Catalay Family Day

Discover How Our Talent Acquisition Approach Transforms Careers

Testimonial
Engineering
4 min. read
Alyssa Lefever
Written by Alyssa Lefever
Marketing Officer at Sisu: Group
Overview

We talked with Talent Acquisition Specialists Alana Van Lierde, Zoé Bollen and Olivia Evrard about their approach to Talent Acquisition. We delved in deeper into the methods and approaches used to facilitate our candidates’ journey and provide the best service possible to applying engineers.

 

Zoé, Alana, Olivia

 

Discover how our Talent Acquisition Specialists make the difference: 

 

What are the key values and attributes you look for in engineering candidates?

 

  • Alana: I think we all particularly value honesty and clear communication with our candidates. These are values shared by the entire team and if we see that our candidates show a true interest and are clear about their ambitions, it’s definitely a win-win type of situation.

  • Zoé: I think showing motivation and having a proactive attitude is also essential. Even if you don’t have all the requirements for the job, showing these soft skills can really be a game changer.

 

How do you support and prepare engineering candidates for their interviews at the client?

 

  • Olivia: We use typical interview questions to help candidates prepare and provide tips to reduce stress. This is to make sure that they are all set for their interview and that they hold all the cards to be successful. We think it’s important that our candidates know what to expect in their interview process to prevent any misunderstandings.  

  • Alana: It’s also important to note that we always ask clients for feedback, whether positive or negative. If responses are slow, we push for feedback to benefit our candidates.

 

Can you share a specific example of how your approach helped an engineering candidate successfully transition into a role with the client?

 

  • Zoé: I once helped one of my candidates prepare for a client interview. They initially weren't ready, so I gave them tips to boost their confidence and we worked together on the same goal, which was getting him the job! They eventually were a good fit for the job, so I would say it was a successful collaboration!

 

You mentioned how feedback is a crucial part of the process. How do you handle situations where a qualified engineer is not the right fit for the job?

 

  • Olivia: Well, we try to stay in regular contact with them and we remain proactive in our communication. The next time we have a relevant opportunity for them, we make sure to contact them right away. If we have a positive impression of a candidate, we work hard to find the best assignment for them. Good motivation is key, and everything else follows from there!

 

Interesting! And how do you provide constructive feedback to candidates who may not be selected?

 

  • Olivia: It’s important to be as transparent as possible and say what went well and wrong. There might be times when candidates don’t tell what they didn’t like about the job, so it’s important to understand where our candidates’ interests lie and how we can ensure that they will actually enjoy their work experience. 

  • Zoé: I think our candidates also appreciate feedback, whether positive or negative. We provide tips for more effective interviews, advise on phrasing, and offer recommendations that can make a difference in future interviews. We also share best practices from other candidates that might inspire them.

  • Alana: Yes, and those feedback sessions happen quite regularly. We typically call our candidates after their interviews with the client to get their feedback and see how we can move forward from there. 

 

How would you describe being a Catalay consultant in a few words? 

 

  • Alana: It’s a really fun environment where you can grow and learn a lot. You receive follow-ups from our Talent Managers which I think is a real plus! There’s a strong bond with our candidates. It’s not like they work for a company, they work with us. They know who we are and they understand our role. 

  • Olivia:  It’s an environment where the people around you believe in your capabilities and really push you to go above and beyond. 

  • Zoé: Yes! And if you are determined and you have the willingness to grow, you will really get a lot in return. 

     

Thank you Alana, Zoé and Olivia for this insightful conversation.

 

 
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Overview