Getting back into the workforce after cancer treatment

Treatment of breast cancer is complex and often lasts a whole year. During this difficult period, many women choose to stay home on sick leave and to slow down.

You, too, are most likely one of these women and now that your treatment is over, you may be considering returning back to work and to an active life

We know from experience that you are facing a period of adjustment and rethinking. At the beginning of this journey, it is most important to prioritize your health – your physical and mental health must take the lead.

Together with long-time recruitment specialists Ivanka Spassova and Petya Yovcheva, we have developed a number of topics related to re-entering the workforce that we hope can be of help to you. We have prepared a practical part with guidance on the job market, returning to or looking for a new job, what a career counselor can help you with, how to make a suitable CV, how to prepare for an interview, and how to work through your inner fears and anxiety to find your desired job, where you will feel fulfilled, relaxed and happy.

THE TREATMENT IS OVER. NOW WHAT NEXT?

Am I ready to go back to my old working regime?

For some people, the transition to full-time work may be easy, but for others it may require a period of adjustment and extra help to get back to their normal work schedule. You may find that you get tired easily or have trouble with focusing and memory.

Have a conversation with your treating oncologist, as he or she knows your current condition and how you are recovering from treatment. Ask him or her for advice about the workload regime that is right for you at this time. You may need to start with a shorter working day (4 or 6 hours) or work fewer days per week, until you adapt and feel ready for a heavier workload.

Try to be patient and take care of yourself as you get back to your 'normal' routine.

What makes me happy and finding new meaning when it comes to career?

We spend half of our waking hours at work and it is essential that we feel happy and satisfied with the nature of the job we have chosen, and the company and the relationships within the team that we work for. After the long break and in light of your experience, it's a good time to take stock of whether you should go back to the old and familiar, or whether it's time to make a change. Now is the time to turn inward to yourself, to ask yourself what your heart wants, what are the things that are important to you, what makes you happy in your work, gives you meaning and makes you feel good.

Lili Georgieva (author of the books "From Self-Love" and "Start Over"), advice on the topic is; "Usually during or after a period of challenge, whether it is personal, career, health, or any plan, there comes a moment of rethinking and searching for an answer to the question: 'Now where? What do I want to return to, with regards to work? What new things do I want to have?" If the focus has been primarily on quantity - experience, results, finances, etc., quality – of relationships, projects, workday dynamics, and rest – comes next. Very often, the previous meaning in the work environment may not be current, and the new meaning may not yet be very clear.

In these cases, ask yourself the following questions:

What purpose am I working for at this stage of my life? – beyond the material that is implied
What do I want my work to give me that I have had before... or didn't have, but now want to have? – freedom, challenges, new knowledge, security, joy
What do I absolutely insist on and what can I acceptably compromise with? – working hours, type of employment, types of projects
How can I keep myself in the center, spare and take care of myself, and have my work support me in that, not the other way around?

Make a list of the things that make you happy, and what criteria your job should meet – what the company should be like, what your new position should include in terms of responsibilities that will make you feel fulfilled, are there additional things that are important to you at the moment? For example – flexible working hours, possibility to work remotely, and the location of the office.

The decision is entirely yours, but our advice is that the change you make should be in line with your values and personal criteria for success, with your knowledge and experience, your strengths, with your skills in an environment that would be inspiring to you.

Dealing with insecurity and low self-esteem

Often, the period outside of the active work environment goes hand in hand with low self-esteem, with the feeling of "I am terribly behind on the work pace", "I am not competitive enough and cannot make a claim when looking for a new job" or "I am no longer competent enough". If this is how you feel at the moment, it would do you good to seek one-to-one counseling with a psychologist or some support from a close friend or group of people who understand you. Meeting with a career counselor and/or a recruitment agency could also help you to overcome feelings of insecurity.

Group or individual meeting with a career counselor? Making contact with a recruitment agency? What will they help me with?

When you're at that crossroads and wondering where to go, you're not sure what the job market has to offer, what job opportunities are out there, whether to make a change, what experience and skills you've gained so far and whether they're transferable to other sectors and areas of work, or you just want to gauge your competitiveness at the time, there are plenty of options.

You can look for group events and seminars organized by careers consultants or recruitment agencies, which usually have registration but are otherwise free. At these you can get some general guidance that you may definitely find useful. On the internet you can find interesting podcasts, video content on how to format your CV, and on social media you can find out about and subscribe to interesting career orientation events.

If you want a personalized meeting and help in more directions, a career counselor is the person who can help you in the period of looking into yourself, of realizing the path you would like to take, being by your side throughout the process. His or her role is first and foremost to help you clarify the change you really need and find the right path for you that will make you happy. He or she can give you advice on how to best shape your CV for a specific position, focusing on your strengths, relevant experience for the position which will enable you to make an impression on the company's HR professionals. He or she will advise you on the channels you can use to look for a job, how to create or improve your profile on the professional network LinkedIn. This professional networking site has become a very popular place in recent years to search for jobs and share interesting professional information and a place where you could also be noticed and invited directly to an interview by recruiters. Your career counselor can support you and give valuable advice for a future job interview too. They will help you to clarify the exact requirements for a position, your relevant experience and what to focus on in the interview itself, so that you are more relaxed and confident during your meeting with a potential future employer.

