The first time my CEO and I landed in Chicago was a windy cloudy day of May.
We were 90% sure this was the place we wanted to implement our American HQs. We were a little bitfamiliar with the US geography, opportunities, and potential challenges, but we needed to get a “vibe” of the city, the Midwest culture and how it would welcome the project we had in mind for Consea’s expansion into North America.
Suddenly the cloudy day became sunny and mildly warm; Chicago was welcoming us with open arms.
It was 2017.
I would then travel back to Chicago many other times by myself to start looking for our offices, meeting with our lawyers, our CPA, and eventually starting our operations. I traveled to other cities and their regions (such as Atlanta, New York, Cincinnati, Detroit, among others) to meet our clients and familiarize myself with their industrial areas as well as the US “way to do” business.
In September 2017, Consea America was officially settled, and we already had our first clients.
5 years later… where are we?
Consea America is now one of the major point of references in the Executive Search sector for companies that are already in North America and also for those that are starting up their operations on US soil. Consea America exists for those who need a local partner, not only for their recruiting needs but also a consulting and effective support in understanding the US market and its cultural aspects and differences with the EU mindset.
We have a strong and solid organization composed by passionate, motivated and committed individuals that everyday are working hard and capitalize their market knowledge for our clients, candidates, and partners in general.
Consea America has recently hit its 5 Year Milestone with excellent results, being the second relevant market for Consea Group in terms of revenue.
In these 5 years, we went through challenging and exciting moments.
The pandemic was a teaching moment for the most of us; we sat down with our network (clients, candidates, professionals of the HR and Business Consulting industry) and discussed the New Normal during our Round Table with the CEOs events.
We also took the time to reinforce our team*, invest in our internal resources and prepare ourselves for the moment when the market would be ready to go back to the New Normal. And so it happened, in 2021, together with another phenomenon that experts called the Great Resignation.
Year 2023, a new 5-year cycle is starting.
Consea America is stronger and ready to continue supporting our partners and markets in North America.
*A special Thank You to my team: without you guys all this would have not been possible!
Employer Branding: The Art of Attracting the Best Talent
As we have already seen in the article "Upskilling & Reskilling: The Future of Work, Talent Shortage, and Human Capacity Within Organizations", in Mexico, it is increasingly difficult for companies to attract and retain the right talent. Therefore, you hear a lot about the Employer Branding concept, which consists on communicating the mission, values and culture of an organization to build their reputation and an attractive differentiation for their talent market.
Companies that foster a good reputation and outstanding workplace culture can attract and retain the most valuable talent, ultimately allowing them to be more competitive in the continuously changing world of work. One of the most recognized global authorities in this field is Great Place to Work.
Some of the companies with multinational talent in Mexico earning of the title of "Great Place To Work 2023" have been: Cisco, Accenture, Astra Zeneca, Monex Grupo Financiero, Ericsson México, Novo Nordisk México, Tequila Sauza, and BASF (Puebla site).
It is no coincidence that the most successful companies in the recent decades are the ones delivering the "best practices" in Employer Branding: Google is widely recognized for its business culture and Innovative Human Resources policies; Apple focuses on creativity, innovation, together with the personal and professional development of its employees; Sales Force has created a company culture focused on values, diversity and inclusion.
Employer Branding is also becoming more and more relevant due to the increasing importance given to the wellbeing of employees and the purpose of the company in the labor market.
Those companies not only have a strategy to attract the best talents but they are also committed to creating an authentic, inclusive, positive and meaningful company culture.
Employer Branding is meant to generate a sense of belonging and commitment by transmitting the fundamental purpose of the company and its raison d'être. This helps the talent acquisition and management strategy that share the same values (or behaviors) of the company (business and organization strategy) and also the desire to be part of something that well aligns with their own values, passions, and ambitions. Some important key points to consider are: generating opportunities for employee development and growth within the company’s organization; fostering a positive and equitable work environment that promotes inclusion, diversity, and well-being; and ultimately provide competitive compensation.
As said, today the reputation of a company is more important than ever. In Mexico, 1 in 3 people have turned down a job offer because of a negative review about working at a specific company.
There are in fact some online sources, available to anyone that needs to evaluate a company’s reputation; the most popular ones are: Merco and Glassdoor.
Consea Group, as a local and global firm with 45+ years in the Executive Search industry, is a strategic and reliable partner that can support you in managing your human resources challenges. As it becomes more difficult to find the best talent for companies, in a more globalization-oriented market, so does the need to implement strategies with the support of experts that know how to attract local and international talents in your market of reference. Thanks to our knowledge of different markets and industries, we can provide the best experience and sew a consulting plan tailored to your company to define an effective approach for your Talent Acquisition strategy.
Follow Consea Group on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest labor market trends.
Author: Enríque Pedroza – Business Development Manager in Consea Group, Mexico
Read the article in Spanish:
Employer Branding: El arte de atraer el mejor talento
Como ya hemos visto en el artículo anterior, “Upskilling & Reskilling: El futuro del trabajo, la escasez de talento y las capacidades humanas dentro de las organizaciones” en México cada vez es más difícil para las empresas atraer y retener el talento adecuado. Por esta razón, se escucha mucho sobre el concepto Employer Branding, que consiste en comunicar la misión, los valores y la cultura de una organización para construir su reputación y una diferenciación atractiva para su mercado de talento.
Las empresas que fomentan una buena reputación y una cultura laboral excepcional pueden atraer y retener el talento más valioso, lo que en última instancia les permite ser más competitivas en un mundo laboral en constante cambio.
Una de las autoridades mundiales más reconocidas en este campo es Great Place to Work.
Algunas de las empresas con talento multinacional en México ganadoras del título “Great Place To Work 2023” han sido: Cisco, Accenture, Astra Zeneca, Monex Grupo Financiero, Ericsson México, Novo Nordisk México, Tequila Sauza y BASF.
No es casualidad que las empresas más exitosas de las últimas décadas sean las que ofrecen las "mejores prácticas" en Employer Branding: Google es ampliamente reconocida por su cultura empresarial y políticas innovadoras de Recursos Humanos; Apple se centra en la creatividad, la innovación, junto con el desarrollo personal y profesional de sus empleados; Sales Force ha creado una cultura empresarial centrada en los valores, la diversidad y la inclusión.
