“Think of an HR agency as a bridge connecting job seekers with companies. We help candidates find the right employers and assist companies in finding the perfect employees.”
Lina Ashram, Recruitment consultant at HRS Bulgaria
Lina Ashram works in staffing agency HRS Bulgaria and specialises in connecting skilled professionals with leading companies for shared success. In recent years, HRS Bulgaria has expanded its presence with offices in Sofia, Romania, and has recently established a new branch in Germany. HRS Bulgaria specialises in business process outsourcing, particularly with multilingual professionals.
Below you can find insights generously shared by Lina Ashram to the Humans in the Loop community during a recent online webinar shed light on the application and interview processes. Let’s explore some of them!

Preparation is key!
Before applying, ensure that your CV is well-organised, concise, and accurately represents your qualifications and experiences. By presenting yourself effectively, you can enhance your chances of securing interviews and ultimately landing your desired positions.
The candidate’s suitability for a position depends on various factors, including skills, experience, and the ability to demonstrate suitability for the role. By presenting yourself authentically and showcasing relevant qualifications and experiences, you can enhance your success in the job market. This advice includes research on the company’s history and culture, including its employees on LinkedIn.
In-person interviews
Dress appropriately, aiming for a neat and professional look to make a positive impression, much like you would on a first date. Remember, the right attire is essential even for online interviews. In warmer weather, it’s advisable for both men and women to avoid clothing like vests or shorts during interviews. Instead, opt for attire that is modest and professional. Matching your outfit to the company’s logo might be excessive, opting for classic colours is a safer choice.
Check traffic and weather conditions, and plan your commute to arrive a bit early. If you anticipate any delays, a quick call or email to notify them demonstrates responsibility.
Body language is crucial, even in virtual interviews
Avoid excessive fidgeting, as it can be perceived as nervousness. Prepare your space for an online interview by checking your internet connection, lighting, and ensuring no distractions like pets.
Finally, ensure your camera and microphone are working before the interview starts.
Using a laptop for interviews is preferable, especially if tasks are assigned during the interview. Typing on a laptop is more convenient than on a mobile phone.
However, if using a laptop isn’t feasible, it’s not a problem. Common interview questions often revolve around how you handle stress. Employers want to see how you react to challenging situations.
How to answer interviewer's questions?
- Avoid mentioning money as your sole motivation!
Instead, focus on aspects like enjoying communication for customer support roles or attention to detail for administrative positions. Situational questions test problem-solving skills. Even without experience, demonstrate logical thinking and a willingness to seek help if necessary. Instead of saying “I don’t know,” suggest a solution or ask for time to seek guidance. This showcases honesty and problem-solving skills, traits that employers value.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that nobody knows everything, and it’s acceptable not to have all the answers.
- Keep in mind the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) interview technique
It’s vital to provide real-life examples of how you’ve handled challenging situations in the past. Describe the scenario, outline the tasks involved, detail your actions, and share the outcomes, emphasising positive results whenever possible. Now, let’s discuss CVs. Your CV serves as an introduction before the interview, so keep it concise, ideally under two pages. While longer CVs are not necessarily rejected, brevity is valued. Use online templates to organise your information effectively and ensure clarity and readability.
- Responses about motivation to join a company can vary!
You may touch on how your education aligns with the job role, company culture, social benefits, or opportunities for personal development. During interviews, keep responses concise to allow time for all questions. When discussing strengths, provide examples from past experiences to illustrate your capabilities. Avoid claiming perfection; instead, acknowledge that everyone has weaknesses. Reflecting on areas for improvement demonstrates self-awareness and honesty, qualities that employers appreciate.
- Why should we consider you for the role?
Emphasise your relevant skills and eagerness to learn when asked why you should be considered for the role. If lacking experience, highlight your enthusiasm and readiness to kickstart your career. Showcase qualities such as friendliness, fast learning ability, and multitasking skills to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
- Previous experiences
When discussing previous employment experiences during an interview or on a CV, maintain professionalism and refrain from speaking negatively about past employers.
Focus on the lessons learned and skills gained, even from challenging experiences. Speaking poorly about past employers can raise red flags for potential employers, regardless of your qualifications or experience.
Additionally
When assessing language proficiency, provide honest information on your CV and accurately represent your skills. While specific language certificates may not be mandatory, indicate your proficiency level as accurately as possible. Highlight any relevant language skills gained through courses or practical experience.
While some employers may require formal education credentials like a university degree, relevant work experience, and professional development courses are also valued. Demonstrate your qualifications through certificates from accredited programs or relevant work experience, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and development.
Is applying through a recruitment agency worth it?
Applying through a recruitment agency can streamline the job search process, as they act as intermediaries between candidates and companies. Agencies can match candidates with suitable positions based on their preferences and qualifications, making the job search more efficient. Additionally, agencies can offer guidance and support throughout the recruitment process, including interview preparation and advice on potential red flags.
Recruitment agencies play a crucial role in helping candidates prepare for interviews and navigate the job search process. They provide valuable advice and support to ensure that candidates present themselves effectively to potential employers. Additionally, agencies can offer insights into different companies and their cultures, aiding candidates in making informed decisions about job opportunities.
Last, but not list - the role of AI
Preparing for interviews with AI assistance, such as ChatGPT, can be beneficial for familiarising yourself with common questions and crafting well-rounded responses. However, ensure that your answers are personalised and reflect your genuine experiences and qualities.
While some employers may use systems to detect AI-generated responses in written tasks, this is less common in interviews. Use AI-generated responses as a preparation tool, ensuring authenticity and sincerity during the interview process. This approach helps you present yourself effectively while demonstrating your qualifications and suitability for the role.
We hope these insights will serve you while navigating the application and interviewing process.
If you’re keen on connecting with HRS Bulgaria here are some resources to explore:
HRS page at Jobs. bg: https://www.jobs.bg/company/hrs-recruitment-services
HRS Website: https://www.hrs-bg.com/en/home
HRS Social media channels, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bghrs/?ref=br_rs and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrs-bulgaria/mycompany/
“HR Insider”, HRS Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7071399114411773952/
As we at Humans in the Loop strive to empower job seekers with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed, we encourage you to take the next step in your career journey. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated about upcoming community events at Humans in the Loop. Your success is our priority and we look forward to accompanying you on your path to career fulfilment!
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