Recruitment agencies also have professionals who have the experience and skills to provide career advice and help you with advice on the job market. They can even suggest specific current vacancies they are working on that might be suitable for you. To get in touch with them, you can call and/or email them, attaching your CV and asking for a meeting or a chat about your search.

In Bulgaria, career specialists only work with job candidates and usually make more than one appointment to make the consultation comprehensive and complete – they can be by your side throughout the whole process of change and advise you, they can even get involved and search together with you for suitable job positions. This service is paid for job applicants. On the other hand, meeting with consultants from recruitment agencies is not paid for the applicants, but because of a conflict of interest, they cannot offer you comprehensive advice throughout the whole process of change.

To get the most out of such a collaboration, be honest with the consultants, share everything with them, even if you consider it unimportant. This could be, for example, your skills, successes, achievements, wishes. If you have identified specific companies or advertisements, discuss them in detail. Also share what your expectations are from the future employer, if you have specific requirements.

IAT WORK WITH THE DISABILITY CERTIFICATE

What does the disability certificate give me?

Usually, in addition to the percentage of permanently reduced working capacity, the decision of the RFME also determines the contraindicated and appropriate working conditions. Your employer is obliged to take into account the prescription of the disability certificate and your state of health.

Night work, overtime work or work with extended working hours requires your explicit consent, and such work would be permissible, but only if the disability certificate has not explicitly stated in its decision that such work is prohibited as contraindicated.

If the disability certificate determines that 50 or over 50% of your working capacity is permanently reduced, you have rights to an extended paid annual leave of at least 26 working days.

Having a disability certificate should not result in your wages being reduced or your employer limiting other rights that other employees have.

In the event of dismissal due to closure of part of the enterprise, redundancy, reduction in the volume of work, lack of the employee's qualities to perform the job effectively, change in the job requirements when the employee does not meet them and disciplinary dismissal, you enjoy special protection under the Labor Code as an employee with an oncological disease. This means that your employer cannot dismiss you without asking for and obtaining prior permission from the labor inspectorate and a positive opinion from the RFME for your dismissal. Keep in mind that while you are still on probation, your employer can fire you without needing a special permission.

If you feel that your employment rights as a disability certified employee have been violated by your employer, or if you have questions about a specific situation relating to your rights as a disability certified employee, you can consult the Labor Inspectorate via its national hotline on 070017 670. More information on how to contact the Labor Inspectorate can be found on its website.

Is there discrimination towards people with a disability certificate?

Although society's understanding of cancer is getting better, prejudices and fears still exist. Even after you have finished treatment and are in remission, you may face discrimination in the workplace.

It is important to know that you have the same rights as anyone else in the workplace and should be given equal opportunities, regardless of your diagnosis. Hiring, promotion and treatment in the workplace should depend entirely on your abilities, qualifications and performance.

If you are discriminated against in the workplace, you should notify the Human Resources Department. If you are a member of a syndicate, you could also ask it for advice and assistance.

The Law of Protection against Discrimination gives you the option of filing a complaint with the Commission for Protection against Discrimination or taking legal action. You can ask the Commission to find discrimination and impose sanctions on your employer, and you can ask the court to find discrimination and award you compensation for the damage you have suffered as a result. If you choose to take the case to court, the Commission for the Protection against Discrimination will not bring proceedings against you and your case will only be heard by the court. Neither the commission, nor the court will consider anonymous complaints and claims. Both before the Commission and before the court, you must provide evidence to support your claims that your employer has discriminated against you and that you have suffered damage as a result. The evidence can be written (e.g. documents from the employer, you or other employees) or it can be oral – you can ask to question witnesses to the employer's wrongdoing against you. You can also ask the court to appoint an expert to assess the effects, if any, of the employer's misconduct on your mental and physical health.

You can find out more about protection against discrimination in the exercise of the right to work from the Protection from Discrimination Act here and from the Commission for Protection from Discrimination website here.

RETURNING TO THE OLD WORKPLACE

Conversation with management about working hours and workload

Even before you return to work, request a meeting with management and Human Resources to discuss possible options that can help you smoothly transition back into the demands of the company. These options can range from flexible hours, working from home, changing positions or departments to partially taking over old duties.

You may find that the way the company works has changed and you need additional training or a refresher course to help you perform your duties as before.

Discuss with them how it would be appropriate to present any changes to the team when you return to work, especially if you have not told your colleagues about your diagnosis and treatment.

Interaction with the colleagues

Whether you share your diagnosis and post-treatment health with colleagues is a personal decision. Based on your relationship with them, you can decide if, with whom and exactly how much you want to share. Don't feel obligated. Only you can decide what works best for you in this situation.

You may find that your colleagues have a different attitude towards you when you return to work. Those who know what you have been through may react with understanding about your long absence and even offer to help. Others may feel uncomfortable around you as they reminisce about the time their loved one was sick with cancer. Some co-workers may resent having to take on extra duties during the time you were away. Others may ask intrusive questions about your absence, your health, or may even avoid you.

You may want to think in advance about how you will handle other people's reactions and plan what, with whom and how much you want to share.

Firstly, look carefully for your "sensitive spots," or topics you'd rather not discuss yet. Think about the things people have said or might say that bother you.

For example:

Ask yourself, do you get angry when people question your choice of treatment?