El Employer Branding también está cobrando cada vez más relevancia debido a la creciente importancia que se le da al bienestar de los empleados y al propósito de la empresa en el mercado laboral.
Estas empresas no sólo tienen una estrategia para atraer a los mejores talentos, sino que también están comprometidas con la creación de una cultura empresarial auténtica, inclusiva, positiva y significativa.
El Employer Branding pretende generar sentimiento de pertenencia y compromiso transmitiendo el propósito fundamental de la empresa y su razón de ser. Esto ayuda a la estrategia de adquisición y gestión de talentos que comparten los mismos valores (o comportamientos) de la empresa (estrategia de negocio y organización) y también el deseo de ser parte de algo que se alinee bien con sus propios valores, pasiones y ambiciones. Algunos puntos clave importantes a considerar son: generar oportunidades de desarrollo y crecimiento de los empleados dentro de la organización de la empresa; fomentar un ambiente de trabajo positivo y equitativo que promueva la inclusión, la diversidad, el bienestar y en última instancia, proporcionar una compensación competitiva.
Como ya hemos dicho, hoy la reputación de una empresa es más importante que nunca. En México 1 de cada 3 personas ha rechazado una oferta laboral debido a una crítica negativa sobre trabajar en una empresa específica.
De hecho existen algunas fuentes en línea disponibles para cualquiera que necesite evaluar la reputación de una empresa, algunas de las más populares son: Merco y Glassdoor.
Consea Group, como firma local y global con más de 45 años en la industria de Executive Search, es un socio estratégico y confiable que puede apoyarlo en la gestión de sus desafíos de recursos humanos. A medida que se hace más difícil encontrar el mejor talento para las empresas, en un mercado más orientado a la globalización, también lo hace la necesidad de implementar estrategias con el apoyo de expertos que sepan atraer talentos locales e internacionales en su mercado de referencia. Gracias a nuestro conocimiento de diferentes mercados e industrias, podemos brindarle la mejor experiencia y diseñar un plan de consultoría adaptado a su empresa para definir un enfoque efectivo para su estrategia de Adquisición de Talento.
Siga a Consea Group para mantenerse actualizado sobre las últimas tendencias del mercado laboral.
Autor: Enríque Pedroza – Business Development Manager in Consea Group, Mexico
The Next Competitive Advantage Won’t Be Artificial Intelligence. It Will Be Human Intelligence
For decades, companies and nations built their competitive advantage by accumulating knowledge. The world's leading universities, research centers, access to information and ability to develop specialized talent created barriers that few competitors could overcome. This logic shaped the knowledge economy and defined what organizations looked for in their leaders. For the first time, that paradigm is beginning to change. Artificial intelligence is democratizing access to knowledge at an unprecedented pace. Information, research, analytical models and strategic insights that once required years of experience or large teams of specialists can now be accessed in seconds. This does not diminish the importance of artificial intelligence. On the contrary, it is likely to become the most transformative technology of our generation. Its greatest impact, however, may not be the creation of more knowledge, but the fact that knowledge itself is becoming less of a competitive differentiator. As knowledge becomes increasingly accessible, competitive advantage shifts from knowing more to interpreting better. The ability to ask the right questions, connect seemingly unrelated ideas, understand complex contexts and make sound decisions when there are no obvious answers becomes far more valuable than simply having access to information. In other words, as artificial intelligence expands our capacity to know, human intelligence becomes the critical factor in turning knowledge into judgment. This shift creates a particularly compelling opportunity for Brazil and Latin America. For decades, the region has largely been defined by its challenges: economic volatility, regulatory uncertainty, political change, currency fluctuations and business environments where unpredictability has often been the norm. While these conditions have traditionally been viewed as obstacles to growth, they have also shaped a generation of leaders who have learned to make decisions under uncertainty, adapt strategies with speed and lead organizations in environments where change is constant rather than exceptional. At Consea, we are seeing this reality become increasingly evident in our international assignments. Global organizations are no longer looking only for executives with strong technical credentials. They are looking for leaders capable of exercising sound judgment in ambiguous situations, building trust across cultures, balancing competing priorities and transforming uncertainty into strategic direction. Technical expertise remains essential, but it is no longer enough to explain why certain executives consistently stand out in a global environment. This may help explain why Brazilian and Latin American executives are gaining increasing recognition in leadership roles around the world. The experience of operating in highly complex markets has developed capabilities that are difficult to replicate in more predictable environments. Judgment, adaptability, resilience, systems thinking and the ability to lead people through uncertainty have evolved from desirable leadership qualities into essential competitive advantages. Artificial intelligence will continue to redefine the way organizations operate, but it cannot replace judgment. It cannot build trust, understand the subtle dynamics of organizational culture or assume responsibility for decisions that shape the future of a business. As knowledge becomes more widely available, the leaders who create the greatest value will be those who know how to apply it with discernment, perspective and long-term vision. Perhaps the most profound impact of artificial intelligence will not be technological, but human. By democratizing knowledge, it highlights a simple reality: the true competitive advantage of any organization will continue to depend on the quality of the decisions made by its leaders. In that respect, Brazil and Latin America may have far more to contribute to the future of global leadership than they are often given credit for. Markets develop companies. Complexity develops leaders. Author: Samir Amad, Country Manager Brazil Versão em português
A próxima vantagem competitiva não será a inteligência artificial. Será a inteligência humana.
