Successful Cross-Border Recruitment Collaboration: Meeting French Talent Needs with Hungarian Expertise

In early spring 2024, our Hungarian team embarked on an ambitious recruitment project in partnership with our French counterpart to support an IT company in France. It promised to be a challenge from the start as we are two different countries with totally different cultural backgrounds. The project focused on outsourcing business aiming to place 12 executive assistants from Hungary who were fluent in both French and English. The collaboration was essential for meeting the French partner's staffing needs while showcasing the talent available within Hungary. The journey, from negotiation to successful recruitment, brought challenges and rewards, reflecting the strength of teamwork across borders.

The recruitment process began as soon as we knew that our proposal had been accepted. Our French partners were looking for skilled executive assistants, fluent in French and English, to support their operations. With a July 2024 start date, the project demanded a fast and efficient recruitment strategy. First, we did focus on candidates in Budapest. However, recognizing that advanced French language skills are relatively rare in Hungary, we quickly expanded our search across the entire country to find the most qualified talent.

To meet the high standards set for these roles, we deployed a multi-channel recruitment approach. We utilized popular platforms such as LinkedIn and Profession.hu, while also investing in targeted advertisements and headhunting services to reach passive candidates. By leveraging a mix of these recruitment methods, we ensured a broad search and an effective way to connect with professionals possessing the rare language skills and experience required for executive support roles.

The recruitment process was divided into two interview phases. In the first round, our Hungarian team conducted initial screenings to assess qualifications, English language proficiency, and cultural fit. As none of our team members spoke French, the second round of interviews involved our French partners, who were able to evaluate the candidates' fluency and ability to align with their company’s needs. This two-part interview process ensured that all shortlisted candidates met the high standards expected by both parties.

Throughout the recruitment process, we encountered unique challenges stemming from differing labour laws, standards, and cultural expectations. Weekly calls with our French partners became essential to discuss and navigate these complexities, ensuring both compliance and alignment in our recruitment practices. The regular communication allowed us to build a strong working relationship, adapt to each other's expectations, and keep the recruitment process on track for the July start date.

As the project launch date approached, all 12 executive assistants were in place and ready to begin their new roles in our office. This was further solidified by a visit from our French partners, who joined us for the project kick-off. This visit allowed the entire team to meet face-to-face, enhancing the collaboration with a personal connection and boosting morale across both sides.

In a last-minute development, our partner expressed the need for two additional executive assistants. With the deadline fast approaching, our team managed to find two more qualified candidates who met the project requirements. This rapid response highlighted our team’s dedication and flexibility, further strengthening the partnership.

Since the project’s launch, we have continued to maintain close contact with our French partners through weekly calls. These check-ins allow us to address any challenges and keep the project running smoothly. A recent customer satisfaction survey revealed high levels of satisfaction among the executives, a testament to the hard work and commitment invested by both teams.

Reflecting on the success of this project, we are hopeful about the potential for future collaborations. This experience not only strengthened our partnership with our French counterparts but also demonstrated the strength and adaptability of Hungarian talent in meeting international business needs. It is a great possibility that within Manpower we can build good connection through different countries. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue building on this foundation and exploring new opportunities to work together.