Or when people strike a religious note by saying things like, "God never gives you more than you can bear"?

If you do, then plan a response that is comfortable for you and naturally interrupts the conversation. Be prepared to change the subject when it comes up too much for you.

For example, "I get really tired talking about cancer. Let's talk about something else."

CHANGING THE DIRECTION OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Make a self-assessment of your talents and skills

The authors of the book “Business Model You” offer a simple way to help you do a self-assessment – try to imagine yourself as a business that has its customers, suppliers, resources and knowledge. This will make it easier for you to think about what areas you are successful in, what you could change, remove, add and what direction you could take with your career to be profitable.

Answer for yourself several sets of questions:

Which of the things you have done so far have brought you the most satisfaction? In what activities does the working day pass unnoticed? How can you add more of these activities?
What type of people/contractors do you most enjoy interacting with – clients, suppliers, subcontractors, employees/internal customers? What would be the position where you would have more contact with such people? Perhaps you prefer a more closed role?
Which people use the output of your work and what do they like about it? How do you help them? How are you better than other people in this position? How do your clients (colleagues who use the outcome of your work) find out about you? Are there other people who might enjoy the result of your work, i.e. if you were a type of business yourself, how could you increase your clients? How do they get that result, through what channel?
Who does your work depend on, i.e. who is your partner/internal or external 'supplier' of materials/data/resources? Can you find another? Is there a way to make your mutual work easier?
What are your unique interests/knowledge/skills and qualities/network of contacts that you can offer to your current company, someone else's or your own business? Have you used all of your knowledge effectively?
What value do you generate for your company/clients and what do you get in return in terms of remuneration or knowledge/development? Do you feel valued for the results you achieve?
At what "cost" do you do the work and each activity separately? The cost is usually time and energy/stress, but what else are you compromising with (such as office location, for example)?
Is there a sector/industry that interests you and that you want to be involved in? For example, sustainability and environmental activities, IT/programming, confectionery, sommelier, interior design? Do you have a hobby that has the potential to develop as a business?

You can also use an online resource to determine your personality profile to give you an indication of what role you would feel most comfortable in. There is also one on the Employment Agency website: https://www.az.government.bg/pages/profesionalno-orientirane/

Find out which are your "universal" skills

"Universal" skills are those that are applicable to any field or activity, that go beyond the title or job title - they are how we present ourselves, especially when looking for a new career direction.

We all have innate and acquired skills through learning, work, life experience. Innate skills are, for example, the ability to communicate, critical thinking, and acquired skills are, for example, to know foreign languages or to work with different computer programs. A particular job or profession will require a combination of different types of qualities, skills and knowledge in a particular area - all of which shape our expertise.

When you know your "transferable" skills you will be able to present yourself beyond the title or job title, especially if you are looking for a career turn, or if you just want to stand out in your presentation.

Prepare an action plan

Whatever direction you choose, set yourself action steps - research, planning retraining and further qualifications etc. Set yourself a realistic timeframe in which you can implement your plan.

Step 1: Research the sector you have chosen

You may want to change sectors completely, for example from telecom to aviation, from FMCG to finance and banking. Research the requirements and positions in that sector - what it is and what opportunities it offers. It is a good idea to investigate whether your education will enable you to make such a change, or whether you will need to take further education courses, study an additional master's degree or a separate undergraduate program. For example, if you want to become a doctor or nurse, you will need to go through a full course of study. On the other hand, commercial roles, for example, are convertible - you can more easily move from one sector to another.

You can use the rankings of the biggest or fastest-growing companies on the various economic publications. Look at the job adverts available, and with them what skills and qualifications are required, ask friends and acquaintances in the field.

You may be planning to start your own business. This seems an attractive prospect, but it requires full commitment and often a lot of financial resources. Statistics show that it takes about a year or two before a small new brand becomes established in the market.

Consider where the line is, i.e. how much time and money you are willing to put in and willing to lose before you give up or before the venture causes you more stress than satisfaction. Consider what your industry experience and competitive advantages are, what products or services you will offer and what their strengths are. Who will your customers be and who are your competitors? How many and what kind of customers can you reach and where are they? What are your weaknesses? What risks and threats are there to your products/services?

Make a business plan and follow it. You can also seek specialist help with marketing and finance. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has programs to help people with disabilities who want to start their own business, and they have workshops to explain the program.

Step 2: Increase your qualifications

Invest in yourself by learning new things - an extra foreign language, an extra qualification to help you advance your career, build your own business or feel more confident in a particular field. In addition to formal courses and certifications, you can find unlimited opportunities and materials on the internet on any topic that interests you.

If you don't speak English, use the time you have looking for work to take a class or course. A working level of the language will open many more doors and opportunities for you.

There are universities and training centers that provide fee discounts for people with RFME, and employment agencies offer free training opportunities.

Bear in mind that if you retrain in a different field from your current one, it is normal to start in a lower position, so you may have to make some compromises with your starting salary.

The important thing is to keep some flexibility in this process, to explore more carefully the different career options and their future potential.

LOOKING FOR A NEW WORKPLACE

Update your CV

Your CV is extremely important – it's how you make your first impression on employers. A poorly done or outdated CV can be a reason to be rejected at the initial selection stage and not be invited for an interview at all.