Durante décadas, empresas e países construíram sua vantagem competitiva a partir da capacidade de acumular conhecimento. As melhores universidades, os maiores centros de pesquisa, o acesso às melhores informações e a formação de especialistas criaram barreiras competitivas que pareciam intransponíveis. Foi essa lógica que definiu a economia do conhecimento e moldou o perfil dos líderes mais valorizados nas últimas décadas. Pela primeira vez, esse paradigma começa a mudar. A inteligência artificial está democratizando o acesso ao conhecimento em uma velocidade sem precedentes. Informações, análises, pesquisas e modelos que antes exigiam anos de experiência ou grandes equipes especializadas hoje podem ser acessados em poucos segundos. Isso não reduz a importância da inteligência artificial. Ao contrário, ela será provavelmente a tecnologia mais transformadora da nossa geração. No entanto, seu efeito mais profundo talvez não seja produzir mais conhecimento, mas reduzir o valor competitivo de simplesmente possuí-lo. Quando o conhecimento se torna amplamente acessível, a vantagem deixa de estar em quem sabe mais e passa a estar em quem interpreta melhor. A capacidade de formular as perguntas certas, conectar informações aparentemente desconexas, compreender contextos complexos e tomar decisões quando não existe uma resposta evidente torna-se muito mais relevante do que o simples acesso à informação. Em outras palavras, à medida que a inteligência artificial amplia nossa capacidade de conhecer, cresce também a importância da inteligência humana para transformar conhecimento em julgamento. Essa mudança cria uma oportunidade particularmente interessante para o Brasil e para a América Latina. Durante muito tempo, nossa região foi percebida principalmente pelos desafios que enfrenta: volatilidade econômica, mudanças regulatórias frequentes, instabilidade política, oscilações cambiais e um ambiente de negócios marcado pela imprevisibilidade. Embora esses fatores tenham sido frequentemente tratados como obstáculos ao desenvolvimento, eles também moldaram uma geração de líderes acostumados a decidir em cenários de elevada complexidade, adaptar estratégias rapidamente e conduzir organizações em ambientes onde a única constante é a mudança. Na Consea, observamos essa realidade de forma cada vez mais clara em nossos projetos internacionais. Empresas globais não procuram apenas executivos com sólida formação técnica. Procuram líderes capazes de exercer discernimento em contextos ambíguos, construir confiança entre diferentes culturas, equilibrar interesses conflitantes e transformar incerteza em direção estratégica. O conhecimento técnico continua sendo indispensável, mas já não basta para explicar por que determinados executivos se destacam em um ambiente global cada vez mais complexo. Talvez essa seja uma das razões pelas quais profissionais brasileiros e latino-americanos vêm ganhando espaço em posições estratégicas ao redor do mundo. A experiência adquirida em mercados desafiadores desenvolveu competências que dificilmente podem ser reproduzidas em ambientes mais previsíveis. Julgamento, capacidade de adaptação, resiliência, visão sistêmica e habilidade para liderar pessoas em momentos de incerteza deixaram de ser características desejáveis para se tornarem competências centrais da liderança contemporânea. A inteligência artificial continuará evoluindo e redefinindo a forma como as organizações operam. No entanto, ela não substitui discernimento, não constrói confiança, não compreende as nuances de uma cultura organizacional e tampouco assume a responsabilidade pelas decisões que definirão o futuro de uma empresa. Quanto mais o conhecimento se torna acessível, maior tende a ser o valor daqueles capazes de utilizá-lo com equilíbrio, senso crítico e visão de longo prazo. Talvez a maior transformação provocada pela inteligência artificial não seja tecnológica, mas humana. Ao democratizar o conhecimento, ela torna evidente que a verdadeira vantagem competitiva das organizações continuará sendo a qualidade das decisões tomadas por seus líderes. E, nesse aspecto, acreditamos que Brasil e América Latina têm muito mais a oferecer ao mundo do que normalmente se reconhece. Mercados desenvolvem empresas. A complexidade desenvolve líderes. Autor: Samir Amad, Country Manager Brazil
The first time my CEO and I landed in Chicago was a windy cloudy day of May. We were 90% sure this was the place we wanted to implement our American HQs. We were a little bit familiar with the US geography, opportunities, and potential challenges, but we needed to get a “vibe” of the city, the Midwest culture and how it would welcome the project we had in mind for Consea’s expansion into North America. Suddenly the cloudy day became sunny and mildly warm; Chicago was welcoming us with open arms. It was 2017. I would then travel back to Chicago many other times by myself to start looking for our offices, meeting with our lawyers, our CPA, and eventually starting our operations. I traveled to other cities and their regions (such as Atlanta, New York, Cincinnati, Detroit, among others) to meet our clients and familiarize myself with their industrial areas as well as the US “way to do” business. In September 2017, Consea America was officially settled, and we already had our first clients. 5 years later… where are we? Consea America is now one of the major point of references in the Executive Search sector for companies that are already in North America and also for those that are starting up their operations on US soil. Consea America exists for those who need a local partner, not only for their recruiting needs but also a consulting and effective support in understanding the US market and its cultural aspects and differences with the EU mindset. We have a strong and solid organization composed by passionate, motivated and committed individuals that everyday are working hard and capitalize their market knowledge for our clients, candidates, and partners in general. Consea America has recently hit its 5 Year Milestone with excellent results, being the second relevant market for Consea Group in terms of revenue. In these 5 years, we went through challenging and exciting moments. The pandemic was a teaching moment for the most of us; we sat down with our network (clients, candidates, professionals of the HR and Business Consulting industry) and discussed the New Normal during our Round Table with the CEOs events. We also took the time to reinforce our team*, invest in our internal resources and prepare ourselves for the moment when the market would be ready to go back to the New Normal. And so it happened, in 2021, together with another phenomenon that experts called the Great Resignation. Year 2023, a new 5-year cycle is starting. Consea America is stronger and ready to continue supporting our partners and markets in North America. *A special Thank You to my team: without you guys all this would have not been possible! Authors Antonella Cerabona - CEO Consea America Inc.
