“Listening to what someone says, but more importantly, listening to what a candidate really means.”
An interview with Robin Meijer, Recruiter at Intercel.
What background and education did you come to Intercel with?
“I studied pedagogy, with a specialization in youth care. After my studies, it quickly became clear that a commercial company would suit me better after all. I worked as an intermediary and was not actually looking for a new job, but Intercel was recommended to me through the grapevine. To be exact, by Robin Been. He is a good friend of my partner and more than recommended Intercel. He has been working there for over 10 years and every time he talked about his job he was super enthusiastic. It felt like an opportunity. I then interviewed for the Recruiter position and before I knew it, I was working here. The application process was short. The management and HR manager spoke the exact same language as I did.”
What is that language?
“Straight forward, down to earth and being really honest. But I also love the growth ambition of the company, to act in it and contribute to it. Doubling the number of employees in a short time, that is the ambition I want to achieve together with my colleagues. My contribution is that I see exactly what is needed. It’s not about lists but a holistic view of people and looking beyond the “piece of paper.” I’m convinced that it’s not just about listening to what someone says, but more importantly what a candidate really means.”
What is your vision for recruitment?
“I think it is important that quality is delivered by our team. By quality I mean that someone knows what he or she is talking about, understands the content of the job and also brings competencies that help Intercel move forward. For example, in sales positions guts are important but it is equally important that candidates fit into the team and work well together for many years. There is a place for everyone at Intercel. Young or old, theoretically or practically trained. Anyone with the right skills and Intercel DNA can come and join our team.”
How do you recruit new people?
“We have created a very nice Working at page with a cool Working at video, with this we give a nice insight into our workplace. We also work with different websites and promote ourselves there. Google, Indeed and LinkedIn are central to this. Via via is also extremely successful and provides us with many new colleagues. We have set up a nice referral campaign because we believe that our own people know best who from their network fits Intercel. We already have many great success stories, which we will soon publish. Of course, I also ended up at Intercel myself through my colleague Robin.”
What steps do you follow in a job application process?
“First we get in touch and read your resume and letter. Then I contact you within 2 days. That’s set in stone. We want to clarify quickly for both parties. That first telephone introduction takes about half an hour. This is not so formal but really to exchange information and see where the leads are. I then report back and if the manager concerned is enthusiastic, an introductory meeting at the office is suggested. A meeting with the department manager and with me. For an operational position, the candidate often goes to work with me for half a day, and for other positions an interview with immediate colleagues usually follows. Our entire procedure can sometimes be completed in as little as one week.”
So your total procedure can be completed completely within one week?
“Yes, that happens regularly, if it also works out in terms of availability on both sides of course. We are actually quite fast, but care is paramount.”
What is your greatest success?
“In the first week at Intercel, I was tasked with finding 8 mechanics in 3 months. We succeeded! We then celebrated in a big way. That was one of the best things I have ever done. Especially because I was just new. By using my personal network and the networks of acquaintances and colleagues, we are very successful in our recruitment.”
Why is Intercel a top employer?
“We have a cool product that is becoming increasingly important for a sustainable future for all of us. We are also getting great new premises and there is a great atmosphere in the workplace. We are a close club of colleagues where everyone has an equal voice.”