Make your CV no longer than two pages, over the years you will have had a variety of tasks, responsibilities, experiences and achievements, but leave only the most important and relevant to the company's activities or the position you are applying for.

Keep two main versions of your CV – in Bulgarian and English. Send one of the two according to the language of the advertisement.

Be prepared to make changes to your CV for each position you apply for in order to be as competitive as possible with other candidates. At some companies, the people who read CVs first are usually not narrow specialists in your field, so avoid specific abbreviations and terminology. Adapt the content to the advert and the company's business - copy the 'language' of the advert so they can recognize you as 'their person'. In international corporations, it is even possible that the first reading is by an automated artificial intelligence system that ranks candidates based on the experience they recognize in what you have written.

Mandatory elements:

On the first page, it is important to have your information - name, email (if this is your student email and the address is bonbon81@, now is the time to make a new one that contains your name), phone number and place of residence. You don't have to put your age, gender or marital status.

A photo is not required, but a resume with a photo is better accepted by recruiters. However, for this purpose, the photo should be up-to-date, appropriate, even if not taken in a studio, the attire should be business-like and the expression cheerful and pleasant. It is okay to blur or remove the background, even if the photo is of the most beautiful bay or waterfall.

It's a good idea to have a very brief summary (similar to a LinkedIn resume) of your experience and ambitions for the position you're applying for on the first page, next to the photo and your details, so that at a glance on the first half page the recruiter can get a sense of what roles you're aiming for and what your expertise is.

You can find hundreds of ready-made CV templates on the internet that you can use, a CV builder app or you can create your own design in Word or PowerPoint. Choose a stylish, concise and informative template. The important thing is to have distinct sections so that the recruiter can navigate in seconds.

Structure your CV in a way that presents you in the best light for the position you are applying for. If you have little relevant experience, but your educational background is a good match for the company's requirements, start there. Conversely, if your education doesn't exactly match the requirements but you have experience in similar positions, start with those and leave the education and qualifications for last.

List the positions and companies you've worked for in reverse-chronological order, i.e. start with your last job. Include brief information about the field in which the company works, for example: telecommunications, banking, etc. This is especially true if the company is smaller and/or less well known in the market. You can even embed a link to the company's website.

In addition to the duties and responsibilities (what is outlined in the job description), describe some of your achievements - this will set you apart from other candidates with similar experience. Accomplishments are newly implemented processes or systems, optimization and improvement of old ones, appreciation and positive feedback from colleagues, customers and partners, of course, and anything that can be measured in numbers and percentages (if your position allows it) such as sales volume, percentage increase in market share, etc.

Also describe your education in reverse-chronological order, i.e. start with the highest degree (Masters, Bachelors, High School).

Additional information:

After education, describe 2-3 of the most important or applicable to the position trainings you have attended. It's also important that they are relevant, since, for example, a course on typing or operating a fax machine probably doesn't interest anyone and it's unnecessary to include it.
Make a note of what your strengths are and what you have done best, what part of your experience will help you to be exceptionally good at the job you are applying for. Be realistic without exaggerating or underestimating yourself.
Once you're ready - check for spelling and punctuation errors. Check carefully that your email or phone number is up to date because it is extremely important. It's a good idea to ask a relative to proof read it as an editor.
When you save your CV, it's also a good idea to put your first and last name in the title of the CV file so that the company's recruiters can find it easily.

Application Channels

There are several main channels where you could proactively look for a job:

Specialized career websites/platforms

You need to register with them, and you can sign up for email alerts to receive listings by a specific category or keyword. Apply on target, only to places where you really have the right experience for the position. When you apply to a job posting, you can attach a separate motivational letter in addition to your resume. Write briefly which of your experiences are suitable for the position, and if the ad is directly from a company, you can also write in 2-3 sentences why you like them and what your motivation is to become part of their team. Some companies may have a requirement that you include a cover letter. If you need one, don't use ready-made forms - they sound clichéd and don't show diligence. Write briefly and in your own words why you want to work for them in this particular position, how your experience and personal qualities will help you in your job and help you to be successful.

In recent years, this professional network has become increasingly popular, with around 1.3 million registered users from Bulgaria, nearly 200,000 of whom log into the platform every month, and over 15,000 of whom are small or medium-sized business owners (according to digital agency BookMark). Chances are your future manager is there.

On LinkedIn, you can proactively apply to job listings, but you can also be invited to interview for positions that are close to your previous experience by recruiters.

The platform doesn't have an English or Greek version, but with the help of a tool like Google Translate you could get by. There are people on the platform who have made their profile in their native language, which is not English. This way, however, they are recognizable and discoverable mainly to their compatriots. The platform is also increasingly publishing advertisements in Bulgarian.

LinkedIn also has a paid version, offering a one-month free trial. It can be extremely useful if you will be actively looking for a job through this platform. Activate it and make the most of it. You can always opt out before they charge you for the first month.