Our office is getting bigger: new opening in Singapore
Consea Group, one of the leading executive search and HR consulting firms in the world, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Singapore in June 2023. With the opening of the new office, Consea Group aims to expand its reach in the Asia-Pacific region and better serve its clients. The new office in Singapore will be the seventh branch at international level, joining its offices in Shanghai, Krakow, Sao Paolo, Mexico City, Chicago, and New York. Consea Group is dedicated at providing its clients with the highest quality executive search services, and the new office in Singapore will be no exception. With almost 20 years of experience in Asia thanks to the Shanghai office, Consea decided to follow the trend of senior managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors to conduct business in the Asian countries to consolidate and diversify its presence in the region, while maintaining a strong interested and attention to China. Due to her strong experience and knowledge of the Asian Market, the Consea’ Singapore office, already operational for a few weeks, will be managed by Gaia Ceccatelli, in Consea since 2019, as General Manager APAC. With an overall bullish hiring market in Singapore, there was a strong appetite to hire from almost every sector for a wide range of roles, with the highest demand being for executive and mid-management (5-12 years of experience) level professionals. A notable change was the increase of regional roles based in Singapore; with the country gradually becoming the APAC hub of choice for more multinational companies. This competitive recruitment landscape came as the economy fully opened up post-COVID-19, and companies would like to meet their growing demand to hire. Despite candidates showing greater willingness to move roles, it remained a candidate-short (and driven) market for the last months. The HR market is still a big challenge! Consea Group’s CEO, Chiara Altomonte, made the following statement about the company’s expansion into Singapore: “We are very excited to be expanding our presence in the Asia-Pacific region and to be able to offer our clients the same high-quality executive search services that we are known for. We are confident that the opening of our Singapore office will help us better serve our clients and help them finding the best candidates to fulfil their open positions.” We have many initiatives in the pipeline, follow us on LinkedIn so you don’t miss all the updates and projects we are developing! Authors: Chiara Altomonte – General Manager and Head of the Fashion & Retail division
Recruiters often ask themselves: “How can I find the best Candidate for my Client?” Of course, everything depends on the industry and the specifics of the role, but more and more often, there is a noticeable trend toward emphasizing the evaluation of soft skills in candidates. Why is this so important, and how can it be assessed during the recruitment process? Companies are increasingly preferring Candidates with well-developed interpersonal skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. In the face of automation and artificial intelligence, soft skills are becoming essential for career success. These abilities help individuals handle crises better, manage teams effectively, and ultimately contribute to the success of the organization. An interesting study was conducted in Poland during the Pracuj.pl Festival, where experts asked members of Generation Z about the most important skills used at work. As many as 54% of respondents indicated that soft skills (such as empathy, communication, and teamwork) are the most important. In second place (37%) were specialist skills (courses, industry knowledge), followed by foreign language proficiency in third place. This shows that the younger generation values flexibility, growth, and adaptability. Rapidly changing technologies are increasing the importance of soft skills, and employers appreciate people who can think critically, build relationships, and work collaboratively. The younger generation is fully aware that technical skills can quickly become outdated, while interpersonal abilities remain universally relevant. That is why young people are increasingly treating soft skills as a key asset. These skills allow them not only to adapt to different professional roles but also to manage their careers more effectively in the long term. Recruiters are increasingly using various methods to assess candidates’ soft skills in realistic scenarios. This approach helps them better understand how someone performs in real-world job situations. Here are some examples: 1. Case Studies and Practical Tasks These help assess candidates’ reactions to real-life challenges. Goal: To evaluate how the candidate approaches solving actual problems. Assessment: Analytical thinking, creativity, decision-making, task prioritization. Example: Solving a client problem, analyzing sales data, or creating a short action plan. 2. Behavioral Interviews Analyzing work experiences and problem-solving approaches. Goal: To understand how the candidate responded to specific past situations. Assessment: Communication, collaboration, stress resistance, initiative. Sample question: “Tell me about a time when you had to quickly adapt to a change in plans. How did you handle it?” 3. Assessment Centers Simulations of professional scenarios in group settings. Goal: Comprehensive evaluation in a simulated work environment. Assessment: Teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, flexibility. Tasks: Group discussions, presentations, decision-making games, role-playing. Conclusion As of 2025, recruitment focuses on identifying and developing candidates’ soft skills, which are crucial for success in a dynamic and diverse professional environment. The job market is evolving rapidly, and so are the expectations of both candidates and employers. Therefore, one of the key challenges for companies will be adapting recruitment processes to meet the demands of this new reality. If you want to stay up to date with the latest recruitment trends in the Polish market – and beyond – follow Consea! Our agency operates in Europe, North America, and Asia, which allows us to continuously expand our expertise in headhunting and share this knowledge with both Clients and Candidates. Umiejętności miękkie w rekrutacji
