Two Years at Talent Search People: Four Lessons Learned by Marina Ruiz
A journey of growth, complex challenges, and supporting companies and candidates throughout the recruitment process.
“After these two years, I feel much more organized, aware, and well-rounded when it comes to managing each recruitment process.”
Her experience offers four valuable lessons for companies looking to attract talent and navigate demanding recruitment processes with a more realistic understanding of the market.
1. Candidates Evaluate Career Moves as a Whole
“It’s no longer just about securing a higher salary. Candidates now ask themselves: What project am I joining? How stable is the company? Does it align with my values? How will this change affect my day-to-day life?”
For companies, this means clearly communicating what the role offers, what career path it can provide, and what the working environment is really like from the very first interaction.
2. Understanding the Business Is the First Step to a Successful Search
Before starting the sourcing process, Marina highlights the importance of understanding the team, the company’s current situation, the business need behind the hire, and the type of professional background that can add value to the project.
“In the end, for me, a successful recruitment process is one where you manage to align the needs of both parties and create a genuine match.”
This level of understanding makes it possible to assess candidates more accurately and present opportunities that truly fit each person’s professional journey.
3. Complex Hiring Processes Require an Adapted Strategy
One of Marina’s first challenges was recruiting in Portugal for a highly specialized technical-sales profile. The position was filled in just over a month.
The candidate’s technical expertise was the key factor that helped identify the right fit, despite not having a traditional sales background. During the interview process, Marina recognized commercial skills developed through the candidate’s work as an independent consultant, where they collaborated with companies to improve products, identify new solutions, and optimize processes.
“Even when a sector or market is completely new to you, if you take the time to fully understand the need, think creatively, and maintain close communication with the client, you can achieve excellent results.”
This case highlights the importance of understanding the real requirements of a role and identifying capabilities that may not always be immediately visible in a CV.
4. Communication and Flexibility Help Recruitment Processes Move Forward
When the market does not respond as expected, openly sharing what is happening allows everyone involved to make better-informed decisions. From there, the company and the consultant can review which requirements are essential, where there is room for flexibility, and how to stay aligned with the objectives of the role.
“When we identify genuine challenges in the market, it is our responsibility to communicate them to the client and share what we are seeing. From there, it is important to work together to determine where flexibility is possible and find a balance between the company’s needs and what the market can realistically provide.”
Regular communication helps anticipate roadblocks, accelerate decision-making, and maintain a collaborative approach focused on finding a sustainable match for both parties.
Two Years of Growth and New Challenges
Marina particularly values the autonomy, trust, and support she has received from the team. As she enters this new stage of her career, she looks forward to continuing her professional growth and taking on new challenges.
“I’m approaching this new chapter with ambition, eager to take on new challenges and continue contributing to the team.”