Create or update your LinkedIn profile:

Create your professional profile or update your existing one with the latest experience you've gained
Complete all sections as the platform gives priority to profiles with as much information as possible.
One of the most important elements, just like on a CV, is a brief description of your experience and interests. Write the description from the first person, sincerely and professionally.
Be sure to include a photo: professional, friendly, credible.
Also put a memorable header (background) photo that reflects your competencies or interests. Let it be in lighter and pleasant colors.
Make a note of your location/city too, this will make it easier for recruiters.
Select the positions and companies you have worked for by linking them to the companies' official LinkedIn profiles.
Note any interests, hobbies, projects or volunteer initiatives you are involved in, but avoid repetition.
Note keywords and competencies that the platform's algorithm also uses.
Ask for references from people you have worked with, especially if they are your previous direct managers.

Expand your professional network:

Connect on the platform with colleagues and partners to increase your business network.
Constantly expand your network on the platform.
Add HR managers and recruiters to your network (both from recruitment agencies and from the companies you have decided to apply to). This means being more easily discoverable by recruiters who use it to search for professionals in your field. A LinkedIn profile is like a business card - when someone opens it, they understand what your experience and qualifications are, what your interests are, and they can form an opinion based on the recommendations and how you have performed professionally in the positions you have held and how you have communicated with the team.

Be active and recognizable:

Join professional groups and contribute comments, and you can even create and moderate your own group dedicated to a particular topic.
Follow the official pages of the companies you want to apply to see their posts, what's new with them, and new vacancies.
When someone sends you an invitation, say thank you and ask what you can do to help. If someone opens and looks at your profile, send them an invitation to get in touch, telling them that it would be great to be part of their network and you would be willing to help.

Grow your profile:

Share information and comment, whether in a group or on your profile - this makes you more visible to other users and recruiters.
Remember that ultimately, your every action is meant to put you in the best light in groups, posts and comments. This, in turn, will pique people's interest to start a conversation with them.

Use the statistics of the platform:

Get to know the stats LinkedIn generates for your profile - they show you how many searches your profile has appeared in over the last week. Experiment and tweak to see what words or actions/comments make your profile more visible to a larger audience on the professional network.
If you use a paid account, you can see how many and which people have opened and viewed your profile.

Facebook and Instagram

There are many professional groups on Facebook, for example communities of programmers, builders, electricians and many others, where you can find people with similar interests and look for opportunities. In some of them, companies also post advertisements or just posts sharing what kind of people they are looking for or what open positions are available in their companies. In these groups you can also share that you are looking for new opportunities.

Instagram is becoming a preferred channel for the generation currently entering the job market and there are now opportunities to apply with just an Instagram profile.

The official websites of the companies

Most companies have a dedicated section on their websites where they advertise open positions. If you really like a particular company, send your CV even if they don't have a position advertised that matches your experience. Write briefly about why you like them and what you think you will contribute to their success. Big companies even have programs for people with disabilities, you can research them and keep an eye out for them.

Events – career or other

Most career events are aimed at people at the beginning of their career who do not yet have experience or knowledge of business in a particular field, there you talk directly to representatives of the company. But there are also specialized career events, attended by representatives of recruitment agencies, you may also meet career consultants with whom you could get to know and exchange contacts or arrange a get-to-know-you meeting.

At such events, it's a good idea to have your CV at hand, printed or electronically on your phone, so you can share it easily. There, you can also find people on LinkedIn and invite them to connect.

Separately, each guild has professional events where you can expand your network of contacts and people who might recommend you or give you ideas for future change.

Recommendations

It's a great time to call up former colleagues, classmates, fellow students to talk and let them know you're open to new opportunities. Especially if they're part of a company you like - that way you can find out the "kitchen" details, the corporate culture, the team and the requirements for a position. If people aren't familiar with your challenge, you can spare them the details, it's entirely your decision how professional or personal the conversation should be. A recommendation from people with established reputations and credibility can open up different opportunities.

National employment agency

Job centers are becoming more and more active. If you register as unemployed and actively seeking work, you can benefit from a range of services (including vocational information, counselling and guidance), various employment and training programs and measures. Job vacancies are advertised locally and on the Employment Agency website https://www.az.government.bg/bg/ejobs/view_prl/ .

This channel can be very useful for positions that require lower qualifications. Yet few employers consider this source of candidates for expert, managerial roles for which higher qualifications are required.

Recruitment agencies

Recruitment companies, unlike career consultants, work directly with employers and their aim is to find and offer suitable candidates for the position they are engaged for. There are a variety of companies that work specifically for senior management positions, as well as others that work for a broader profile of roles.

Send your CV to a few recruitment companies, they usually work with different clients and would contact you if they have a suitable search. Even if they don't, they'll keep your CV on their database and be able to contact you later for a suitable position.

Of course, you can contact them proactively after you send your CV and ask for a meeting. They can be valuable with advice on the change you are looking for, how to improve your CV or LinkedIn profile. They know the current picture of the job market, the sector or industry you're aiming for, and the opportunities for change in that field. Having worked on recruitments for multiple positions, with companies in different sectors, they can also be useful to you with information on salary levels and whether what you are aiming for is achievable. These companies, as intermediaries between candidates and employers, know the current job market as well as opportunities in different industries and can guide you on what the current dynamics of the job market are.

Selection process – in how many steps and with whom

Every company has a different recruitment process - it depends on the company and industry itself, but also on the nature of the position. For junior or entry-level positions, it's even possible to conduct one interview (at the company office or online) and follow up with feedback and an offer within days. For more complex roles, managerial or requiring solid expertise in a particular area, the process may go through 3-4 meetings in a different format, a practical task and a personality test, all of which is likely to drag on for several months at a time.