Osoby zajmujące się na co dzień rekrutacją często zadają sobie pytanie: „Jak znaleźć dla Klienta najlepszego Kandydata na dane stanowisko?”. Wszystko zależy oczywiście od branży i specyfiki roli, ale coraz częściej można zauważyć trend, jakim jest nacisk na badanie umiejętności miękkich osoby rekrutowanej. Dlaczego jest to tak ważne i jak można to sprawdzić podczas procesu rekrutacyjnego? Firmy coraz częściej preferują Kandydatów z rozwiniętymi umiejętnościami interpersonalnymi, takimi jak komunikacja, współpraca, kreatywność, rozwiązywanie problemów oraz zdolność adaptacji. W obliczu automatyzacji i sztucznej inteligencji, kompetencje miękkie stają się kluczowe dla sukcesu zawodowego. To one pozwalają lepiej radzić sobie w sytuacjach kryzysowych, efektywnie zarządzać zespołem, a co za tym idzie – wpływać na sukces organizacji. Ciekawe badanie zostało przeprowadzone w Polsce podczas Festiwalu Pracuj.pl, gdzie eksperci zapytali przedstawicieli pokolenia Z o najważniejsze umiejętności wykorzystywane w pracy. Aż 54% ankietowanych odpowiedziało, że to właśnie „umiejętności miękkie” (empatia, komunikatywność, umiejętność pracy w grupie) są najbardziej istotne. Na drugim miejscu (37%) znalazły się umiejętności specjalistyczne (kursy, wiedza branżowa), a trzecie miejsce zajęła znajomość języków obcych. To pokazuje, że młode pokolenie stawia na elastyczność, rozwój i zdolność adaptacji. Szybko zmieniające się technologie sprawiają, że umiejętności miękkie zyskują na znaczeniu, a pracodawcy doceniają osoby, które potrafią myśleć krytycznie, budować relacje i działać w zespole. Młode pokolenie doskonale zdaje sobie sprawę, że kompetencje techniczne mogą szybko się dezaktualizować, a zdolności interpersonalne pozostają uniwersalne. To właśnie dlatego młodzi ludzie coraz częściej traktują umiejętności miękkie jako kluczowy atut. Dzięki nim są w stanie nie tylko odnaleźć się w różnych rolach zawodowych, ale także skuteczniej zarządzać swoją karierą w dłuższej perspektywie. Rekruterzy coraz częściej wykorzystują różne metody, aby ocenić umiejętności miękkie Kandydatów w realistycznych scenariuszach. Takie podejście pozwala lepiej zrozumieć, jak dana osoba radzi sobie w rzeczywistych sytuacjach zawodowych. Oto przykłady: 1. Case studies i zadania praktyczne: Pozwalają sprawdzić reakcje na realne wyzwania. Cel: Sprawdzić, jak Kandydat podchodzi do rozwiązywania rzeczywistych problemów. Ocena: Myślenie analityczne, kreatywność, podejmowanie decyzji, priorytetyzacja zadań. Przykład: Rozwiązanie problemu Klienta, analiza danych sprzedażowych czy stworzenie krótkiego planu działań. 2. Wywiady behawioralne: Analiza doświadczeń zawodowych i podejścia do problemów. Cel: Zrozumieć, jak Kandydat reagował na konkretne sytuacje w przeszłości. Ocena: Komunikacja, współpraca, odporność na stres, inicjatywa. Przykład pytania: "Opowiedz o sytuacji, w której musiałeś szybko dostosować się do zmiany planu. Jak sobie poradziłeś?" 3. Assessment centers: Symulacje sytuacji zawodowych w zespołach. Cel: Kompleksowa ocena w warunkach symulacyjnych. Ocena: Praca zespołowa, przywództwo, rozwiązywanie konfliktów, elastyczność. Zadania: Dyskusje grupowe, prezentacje, gry decyzyjne, odgrywanie ról. Podsumowując, w 2025 roku rekrutacja koncentruje się na identyfikowaniu i rozwijaniu kompetencji miękkich Kandydatów, które są kluczowe dla sukcesu w dynamicznym i zróżnicowanym środowisku zawodowym. Rynek pracy zmienia się dynamicznie, a wraz z nim ewoluują oczekiwania zarówno Kandydatów, jak i pracodawców. Zatem kluczowym wyzwaniem dla firm będzie dopasowanie procesów rekrutacyjnych do nowych realiów. Jeśli chcesz być na bieżąco z aktualnymi trendami rekrutacji na rynku polskim (i nie tylko) – obserwuj Consea! Nasza agencja jest obecna m.in. w Europie, Ameryce Północnej i Azji, a to pozwala nam stale poszerzać naszą wiedzę w zakresie „headhuntingu” i dzielić się tymi kompetencjami zarówno z Klientami, jak i Kandydatami. Iga Paskiewicz - Recruitment Consultant
The Suitable Leader for a Manufacturing Organization in China
Client Snapshot
Industry: Industrial Electronics & Manufacturing
Location: North China
Assignment: General Manager
Service: Executive Search
Client: European multinational manufacturer of electronic components, battery chargers, and power management solutions. With more than 50 years of history, operations in 13 countries, over 1,700 employees worldwide, and annual revenues exceeding hundreds million of USD, our client is a trusted partner to global OEMs across the automotive, construction, agriculture, material handling, and commercial vehicle sectors. As part of a leadership transition, the company partnered with Consea to identify a new General Manager for its manufacturing operations in North China.
The Business Challenge
Replacing the General Manager of a strategic manufacturing facility required much more than filling a leadership vacancy. The successful executive would be responsible for ensuring operational continuity while driving future growth and strengthening the alignment between the Chinese organization and the Group's global strategy. Reporting directly to the Group CEO and Board of Directors in Europe, the General Manager would oversee all key business functions including production, supply chain, quality, finance, human resources, and business development, while leading a manufacturing site of more than 100 employees and collaborating with the company's commercial offices across China. The role demanded an executive capable of balancing operational excellence with financial discipline, strategic vision, and strong cross-cultural leadership.
Search Complexity
The assignment presented several challenges. The client sought a leader with a proven background in industrial manufacturing, strong operational and financial management capabilities, and the interpersonal skills required to lead local teams while working closely with international stakeholders. The company was open to considering both local and expatriate candidates, but each profile came with its own set of challenges. For expatriate profiles, the talent pool in North China was extremely limited. On top of that, stability was a major concern: the previous two General Managers had both stayed only for a short period, which had affected employee confidence and trust. The client therefore needed someone who could quickly build credibility, connect with the team, and communicate effectively in the local language. Industry background was important, but not necessarily a perfect match; what mattered most was finding someone with experience in similar industrial environments, a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to step in and lead with confidence. Another challenge was that expatriates already based in North China were not easy to attract, and those willing to relocate to the region were even harder to secure. For Chinese profiles, the bar was different. The client placed strong emphasis on industry and product expertise, along with a track record in international companies and strong English proficiency. Many candidates could meet the technical requirements but it was much harder to find professionals who also had the right international mindset and could operate comfortably with headquarters in Europe. In other words, the search was not just about finding a strong plant leader, it was about finding someone who could bridge cultures, earn trust locally, and work effectively in a global organization. Beyond identifying qualified candidates, the search required assessing long-term leadership potential, organizational fit, and the ability to navigate an international reporting structure.
Consea's Approach
Drawing on our extensive executive search experience across the industrial sector in Asia, Consea designed a targeted search strategy focused on identifying senior leaders with the right balance of operational expertise, strategic mindset, and leadership capabilities. The search initially focused on the North China market before expanding across the broader region to maximize access to qualified talent. Leveraging our proprietary network, direct executive search methodology, and active market mapping, we identified and assessed a select group of executives aligned with the client's business objectives. Throughout the assignment, our consultants partnered closely with both the local leadership team and the European headquarters, managing every stage of the process: from candidate assessment and shortlist presentation to interview coordination, stakeholder alignment, and offer negotiation.
