Get to know HR Manager Trainee of exmox, Alessia Oda and how she came to live in Hamburg from her small hometown in Italy. She discusses her transition to interviewing and recruiting, how her responsibilities have evolved over time, and her favorite part about working at exmox.
Curious about what it’s like to manage talent acquisition at a company like exmox? Read on to discover her story and gain valuable insights into life in HR!
Where are you from and how did you end up in Hamburg?
I’m originally from Liguria, a small region in northwest Italy. I moved to Hamburg six months ago to join Exmox, but I had already lived here in 2021 during my Erasmus exchange. It was during the pandemic, so there weren’t many activities for students, but I fell in love with the city. After finishing my bachelor’s degree in languages for business and tourism in Italy, I did a Masters in Milan focused on international business communication. After completing my studies, I looked for a job in Hamburg, and that’s how I ended up working as an HR Manager Trainee at Exmox!
How has your role evolved over the past six months?
When I first started, it was mostly learning by doing with my team lead. I had some previous HR experience from an internship, so I had a basic understanding of recruiting – but each company is different. For the first few weeks, I mostly observed how the team lead conducts interviews, I took notes, and I learned how to present the company and handle different types of questions. Gradually, I started conducting interviews myself and handling most of our recruiting activities.
What’s a typical workday like for you?
My day starts with a cappuccino – I definitely need that for energy! Then, I check my agenda and prepare for interviews by reviewing candidates’ CVs and writing down questions. After each interview, I write up a report on the candidate to share with the team lead. I spend a lot of time communicating with different departments to coordinate feedback and arrange follow-up interviews. When I’m not doing interviews, I screen CVs or sometimes search LinkedIn for candidates.
Do you enjoy interviewing others?
Yes, I do! I used to be a shy person, but interviewing has helped me become more extroverted and communicative. At first, I was very structured, but I’ve learned that a more relaxed and friendly approach works better here. I also always start with some small talk to make the candidate feel comfortable, as I know interviews can be nerve-wracking.
Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on?
Since I handle different types of positions – marketing, sales, IT, I enjoy learning about each one. It’s interesting to get insight into what a marketing manager or a data engineer does, so I appreciate the variety of projects I work on. Each one offers a new learning experience.
What do you enjoy most about working at Exmox?
Definitely the people. Everyone is super friendly and supportive, which I noticed from day one. I also love the company culture. It’s important to me to work in an environment where people are genuinely happy, because we spend so much time at work. The supportive atmosphere makes it a place I look forward to coming to.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into HR, especially the interviewing and recruiting side?
My advice would be to stay relaxed and friendly during interviews. It’s important to put yourself in the candidate’s shoes since the process can be nerve-wracking for them. You should create a comfortable atmosphere so they can express themselves fully. Also, be communicative and excited about the company – you’re not just evaluating them; you’re also representing the company.
Where do you see your career going in the next few years?
I’d like to grow both professionally and personally. Right now, I focus mainly on recruitment, but I’d also like to get involved in employee development and employer branding. My goal is to gain a more comprehensive HR skill set.