Challenges in the labour market

Can you tell us about your personal background and what motivated you to pursue a career in human resources and career management?

My career path has been far from linear, as I began my professional career as a sales advisor in a pharmacy in Lyon.
This experience enabled me to develop the following skills: sales techniques, listening and interpersonal skills, rigour and attention to detail.
After four years in this position, I wanted a more administrative role that still involved interpersonal and human interaction, and was more compatible with my personal life. So I began a career change by doing a work-study Bachelor's degree in HR while working as a recruitment officer at a temporary employment agency.

I then discovered the recruitment industry and the various techniques for finding the ideal candidates to meet clients' needs.
This role made me realise the gap that existed between candidates' beliefs and recruiters' actual expectations when it came to job hunting.
Even before graduating, I was recruited on a temporary contract by a multinational pharmaceutical and chemical company as a Personnel Administration Manager, where I managed 1,700 employees. I was responsible for all administrative tasks related to employee life (employment contracts, certificates, etc.) and I was also tasked with responding to their questions to their complete satisfaction.

I turned down the permanent contract I was offered to try my luck in Switzerland, with the aim of discovering a new work culture where recognition and advancement are real, and to significantly increase my income in order to realise personal projects.
With a French HR background and all the obstacles that my profile presented, I faced numerous rejections and felt a great deal of misunderstanding despite extensive research to fully comprehend the specificities of this country.

After six months of intensive searching, I landed a position as HR Manager at a small business in Geneva that combined personnel administration and recruitment: the perfect job for me!
I have developed strong resilience and adaptability to help me integrate well into the team.
After almost four years in the job, I took a break from my professional career to focus on personal projects, and the following year I moved to Spain. This break lasted four years, after which I decided to become an entrepreneur, working as a career coach for Switzerland. 

I chose consulting and coaching so that candidates would have all the tools they need to facilitate their recruitment, thanks to an understanding of recruiters' expectations and effective job search techniques.
I am committed to ensuring that job hunting is no longer a difficult and stressful period for candidates.
I firmly believe that with the right tools, guidance and support, job hunting can be a positive experience, and that this period of life can be approached with peace of mind and confidence.
This is the mission that deeply motivates me.

What do you think are the main challenges professionals face today in managing their careers?

I can think of three major challenges.
Today's professionals are seeking more meaning in their work than ever before. They want to feel valued, appreciated and aligned with the company's values. When this is not the case, they no longer hesitate to leave their job or switch to a career that is more in line with their aspirations. These changes lead to diverse, non-linear career paths that are not always easy to explain to a recruiter.

Market developments and the rise of new technologies, such as AI, also have a direct impact on candidates' careers. Professionals must therefore demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in order to remain competitive. The ability to reinvent oneself, learn new skills and open up to new sectors is essential in order to keep pace with the needs of businesses and enhance its added value. 

The need to stand out is also an issue to consider. In a relatively competitive job market (particularly in certain professions), you need to be able to make a difference by leaving a lasting impression. This involves personal branding.  which involves communicating about yourself, your values, your personality and your skills. Personal branding is not just about self-promotion, but also about consistency and credibility. Presence on professional networks such as LinkedIn plays a major role in this dynamic, allowing you to build and share a professional image online. 


Job hunting is often perceived as a difficult process. What are the key steps to successfully navigating this phase?

Yes, it's a real obstacle course for many!
In my opinion, there are four key steps:
1) Good self-knowledge and a well-defined career plan: this first step is often overlooked, yet it is the foundation of a successful job search.
2) Effective marketing tools: a comprehensive, high-quality application that reflects the candidate's potential and an attractive, flattering LinkedIn profile.
3) A well-thought-out and diversified strategy: actions designed to achieve a specific objective, the use of all search channels and the development of a qualified network.
4) Good preparation for interviews: anticipate the questions you will be asked, find out about the company, know how to present yourself effectively, pay attention to your non-verbal communication, etc.

And throughout the process, think positively and focus your energy on actions that are within your control.

How can you build and maintain a strong professional network that can support your long-term career progression?