The Outcome
The search process involved multiple interview rounds with both local management and senior executives from the European headquarters. The successful candidate distinguished himself through a compelling combination of executive leadership, deep understanding of the local business environment, and a genuine commitment to the opportunity. Demonstrating motivation throughout the process, the finalist traveled to Europe to meet personally with the Group CEO during the final stage of the selection process. Although the negotiation proved complex, Consea facilitated discussions between both parties, ultimately supporting a successful agreement.
Business Impact Successfully appointed a strategic General Manager for the client's manufacturing operations in North China.
Delivered a highly qualified shortlist despite a limited executive talent pool.
Managed a complex cross-border selection process involving multiple stakeholders across China and Europe.
Facilitated successful executive negotiations, securing a high-impact leader for a business-critical role.
Enabled operational continuity while supporting the client's long-term growth strategy in China.
Why Consea
Leadership transitions within manufacturing organizations require far more than industry expertise. They demand a deep understanding of local talent markets, cross-cultural leadership, organizational dynamics, and the strategic priorities of multinational businesses. By combining local market knowledge with an international perspective, Consea helps organizations identify leaders who not only meet today's operational requirements but also contribute to sustainable business growth and long-term organizational success. Whether you're expanding into new markets, managing a leadership transition, or strengthening your executive team, Consea partners with organizations to identify and attract executives who create lasting business impact. Contact our consultants to discuss how we can support your next executive search.
Consea’s Resume Myths, Tips, and Tricks
Advice from our recruitment team that will help your resume stand out. The first impression does not have to be the one that matters when selecting a Candidate but the resume is the business card through which Candidates make themselves known by the companies. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your resume. MYTH: A graphic / creative CV captures more attention The European format is not always the best choice when writing a resume, you can also use more creative templates but on the basis of your graphic skills. An essential and clear resume is better than one which is incomprehensible and difficult to read. SUGGESTION: If you do not have graphic skills, create a typical resume in MS Word that contains all the essential information and describes your work experience better than a thousand graphics. TIP: There are several websites that offer templates and ideas to create an original but at the same time effective resume. If you do not already know them we suggest you try Canva www.canva.com. MYTH: You have to insert the photo on your resume Certainly, being able to associate a face to a resume is a great help and makes the resume emerge but you need to remember that the photo must be professional and appropriate. SUGGESTION: It is better not to insert personal photographs or taken from group photos. Take time to take a picture which shows your professionalism and represents only you. TIP: Once you have taken the photo, use it both for your resume and LinkedIn profile. It will allow you to give uniformity to the way you present yourself and will make you easily recognizable. MYTH: Provide details about hobbies and personal characteristics. Adding your hobbies and personal characteristics to your resume can be a plus but only if they provide real added value. SUGGESTION: Each information that you decided to write in your resume is evaluated therefore it is better to insert only these elements that could have a value for the position you apply for. TIP: Think about which competence (transversal or specific) can recall the information provided and select only the relevant ones (e.g. competitive activity – determination and achievement of results; reading – curiosity / information and education; cooking – creativity). MYTH: Less is more! A resume does not necessarily have to be one page, especially if you have several years of experience, but at the same time it should not be discursive or include too much details as it risks losing effectiveness. SUGGESTION: An effective resume is between 2 and 3 pages. It reports professional experience in chronological order from the current position to the oldest. It contains relevant information and a brief description of each role, highlighting specific skills and knowledge (There are companies that associate different role content to the same job title. If a short description is therefore associated with the job title it will be easier to identify Candidate’s responsibilities.) It is useful to add some detailed information such as the number of people managed / business size / results achieved. Finally, it is worth specifying the knowledge of a foreign language through the competence levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and not through terms such as “good”, “fluent”. TIP: The resume is your business card – Imagine that those who receive it do not know you and they want to have an overview of your skills and then explore them in an interview, but if some key information is missing (knowledge of a particular sector, program / channel …) they could exclude you from the selection process. MYTH: Lying in resume makes it more appealing It is well known that lies have short legs so it is better to expose your work path honestly and be able to motivate any discontinuities in your work experience. SUGGESTION: A good recruiter does not judge the book by its cover but, wanting to build a relationship of mutual trust and reliability with the Candidate, will tend not to contact people who have talked about a different work path than the one actually lived or have boasted skills / responsibilities never acquired. MYTH: Give a “personal” touch to the CV / Do not insert personal details It is not necessary to enter detailed information about your personal life (e.g. names of children, spouse…) but do not forget to enter your contact information (phone number and e-mail address – verify if they are correct!) in order to be effectively contacted. It is often useful to put in your date of birth, which does not have to be seen as a discriminating factor but as a data that allows you to see the profile as a whole.
Upskilling and reskilling are particularly important in 2026 as companies now operate in an environment shaped by rapid technological, demographic, and market changes. For HR, they are no longer just an added value but a core element of survival and growth strategy. Reskilling is the process of changing professional qualifications, in which employees acquire entirely new competencies or specializations. As a result, they can take on different responsibilities or perform new roles within the organization. Upskilling, on the other hand, refers to developing and deepening existing skills. Its goal is to increase effectiveness in one’s current role and better adapt to new requirements, tools, or technologies. In this case, development takes place within the same career path and focuses on strengthening current competencies.
The importance of reskilling and upskilling stems from: Automation and the growing popularity of AI The development of AI and automation means that many traditional tasks are being optimized and/or replaced by technology. As a result, employees will need to acquire new skills to work alongside automated systems or take on new roles created as a consequence of these changes. Additionally, organizations will need to invest in upskilling to ensure their workforce keeps pace with the latest technologies and methodologies. The skills gap Our experience in the Polish market highlights a growing reality: the gap between available skills and those required by organizations is widening — and it is likely to remain a defining challenge for the labor market. High employee retention Amid growing competition for valuable employees, companies that offer upskilling and reskilling opportunities are more likely to retain team members who already possess experience and critical competencies. By providing opportunities for growth and internal mobility, organizations increase employee engagement and job satisfaction.
