Every time I meet Alex, our People & Culture Business Partner, it is always refreshing. Whether it's at our Cluj office, during his visits to Oradea, or online in our virtual meetings, his presence transmits positivity and calmness. With a genuine smile and always ready to help, Alex's approachability is immediately evident through his warm gestures and thoughtful communication.
Even though our work paths don’t cross directly very often, I've always had the impression that he is an exceptional professional. My recent conversation with him only confirmed this, revealing his deep commitment to discipline and fairness and his passion for fostering a strong company culture. Below is our insightful exchange, where Alex shares his journey, his perspectives on recruitment, and the importance of culture at RebelDot.
Hey, Alex. First things first: when did you join RebelDot?
I've been here since November 2021. I joined the People and Culture team primarily focusing on recruitment. Over time, I also began handling responsibilities regarding performance, discussions with colleagues, and review meetings. So, my activities have mostly been split between these two areas: recruitment and performance management. Since then, both the team and our company have grown. When I joined, there were about 120 employees, and now we are over 200. I should mention that I'm not someone who talks a lot.
How long have you been working in this field?
I've been in this field since 2014. I started at a recruitment agency where I collaborated with various large companies in Cluj from different industries. I worked there for about three years, then spent about five years at a big corporation. It was a totally different type of work because they were very process-oriented, but I learned a lot from both worlds, agency and big company.
What’s the difference between a corporation and RebelDot?
There are many differences, but I'll mention the most significant one for me when I first joined RebelDot. Think about 2021, right after the pandemic. When I joined RebelDot back then, we had the house on Alverna. On my first day, I can't remember who greeted me, but the house was full. I was amazed. It was a completely different atmosphere, and it made me realize the importance of culture. When candidates come for face-to-face interviews at our office, they often express amazement that people come to the office willingly and enjoy being here.
The idea of embracing the culture and people truly living it is significant.
Yes, that’s a crucial differentiator. It's also essential that we continue to emphasize discussions about people and culture, even as we grow. As they expand, many companies start to overlook the cultural aspect, focusing more on technical skills and project fit. We still prioritize cultural fit and add value. We attended a conference yesterday discussing cultural fit versus cultural add. When we bring in new colleagues, we also look at how could them add value and contribute to our growth and evolution as a community.
What’s the advantage for RebelDot as a business in having employees who are a cultural fit?
There are many advantages. It helps with retention; colleagues who join tend to stay and enjoy working at RebelDot. Studies show that cultural fit correlates with engagement and performance. An engaged person performs better over time. So, our efforts in this direction are not just about having a happy company, but also about contributing to the overall performance and success.
Regarding your role in the company, which is split between recruitment and performance, which do you prefer?
Both. I enjoy building things. Although I didn't study engineering, I have always been passionate about it. Constructing teams and contributing to building a community is very rewarding for me. On the performance side, it’s about retention, ensuring that we provide the necessary tools and support for our colleagues to succeed.
You mentioned mostly positive aspects, but I'm sure you've encountered difficult candidates or colleagues. How do you handle challenging situations?
In HR, we often take certain skills for granted and assume everyone knows them, but that’s not true. Exposure to various people helps us become flexible and manage situations calmly. We’ve had many interviews, and the key is to make candidates feel comfortable. A recruiter’s job is to make the candidate feel at ease, and if they’re anxious or stressed, it’s partially our responsibility to manage that.
It doesn’t necessarily define the candidate, as they might have had a bad day or week.
Exactly. A recruitment process isn't infallible, and an interview is just a snapshot. You can't fully know someone in one or two hours, but you can get an idea.
Either colleague, manager or candidate - all of them should be treated in a professional manner.
However, can you tell me some major red flags in interviews?
We look for candidates who want to be part of a community and are proactive. A red flag for us is someone who only focuses on their tasks without a broader interest in our team and community.
Does your interest in engineering translate into any hobbies?
I enjoy DIY projects. I grew up around woodworking, and I like building things. Recently, I moved into a new house and did a lot of the finishing work myself. I also enjoy cycling and keeping my bike well-maintained.
Do you participate in competitions?
I used to participate in amateur road cycling competitions. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and develop discipline.
How important is discipline in recruitment?
Discipline is essential in any job, especially in recruitment. It’s important to be resilient because you often face situations where expectations don’t meet reality. Trust develops over time, and watching a candidate - new colleague, begin their first day serves as a validation of your efforts.
Does being a recruiter help in social situations?
It can, but sometimes people might be wary if they think you’re assessing them. However, it has helped me develop my people skills. As someone naturally introverted, HR has pushed me to improve my interaction skills.
How much does your profession influence your personal life and hobbies?
It definitely influences both. My job in HR definitely influences my personal life and hobbies. For example, the communication and problem-solving skills I use at work come in handy with my DIY projects and in how I approach things in general. Plus, the balance I strive for at work helps me stay organized and focused, which is great for enjoying activities like cycling. So, what I do professionally really does spill over into my personal interests and daily routines.
Do you have a bucket list or something you definitely want to achieve soon?
I don’t have a detailed bucket list, but I’m very focused on our team's growth. Professionally, I'm excited to see how we scale and grow to 300-400 colleagues.
Personally, I’m excited about a hike I’m planning for next year. I’m aiming to reach Punta Gnifetti in the Italian Alps, where the highest hut in Europe, Regina Margherita, is located.
As our conversation ended, what stood out most about Alex was his professional expertise and his thoughtful, measured approach to work and life. His commitment to discipline and his genuine care for people shine through in everything he does, whether he's guiding a candidate through an interview or working on a DIY project at home. Alex's quiet confidence and introspective nature make him someone you can truly learn from. It was clear to me that, for Alex, success is about building meaningful connections and contributing positively to the community around him.