Typically, the conversations involve an HR representative and your prospective line manager, with topics discussed with the recruiters relating to personality and soft skills and how well you would fit into the team or role. The line manager also explores more technical aspects, checking the specialist knowledge and experience you have and whether you would be able to meet their expectations and needs.

There are companies that include people in the team that you would work with in the same department in the interviews, and it is also possible that management higher up in the company hierarchy will be present at the interview.

Be honest in your answers, ask your questions too. The selection process is mutual: they choose their future colleagues, but you also choose your future company and team.

Invitation for a job interview

Usually, to invite you to an interview, they will contact you by phone or email or via a private message through the platform's communicator (LinkedIn, for example).

If you apply directly to an advert published by the employing company, they may ask you some preliminary questions before inviting you to an interview.

If you get a phone call to invite you for an interview or initial conversation and you are on the move or not comfortable talking, ask to return the call later when you can take time out in a quiet place and have a meaningful conversation.

Answer all questions, even if the information is on your CV. That way, the person on the other end gets an initial impression and can gauge how responsive or patient you are.

You can also ask questions that are important to you at this stage but are not mentioned in the job advert, especially if they would be a reason to decline a job offer, for example where the office/workplace is located. Find out how many steps the interview will take? How much time do you need to plan for the meeting etc. Leave the topic of remuneration for the face-to-face meeting, once you've made sure it's the right position and the right workplace for you. Also, questions about RFME and sick leave are better saved for a follow-up live meeting with the company.

Preparing for an interview

It's always a good idea to set aside some time to prepare for a job interview.

Step 1: Research the company you are going to

It's very important to go into the meeting prepared: be sure to check out the company website, their Facebook and LinkedIn presence, and their major clients. (If you are going to a food manufacturer, buy some of their product - cheese, water, beverage, etc., if you are applying to a company with chain stores or pharmacies - visit them, if they have an online business/app - sign up there). If you know people who work there, ask them how they feel and what they like about the job without tuning into extremes.

If you're applying for a finance and accounting position, look at the company's accounts on the Companies House. For a marketing person, the current presence and advertising campaigns would be interesting. Good preparation always makes a good impression and shows motivation - nobody wants indifferent colleagues. Everyone wants to be wanted and appreciated: both the candidates and the company through its representatives.

Research what the company has achieved, what the values and culture are. As well as leaving the impression of a prepared and motivated person, this research will help you understand if you see yourself in this position.

Step 2: Picking an appropriate outfit

Clothing, especially for ladies, is a means of expression that we use to show our style and identity. When dressing for an interview, however, clothing should be in line with the company's culture. It is also good to match it with the place where the meeting will be held.

For example, if you go in a suit to a sporting goods company, you may not be recognized as their guy. Or if you go to a job interview at a bank and you're wearing sneakers and a sweatshirt, you might not leave a good impression.

If you're wondering what outfit to choose, you can ask the recruiter beforehand for advice on the company's dress code. If you don't have anyone to ask and you're hesitant, it's always better to go for the tighter style.

On the internet you can find information on what elements are included in business attire, casual business attire or sportswear. You can also find a variety of information about the subconscious impression that different colors leave in order to choose the right ones.

However, remember that the important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in the clothes you choose, fabrics should be natural, excessive jewelry and accessories are not advisable, nor is too strong a perfume scent.

Step 3: Consider your presentation and the answers to the most frequently asked questions

Prepare to answer the most frequently asked questions during such a meeting. For example:

Tell me about your career until now. Tell about your development, highlighting your first two or three positions, and emphasizing the experience that is most similar and relevant to the position you are applying for. Share what you enjoyed most about the position, what you handled with ease, what your achievements were and what made you want to make a change.

Which of your experiences do you feel is most relevant to the position you are applying for? Describe activities/projects/tasks you have done, results you have achieved.

What is the project you are most proud of? Why? What was your contribution to it? Tell about the scope of the project or activity/task and the end result. Share specifically what your role and contribution was to the success of the project.

Tell me about a situation where you made/went through a major organizational change?

Such a change could be a merger/acquisition of a company, a solid organizational structure change, new management, changed processes, implementation of new software. The purpose of the question is for the other party to understand how adaptable you are and if you could be the driver of such a change.

Give me an example of one of your failures or big mistakes? What happened? What conclusions and lessons did it give you? The saying goes "Only he who doesn't work, doesn't make mistakes", talk about a lesson you learned and how you got out of such a situation.

Why did you leave? Why do you want to leave now? What are you lacking in your current job? Be honest, but emphasize the positives and opportunities.

What is the reason for the gap period, if any? Explain it with honesty, personal and family challenges happen to everyone. Share as much personal information as you are comfortable with.

What does the ideal company or team look like for you? Think ahead and dream boldly - describe the place, where you would feel comfortable, what is important to you to be with a company long term.

Why do you want to work for our company? From your preliminary research of the company, identify two or three things that you really like and are attracted to.

Do you have any hobbies? How do you unwind after work? People work with people and it's a way to show them another side of you outside of the strictly professional side. It's also a time when you can get to know the other side better, ask more details about the team, the way their get-togethers happen outside of work and team building meetings.