Challenges of upskilling/ reskilling Time and resource investment: Upskilling and reskilling require time, money, and resources, and must fit into employees’ schedules. You must obtain funding for training, integrate learning into daily workflows, or offer flexible learning options. Aligning skills with business goals: It’s essential to identify the right skills for future success and ensure learning initiatives match company priorities. Collaboration among HR, management, and department heads is key. Employee resistance: Some employees may not see the value in upskilling or fear job displacement. You need to communicate the benefits clearly and provide appropriate support throughout the process. Leadership support: As part of the HR team, you should make sure leaders constantly prioritize reskilling and upskilling. Evolving technology and learning fatigue: As tech evolves quickly, you must keep training content up-to-date and avoid overwhelming staff with irrelevant or repetitive material.
Summary
Reskilling and upskilling are no longer optional—they’re strategic moves for creating a future-ready workforce, and it’s your responsibility to guide employees through these critical transitions. When learning aligns with business objectives and employee needs, organizations have better flexibility, employee retention, and can close the talent gap. Upskilling and reskilling programs tailored to the company’s strategic evolution are like building up an always-on innovation pipeline fuelled by incredible talent. When companies lean into empowering employee growth through continuous skills development, they create opportunities that enable them to adapt to a shifting future – while attracting high performers who will ultimately drive the business forward. At Consea Group, we believe that investing in people is not just a response to change, but a proactive strategy to shape it. By aligning talent development with our Clients’ business goals, we help organizations attract and develop the competencies that enhance agility and build teams ready for the challenges of the future. Author: Iga Paszkiewicz – Recruitment Consultant PL
Upskilling and Reskilling: Dlaczego są kluczowe w 2026 roku
Upskilling i reskilling są szczególnie ważne w 2026 roku, ponieważ firmy funkcjonują dziś w środowisku szybkich zmian technologicznych, demograficznych i rynkowych. Dla HR to już nie tylko dodatek, ale również element strategii przetrwania i wzrostu. Reskilling to proces zmiany kwalifikacji zawodowych, w ramach którego pracownicy zdobywają zupełnie nowe kompetencje lub specjalizacje. Dzięki temu mogą realizować inne obowiązki lub pełnić odmienne role w organizacji niż dotychczas. Natomiast upskilling oznacza rozwijanie i pogłębianie już posiadanych umiejętności. Celem jest podniesienie efektywności w obecnej roli oraz lepsze dostosowanie się do nowych wymagań, narzędzi czy technologii. W tym przypadku rozwój odbywa się w obrębie tej samej ścieżki zawodowej i służy wzmacnianiu dotychczasowych kompetencji.
Kluczowość reskillingu i upskillingu wynika z: Automatyzacji i rosnącej popularności AI Postęp w obszarze sztucznej inteligencji i automatyzacji powoduje, że wiele dotychczasowych obowiązków jest usprawnianych lub przejmowanych przez technologie. W efekcie pracownicy będą musieli rozwijać nowe kompetencje, by efektywnie współpracować z systemami automatycznymi albo obejmować stanowiska powstające w wyniku tych zmian. Jednocześnie firmy staną przed koniecznością inwestowania w upskilling, tak aby ich zespoły mogły na bieżąco dostosowywać się do dynamicznie rozwijających się technologii i nowoczesnych metod pracy. Luki kompetencyjnej Nasze doświadczenia na polskim rynku pokazują rosnący trend: luka między dostępnymi umiejętnościami a tymi wymaganymi przez organizacje się powiększa — i prawdopodobnie pozostanie jednym z kluczowych wyzwań dla rynku pracy. Dużej retencji pracowników W warunkach nasilającej się rywalizacji o utalentowanych pracowników przedsiębiorstwa, które zapewniają możliwości upskillingu i reskillingu, mają większe szanse na utrzymanie doświadczonych osób posiadających kluczowe dla firmy kompetencje. Dając im perspektywę rozwoju oraz awansu wewnętrznego, organizacje wzmacniają ich zaangażowanie, lojalność i satysfakcję z wykonywanej pracy.
Wyzwania procesu Upskillingu / Reskillingu Inwestycja czasu i zasobów: Upskilling i reskilling wymagają czasu, pieniędzy oraz zasobów i muszą być dopasowane do harmonogramu pracy pracowników. Należy zabezpieczyć budżet na szkolenia, zintegrować naukę z codziennymi obowiązkami lub zapewnić elastyczne formy uczenia się. Dopasowanie kompetencji do celów biznesowych: Kluczowe jest zidentyfikowanie umiejętności niezbędnych do osiągnięcia przyszłego sukcesu oraz upewnienie się, że inicjatywy rozwojowe są zgodne z priorytetami firmy. Współpraca między HR, kadrą zarządzającą i menedżerami działów ma tu zasadnicze znaczenie. Opór pracowników: Niektórzy pracownicy mogą nie dostrzegać wartości upskillingu lub obawiać się utraty pracy. Konieczne jest jasne komunikowanie korzyści oraz zapewnienie odpowiedniego wsparcia na każdym etapie procesu. Wsparcie ze strony liderów: Jako członek zespołu HR powinieneś zadbać o to, aby liderzy konsekwentnie traktowali reskilling i upskilling jako priorytet. Dynamiczny rozwój technologii i zmęczenie nauką: W obliczu szybkiego rozwoju technologii należy regularnie aktualizować treści szkoleniowe oraz unikać przeciążania pracowników nieistotnymi lub powtarzalnymi materiałami.
