or creative portfolio. I believe that someone’s CV says a lot about them, but making a direct comparison between their CV and LinkedIn, for example, says even more about who they are and what they bring to the table. While I strive to treat each applicant equally, the applicants that include these links always stand out to me. They go the extra mile and it shows.
What are the most common mistakes an applicant can make ?
I find that it is more common to make mistakes during the interview process rather than in the application itself. One of the most common mistakes I see is when applicants overstate their experience in a particular subject area. Honesty is always the best policy. Don’t pretend that you have extensive experience in this field when you in fact do not. If you are just starting to explore said area, then mention this from the get go. It is better to say this before going into a technical interview or presentation where you must display your knowledge or skills.
What advice do you have for someone who is nervous about their interview?
Don’t worry, interview nerves are normal. My advice is to accept the nervous feelings and trust the butterflies. We, at Freeletics, have been there and know exactly how you are feeling. And once you get the chance to meet our recruiting team, you’ll feel better. We have a broad understanding of what it means to be nervous and don’t disqualify people just for being nervous. We will try to make you feel safe and welcome, so you can get over your nerves and just be yourself. We’re all human and we are here to help you grow.
How can a candidate follow up without being annoying?
For me, following up with a recruiter is a sign that a candidate is really enthusiastic about the job. My general rule of thumb is that if a candidate has not heard from us within five working days, it is perfectly acceptable to circle back and ask for an update. During this time, we are gathering all necessary feedback from the hiring managers and teams involved, so that we can make an informed decision. While we are always trying to streamline and reduce feedback time, remember that good things take time. So in summary, patience is key and I recommend giving it a full working week until following up.
Soft skills or technical skills? Which qualities are most important in a candidate?
Technical skills are incredibly important when it comes to choosing an ideal candidate, however, a great candidate has a mixture of soft skills and qualities. Here are my top three:
Motivation — The ideal candidate should show a great deal of motivation throughout the entire hiring process. From cover letter to interview rounds, the enthusiasm should come across as genuine.
An Open Mind — Being open-minded and having experience in multicultural working environments are two incredibly valuable assets to an organization. Especially at a company like Freeletics, which is made up of 165 employees with over 45 different nationalities and backgrounds, respect for other cultures and being open to new ideas and ways of working is crucial.
Balance — Balance is another essential quality. An individual with the right balance can communicate clearly, has the right technical skills, and is a teamplayer. From the way they talk to how they share their experience, balanced people keep our teams and organization in harmony.
To research or not to research? Should candidates “do their homework” before applying?
The simple answer is yes, do your homework. I am always pleased when people know what Freeletics is all about and which products we offer. Being a user of our app is not necessary, but the simple act of doing research ahead of time sets you apart from other candidates. I do not disqualify applicants if they haven’t done their homework during the first intake call, but if this pattern continues throughout the next steps in the process, I can tell they just aren’t that excited about the role or company.
Favorite interview Question:
One of my favorite questions to ask during an interview are:
1. If you could be an animal, which one would you choose?
2. If you could move to a different country, where would you go?
These unique questions not only break the ice but also give the candidate the chance to show a little personality and get creative.
Do you have any words of wisdom for staying motivated in the current job market?
Even if you get 10 rejection letters in a week, this simply means that those companies were not right for you. I know this can be frustrating and heartbreaking at times, but keep going. Keep applying and going to interviews until you find the company that fits you. You don’t only need to fit the company, but the company must also fit you.
Want to learn more about the team and daily life at Freeletics HQ? Then find us on LinkedIn or follow @LifeAtFreeletics on Instagram. If this sounds like just the kind of team you need in your life, check out our open positions now!