In my opinion, it is above all about daring.
Dare to connect and interact with other professionals (peers, managers, specialists, consultants, executives, etc.), demonstrating healthy curiosity.
LinkedIn is an excellent tool for this purpose, as it is a vast directory of professionals. One can connect with anyone, understand their career paths, and easily «network»: it is a tremendous opportunity. However, it must be done with the right approach, which is often lacking in individuals who wish to expand their network.
There are a whole host of fears that arise when getting in touch with someone, whether virtually or in real life: fear of rejection, fear of disturbing them, fear of appearing opportunistic, fear of not knowing what to say...
I believe that as long as the approach is respectful, kind and focused on the other person, there is no risk involved.
Participating in professional events, round tables, conferences and trade shows in your professional field is also an excellent way to develop a high-quality network to draw on.

Once the relationship has been established, it is important to maintain it over time. This involves regular communication to catch up, sharing information that may be of interest to the other party (articles, events, etc.), expressing gratitude, and so on.
Giving before receiving is one of the keys to networking. 

What advice would you give to people who wish to reposition themselves or change fields after several years of experience in a different sector?

This is a shift that is not always easy to make, often due to a lack of foresight and preparation.

The first step would be to learn about and understand the new sector:
– By reading articles and books, keeping up to date with the latest news via the media (press, newsletters, social networks, television, etc.), participating in events dedicated to this sector, etc.
– By meeting people and developing your network in this particular sector to gather as much information as possible from the field.

The second step would be to take stock of your current situation to gain clarity about your profile and ask yourself the following question: «What am I lacking today in terms of skills, knowledge, training and understanding to fill the position I am aiming for in this new sector?».

The third step would be to define the strategy for achieving the objective:
– By training in the skills expected and required in the new sector
– By making yourself visible to your new target audience (professionals in the new sector or recruiters specialising in that sector)
– By contributing to the target sector in order to add value and be recognised as a member of the group (creating relevant content, writing blog articles about the sector, volunteering, doing internships, etc.).
– By focusing on your strengths and avoiding trying to compensate for your «weaknesses» by asking yourself: »What can I highlight as a distinguishing strength to make up for my lack of experience?»
– By developing new skills that will boost their employability: AI, digital technology, languages, communication, etc.

In your opinion, what are the essential skills to develop in order to climb the ladder within a company or organisation?

I am thinking primarily of soft skills, such as emotional intelligence, communication and leadership. For me, these are the foundation of good management.
A good manager is above all a leader, capable of bringing people together and uniting them.. It is not just a matter of giving instructions, but also of knowing how to listen, understand the needs of others and make decisions that benefit the whole group. 
Proactivity is also an important skill for rapid advancement. It reflects a person's ability to anticipate challenges, take initiative and propose solutions even before problems arise. In an increasingly dynamic professional environment, being proactive allows you to position yourself as a committed player, capable of actively contributing to the development of the company rather than simply reacting to circumstances.  A proactive person is ready to take on additional responsibilities, anticipate needs and adapt to constantly changing environments. 

In a constantly changing work environment, how can professionals remain relevant and competitive in the job market?

À In my opinion, this requires continuous learning. Training allows you to develop your technical and interpersonal skills and maintain an attractive profile while nourishing yourself intellectually.
It is also important to remain open to the market and to keep a passive watch on your profession and sector in order to fully understand the issues and challenges ahead and be able to prepare for them as best as possible.
Networking is also a powerful tool for staying abreast of market trends, exchanging ideas and accessing new opportunities. In Switzerland in particular, where the job market is often based on recommendations, a well-developed network is a strategic asset.  

What role does continuing professional development play in long-term career success, and how can professionals be encouraged to engage in this process?

Training enables individuals to develop new skills or strengthen existing ones.
It is a powerful lever for ensuring that you remain attractive on the market. This implies greater ease in changing jobs, evolving, and modifying your career path.
Training legitimises your career plans and sends a strong signal of motivation to employers. It is also a way to command higher salaries.

I think professionals need to be made aware of the benefits of continuous training, both professionally and personally. It's always stimulating to learn new things; it's an opportunity to challenge yourself and develop personally, and every skill you acquire is an additional resource for growth and increased self-confidence.