What remuneration do you expect? How do you envision a motivational reward? You could first ask what the budgeted remuneration is from the company for this position. Quite a few companies now openly share the salary for the role. If they insist you share your expectations first:

Negotiate all the terms and parameters at the same time (not only a fixed salary, but also a bonus part, additional social benefits, leave, type of work (for example more days working from home), development opportunities.) It could be more flexibility, more work-from-home days. But, for example, for a sales position it's often not the fixed salary that's important, but what the bonus amount is that can be achieved when the sales targets are met.
If you've held a similar position to the one, you're applying for, you can share your last salary (including all benefits and bonuses) that you received as a starting point for negotiations, but then steer the conversation in the direction of your expected salary, the better opportunities you're looking for.
Consider and assess in advance exactly how much you would not accept a job offer at this company and in this sector, commensurate with the responsibilities of the position you are applying for. It should certainly be in line with your minimum required basic monthly income. Our experience shows that if a candidate makes a big compromise on salary, the employer-candidate partnership does not work in the long run. Shortly after starting and getting into the job, comes the frustration of having made a compromise. So early in the process, set your goals and be prepared to turn down a job offer as well.
When arguing why you expect a certain salary, don't focus on your personal money needs (e.g. you've decided to buy a new flat or you're about to enroll your child in private school), but stick to your skills, experience and expertise as the reason for the salary you're asking for.

You can search the internet for other sample questions to think about in advance.

If you're worried, practice in front of a mirror, record yourself on a video on your phone, and review it so you can correct moments of your answers, the way they sound, or your body language. Such preparation will help you express your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview and convey your message in the best way and overcome interview anxiety.

Prepare questions about the company and the position. Remember that you are also evaluating and selecting the company at this meeting, so it is important to get a feel for whether you would spend eight hours a day in this place and with these people. If you think you'll feel more at ease and won't forget what to ask, write the questions down before the interview. Include everything that matters to you - insurance, hours, office location, ability to work remotely, etc. During an interview, very often a person gets blocked and is likely to forget to ask for important information.

Types of interviews

Face-to-face

Face-to-face meetings remain the most effective and preferred way to interview. Prepare in advance with how to get to the office address, what parking or public transport options are available. Allow a little extra time for transportation so you have a buffer and peace of mind if something unforeseen happens. If you're running late, call to let them know. If you're very late, wait outside the office – sometimes appointments are back-to-back and it's not convenient to meet you early.

Smile and be polite to everyone you meet, these could be your future colleagues.

Structured or unstructured conversation

Some recruiting professionals have pre-designed forms/questionnaires and ask structured specific questions, even in a specific order. In other cases, the interview is a casual conversation in which both parties learn about each other and the interviewer understands details about your experience and skills and how well they fit the requirements of the position and how well you would fit into the team.

Personal or technical interview

When meeting only with HR representatives, the interview is designed to explore your personal qualities, strengths and weaknesses that you have exhibited in the past and how well they match the profile of the position. Commercial roles usually require more social, active and communicative people, whereas financial roles require those with attention to detail, numerical information and more analytical thinking. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, trust the professional in front of you to judge how well you would fit. Consider situations that demonstrate the qualities you are looking for in the position.

Here are a few sample questions to assess relevant personal qualities:

Give me an example of a situation where you were able to convince another person of something, even when they didn't initially share your views? Describe the most effective presentation you have made? – questions like these are designed to define effective communication.

How often do you over-deliver on the goals you set? Tell me about a case where you did not meet the goals/deadlines, what prevented you? – questions like these are designed to explores results orientation.

Describe to me a situation where you had to change plans/schedules/behaviors to achieve results/expectations? – questions like these are designed to explores the ability to be flexible.

Tell me about a conflict in your team, how did you resolve it? Tell me about an employee you gave negative/constructive feedback to? How do you decide which task to give to whom? – questions like these are designed to explores the leadership qualities, assertiveness.

Give me an example of a change you have implemented to make the job/process more efficient/interesting? A case where you took the initiative to change? How did you convince management/colleagues that it needed to happen – questions like these aims to explore leadership, innovativeness, initiative, ability to introduce and manage change.

If your line manager is also involved in the meeting, he/she would want to understand your level of competence on a particular topic related to the position - for example, accounting standards, tax practices, knowledge of a particular technology, foreign language, methodology or working with a particular type of machine/system.

As part of the technical interview, you may be given an assignment/case study/topic in advance that you will have time to prepare for, present, and discuss during the meeting. Take your time and research well, this is an opportunity to refresh your skills and practice as well as stand out with knowledge. It is also possible to take the test on the spot, without any prior preparation. You will clarify these details during the selection process or in the initial discussions.

The selection process has several stages, i.e. several interviews, and it is only natural that there are questions that are repeated in each of them. Have patience - ultimately everyone wants to find out what kind of person you are and what kind of experience you have, but it's also important for you to become more familiar with the culture of the company and the team and assess whether you would be comfortable in that environment.

Online interview

Increasingly, interviews are happening online. When you get such an offer, ask what meeting platform they use. If you're not familiar with it, research it beforehand - all the popular platforms have both a phone app and a computer app. Do a mock meeting from two devices or ask a friend for help. If tests are unsuccessful, ask the organizer to change platforms or do the meeting on-site at an office. Be ready for the online interview at least 10 minutes early. It's good to have some backup time in case of a surprise technical issue that requires your device to restart. Being late for an online meeting can't be excused with unexpected traffic or parking issues. If you do see that you are running late, contact the interviewer to alert them.

