Emilie Trappler, senior manager of human resources, Hays 10/10/2012

List your jobs:

1. 2006 to present:  consultant - Hays
2. 2005: consultant - Hudson

Q. When you were a kid, what was your career dream?
 
A. I wanted to become either a vet, a professor, an archaeologist, an astronaut, or a professional sportswoman.

Q. How did you get to where you are now?
 
A. I studied human resources at university and recruitment was the natural career choice after that.

Q. Who inspired you along your career journey, and why?
 
A. My mum. She was an HR director herself and inspired me to work in human resources.

Q. Why did you join your current organisation?

A. A friend of mine worked at Hays and he told me about the agency, the culture, the challenges, as well as the great opportunities. After the first interview, I knew Hays was the right place for me.

Q. Describe your typical day.

A. No day ever seems to be the same and that's why I love it. I manage a number of tasks throughout the day including supporting my colleagues, developing the career transition offers, giving advice to our clients and helping them in their daily recruitment needs. Although I manage a team, it is crucial for me to keep in touch with the business in order to be aware of market trends.

Q. What’s your greatest achievement?

A. Hays in France is growing. We have more than 400 human resources advisors throughout France. I regularly visit our other offices throughout the country and have organised a number of assessment centres, which look at a candidate's aptitude and performance through a set of varied exercises. These exercises are designed to simulate different aspects of the work environment. This aims to evaluate the candidate's behaviours that are required for the role.
 
Q. What are your biggest challenges?
 
A. Hays France recently launched the Hays Career Transition service. I am responsible for developing this service in Ile-de-France, supporting candidates through their professional transition and leading competency-based interviews.

Q. What career advice would you give someone aspiring to your role?
 
A. There are many skills needed in this role including being meticulous, flexible, paying attention to the team, and being proactive. But above all else, you should aim to feel a sense of achievement in your day-to-day work.

• Business book(s): Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson
• Website(s): LinkedIn (for business) and YouTube (for hobbies)
• Music: Jean-Jacques Goldman, Muse, U2, Otis Redding, Adele, Vanessa Paradis, Keziah Jones
• TV programme/film: Shutter Island, The Godfather, Good Will HuntingCasino, Le père Noel est une ordure, Desperate Housewives, Dr House