Leadership Insights
The Dynamics of Power in the Interview Room - A Conversation with Filip Nemteanu
As the Managing Partner and Country Manager of Selion Global Romania, Filip Nemteanu has spent years cultivating professional relationships with candidates, many of which have led to successful placements. However, he believes that the most fascinating bonds are those that aren't necessarily tied to a job offer. With his finger on the pulse of the modern job market, he is reshaping the way executive search consultants and candidates connect. In this interview, we delve into the dynamics of power in the interview room and how executive search consultants and candidates can create a balanced and fruitful relationship.
Filip Nemteanu:Â A healthy relationship is built on trust, professionalism, and constant learning and growth. It's about creating a connection that can lead to successful outcomes, even if it's just once or twice in a lifetime. I have found that the strongest bonds are often formed during the first thorough interview, where both parties engage in a dance of intellectual curiosity. This is where the foundation of a meaningful relationship is laid, and it's always fascinating to see how these connections can flourish over time.
Filip Nemteanu:Â The traditional dynamic, where consultants wield significant power over candidates, has given way to a more balanced approach. Modern candidates are more informed and have higher expectations from potential employers than just a great title and paycheck. They make more informed decisions, and it's essential for search consultants to adapt to this new dynamic. This shift has created a more level playing field where both parties can engage in a more meaningful and reciprocal conversation.
Filip Nemteanu:Â A great interview practice acknowledges the complexity of the relationship between the consultant and the candidate. It's about creating an environment where both parties feel empowered to collaborate to achieve balanced and informed decision-making. This requires a deep understanding of the candidate's background, industry trends, and personal motivations and, likewise, sharing in-depth information about the potential employer and role. When both parties come prepared, the interview becomes a dynamic and intellectual dance, where both sides learn from each other and grow a value-adding relationship.
Filip Nemteanu:Â Emotional intelligence is crucial for leadership consultants. It allows them to apply empathy and curiosity, enabling them to understand the candidate's motivations, values, and aspirations. Candidates, too, should strive to understand the consultant's and potential employer's perspectives, creating a more harmonious and open dialogue. When both parties can put themselves in each other's shoes, the interview becomes a more candid and transparent conversation.
Filip Nemteanu:Â Transparency and honesty are essential in building trust and healthy relationships. Being fully transparent in recruitment processes is vital as a consultant, even if it means sharing uncomfortable truths. This approach may not always lead to a successful placement, but it contributes significantly to building trust and credibility in the long run. When both parties prioritise transparency and honesty, the interview becomes a transformative experience that benefits both parties.
Filip Nemteanu: Recognising and addressing power dynamics is crucial for successful hiring and building long-lasting relationships. By acknowledging the shifting balance of power, executive search consultants and candidates can create a more balanced and fruitful relationship that benefits both parties. This requires a deep understanding of the complexities involved and a willingness to adapt to the potentially changing landscape of the assignment, its requirements, and key stakeholders involved.
Filip Nemteanu:Â My experience has taught me that building meaningful relationships is about creating a connection that transcends the transactional nature of the interview process. It's about fostering trust, empathy, understanding, and willingness to learn from each other. When both parties approach the interview with this mindset, the outcome is always more fruitful, regardless of whether a job offer is extended.
Filip Nemteanu: By staying curious, agile, and open to new ideas. I believe in continuously challenging myself and my colleagues to think differently, to push boundaries, and to explore new ways of connecting with candidates. It's about embracing the unknown and finding creative solutions to complex problems.
Filip Nemteanu:Â That it's okay to be vulnerable and authentic. Candidates often try to put on a mask or pretend to be someone they are not. But the most powerful connections come from being authentic and honest, sharing your true passions, and showcasing your unique strengths.
Filip Nemteanu:Â The future of recruitment is all about personalised experiences and a more human-centred approach. We will see more emphasis on creating meaningful connections, being a real and committed advocate for diversity and inclusion, and using technology (yes, a lot of AI too!) to enhance the candidate experience and client satisfaction. It's an exciting time to be in this industry!
Filip Nemteanu:Â I guess for many, Romania is still a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. We have stunning natural landscapes like the breathtaking Carpathian mountains, the serene rural areas of Transylvania where things indeed seem to magically be stuck in time, the unique charming streets in buzzing Bucharest, or the sublime beauty of the Danube Delta and the Black Sea Coast.
But Romania is more than just a pretty face. We have an evolving business scene, a growing economy, and a highly skilled workforce. In recent years, Romania has become a popular destination for foreign investment, particularly in the IT and tech industries. It is home to a number of successful startups and scale-ups, and its capital city, Bucharest, in my opinion, is a future hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Romania has become a business-friendly environment. Its professional workforce and still competitive costs make it an attractive location for companies looking to expand into Central and Eastern Europe. The country is also a member of the European Union, providing easy access to the EU market and having a stable regulatory framework, doubled down by a relative political stability in the past years.
Some of the key industries in Romania include IT and Tech, with a long tradition in Manufacturing, especially in sectors such as automotive, textiles, chemicals and electronics. We are also a major agricultural producer, one of the major energy players in the region and never forget that tourism is growing, not least because of our rich cultural heritage. Romania has something for everyone.