Make sure you have a quiet place with no extraneous noises. Turn off any apps that may distract you with their notifications during the meeting or make sounds that can be heard on the other side. Stand in a place where your face will be illuminated and clearly visible. You can also put on one of the backdrops that cover the room behind you or just stand in front of a wall.

Place the device on a table/desk so that it is stable so that your image does not move during the meeting on the interviewer's screen.

Before you ask to join the meeting, you will be able to see how your image will look to the other party and you will be able to make adjustments, such as adjusting the camera position or lighting.

In an online meeting, it's tempting to look at and read prepared phrases or answers. Tell about yourself without reading as you are being obvious. Searching for information on the internet during the meeting is also not a good idea.

Put on light makeup and clothing, as you would in a face-to-face meeting. If you have pets that may interrupt the meeting or distract you while you are talking, isolate them so they don't get in your way.

How to behave during an interview

Behave in a completely natural and relaxed, polite, respectful and professional manner. Be genuine and authentic.

Greet interviewers and shake hands confidently. Ask politely for a glass of water before the meeting begins. A sip of water between questions will even give you a few seconds to think about your answer. If you need to use the restroom, ask where it is.

Choose the place where you will sit. Wait to see where the interviewers will sit so you can sit across from them, or choose a spot where they will be able to position themselves comfortably across from you.

If the meeting is online, have a glass of water or other beverage nearby to hand if you need it.

There may be a large age difference between you and the recruiter, act professionally and don't point out the difference or other generational differences. Sometimes the questions are more challenging and may even sound aggressive, but that's not personal, it's part of the test. Even if you don't like them, keep your composure and good tone and smile.

During the interview, listen carefully to the questions and answer specifically with examples that show how you have done well in similar situations and previous roles.

There's an important rule - when talking about a previous employer and colleagues, it's good to focus on the good times you had together and the lessons you learned from your time together. Regardless of your reasons for leaving, there is always something positive or learned that you could highlight.

Ask your questions when given the opportunity, being mindful of the time remaining for the meeting. Examples of things you can safely ask about in relation to the specific position if not discussed before are: what are the most urgent projects or goals you will need to achieve first, what is the team and colleagues you will be working with. Ask your future manager what motivates him/her to work in this company, how long he/she has been there, what things have changed during this period. About the culture and practices - if and how they celebrate achievements, do they have lunch together, how do they introduce new people to the job and the team.

In person, share as much information as you feel comfortable. In Western companies, personal questions are a taboo subject, but in our latitudes, questions of a more personal nature are still asked. The important thing is that if you decide to hitchhike these questions, it should be in a friendly tone, with a smile or light humor.

The day after the interview, send an email thanking them for their interest in you, for their time and emphasizing your desire to become a part of the team.

If you don’t get feedback in the timeframe they promised you, don’t shy away from looking for it proactively.

Checking references

In many companies, employers may ask you to provide references or direct contacts of your former managers who they can contact to talk about your performance and work in the past - how they rated your work for them, what strengths you presented and what you needed to change and improve over time. Often recruiters prefer a short phone conversation rather than written references.

Once you've made a list of people, you'd like your potential employers to talk to, call them and ask if they mind and if they give you permission to provide their name and contacts.

Job offers

The day comes when you get the coveted call from the company's HR Manager or recruitment consultant that you have been approved for the position and that you are about to receive a job offer. Most often, a formal document is prepared, signed by the HR specialist and the company manager, which includes information about your main responsibilities as well as important parameters - such as monthly salary (it is important to specify whether the amount is gross or net), fringe benefits, start date, length of probationary period, and deadline for responding to the offer. If you only receive a verbal offer, ask for it to be emailed to you in writing as well. This way you can review all the information again, if any questions arise in the meantime, clarify them with the company and be able to make an informed decision rather than being unpleasantly surprised in the first days or month of starting at the new location. П

Still, even having reached this step, if the offer is far from your expectations, be prepared to say "No" and move on in the process of looking for your new job. Share your concerns and comments with the HR manager or intermediary if a recruitment agency is involved, sometimes companies. It's difficult when you've invested time - in preparation, in talking, in interviewing, but compromising is often a dead end. You're looking for your new company and team to be with long term, not to be back in the same situation of looking for a new job after 6 or 12 months, right?

Remember that finding the right new job can take months, as we often say - it's a full-time job. Take it as a project, a path that will lead you to change, meet new people, learn more about yourself and the qualities you bring, about others, about the job market, about new companies and industries.

Yes, along the way you may feel tired from endless conversations with HR professionals, sending CVs, interviewing and sometimes solving tests and assignments. You will probably also get rejections, maybe even from companies you really want to work for. Don't take them as an assessment of your work potential, your personal qualities or your diagnosis, but as a stage you have to go through to get to the job that's right for you.

It is important that your attitude to the search process remains positive, that you enjoy it and that despite the rejections and some unsuccessful encounters during this period, you continue to believe in yourself, in the value you bring and are confident of a successful conclusion to the journey.

Remember, your diagnosis does not define your professional qualities and work potential.

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