Podsumowanie
Reskilling i upskilling przestały być dodatkiem – dziś stanowią element strategii budowania organizacji przygotowanej na przyszłe wyzwania, a Twoim zadaniem jest skutecznie przeprowadzić pracowników przez ten proces zmian. Gdy rozwój kompetencji jest powiązany zarówno z celami biznesowymi, jak i realnymi potrzebami zespołu, firma zyskuje większą elastyczność działania, poprawia poziom retencji oraz skuteczniej zmniejsza lukę kompetencyjną. Programy podnoszenia kwalifikacji i przekwalifikowania, dostosowane do strategicznej ewolucji firmy, są jak budowanie stale działającego „rurociągu” innowacji, napędzanego przez niezwykłe talenty. Organizacje, które świadomie wspierają rozwój pracowników poprzez ciągłe doskonalenie kompetencji, tworzą warunki do adaptacji w zmieniającej się rzeczywistości — a jednocześnie przyciągają najlepszych specjalistów, którzy ostatecznie napędzają rozwój biznesu. W Consea Group wierzymy, że inwestowanie w ludzi to nie tylko odpowiedź na zmiany, ale przede wszystkim proaktywna strategia ich kształtowania. Łącząc rozwój talentów z celami biznesowymi naszych Klientów, pomagamy organizacjom pozyskiwać i rozwijać kompetencje, które zwiększają ich zwinność oraz budują zespoły gotowe na wyzwania przyszłości.
Nowadays, investing in young people should not just be a slogan, but the best strategy companies should adopt to grow, innovate and gain competitive advantages over their competitors. Regarding Consea Head Hunting's experience in managing recruitment processes with the younger generation, a certain rigidity shown by candidates is emerging, expressed especially in terms of demands related to hybrid working opportunities, career plans and business ethics. As a result, there is often a significant lack of motivation and engagement when faced with an offer that fails to detail or satisfy these aspects. WHAT CAN ORGANIZATIONS DO? To make themselves more attractive to the younger generation, companies should first of all understand what is actually being sought, and in this regard, there is an increasing emergence of the importance for young people being able to identify with company values in terms of sustainability (environmental, valuing diversity, inclusive approach and equity), ethics, training (with an important focus on soft skills, skills that can become an asset to the individual and not just a direct benefit to the company as is the case with technical skills), policies for investing in resources and sharing the expected goals and their consequent development plans envisaged not only in terms of vertical growth, but also about involvement in initiatives, task forces and projects aimed at the well-being of the internal community. Equally important seems to be the attention paid to the work-life balance, flexibility and wellbeing policies within the organization. In terms of attraction and retention, an important role is played by the organization's external communication as the new generations put great importance to the company's website and its presence on social networks as well as, in general, its web reputation. COMPANY AS COMMUNITY This focus is symptomatic of the fact that nowadays the company is no longer considered a mere workplace, on the contrary, it increasingly constitutes a real community for new generations, who can appreciate opportunities of involvement that can allow them to come closer and share experiences with other employees belonging not only to different areas or functions, but also to different generations; of this a significant example could be reverse mentoring. BETRAYAL OR OPENNESS TO CHANGE? In conclusion, we can highlight one more peculiarity: increasingly, new generations are experiencing change as a development opportunity to enrich their skills and, therefore, the decision to leave one company for another should not be experienced as a betrayal; on the contrary, it would be much more functional for the organization to maintain relations with the resource who has changed reality by opting for a new context. This attitude could generate future opportunities for a new encounter and possible opportunities to reintegrate the resource, enriched by the new experiences gained in the meantime. Authors: Sara Ruffinatti – Senior Consultant & Executive Coach Marzia Pio – Junior Consultant at Consea Executive Search
Expanding Business in the United States: The Talent Acquisition Challenge According to Consea
During the third edition of the “International Talks” series, organized by Bonfiglioli Consulting Italy and USA, I had the pleasure of participating as CEO North America for Consea, sharing our perspective on talent acquisition in the U.S. market. It was a rich and stimulating discussion that highlighted the complexities and opportunities of managing human capital in an increasingly competitive global environment. The United States is one of the most strategic markets for Italian companies today—but also one of the most complex. Opening a local office or launching a production site is not enough: success requires building a solid organization capable of attracting, selecting, and retaining top talent. This demands a deep understanding of local dynamics, candidate expectations, and the ongoing transformations in the world of work.
The Challenges of Talent Acquisition in the U.S. Market
One of the key topics we addressed was the set of challenges Italian companies face when entering the American market. The first is the growing global competition for talent. The rise of remote work has expanded the talent pool for many North American companies, which now hire professionals from around the world. This has increased pressure on European markets, making it even harder to attract qualified candidates. Moreover, the work culture in the U.S. is significantly different from that in Italy. Frequent job changes are considered normal, especially among younger generations. Retention, therefore, becomes a critical challenge: professionals seek stimulating environments, flexibility, shared values, and growth opportunities. Companies must be able to offer a clear, authentic, and consistent value proposition. Another fundamental aspect is investment in employer branding. Candidates expect transparency, inclusivity, and alignment between stated values and actual practices. Companies that fail to communicate their identity effectively risk being excluded from the short list of top talent.
Compensation, Benefits, and Cultural Expectations
Compensation is a particularly sensitive topic. In the U.S., compensation packages are often complex and include stock options, bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. Italian companies must be aware of these standards and be prepared to negotiate with candidates who have very specific and pragmatic expectations. But it’s not just about numbers. Understanding cultural differences in leadership, communication, and business approach is also essential. The American model is performance-driven, fast-paced, and goal-oriented. This can create misalignments with Italian companies, which tend to be more relationship-focused and gradual in their approach. For this reason, assessing soft skills and cultural fit is a key step in the selection process.
Compliance and International Mobility: A Changing Landscape
Another topic we explored— in collaboration with ECA Italia—was regulatory compliance, which is particularly complex in the U.S. Recent changes in immigration policies and visa processing times have made relocating managers from Italy more difficult and costly. Companies must plan well in advance, rely on experienced partners, and adopt flexible solutions to avoid delays that could jeopardize entire expansion strategies. Managing contracts, benefits, and taxation also requires careful attention: each state has its own rules, and non-compliance can lead to legal and reputational risks. In this context, collaboration between HR, legal teams, and executive search partners is essential to ensure a smooth and secure process.
Technology and Digitalization in HR Processes
Finally, we shared how the adoption of digital tools is transforming our approach to talent acquisition. At Consea America, we use a combination of technologies for sourcing, evaluating, and managing recruitment processes. From talent mapping platforms to psychometric assessments like Hogan, to video interviewing systems and integrated ATS platforms—technology is now an integral part of our daily work. These tools not only increase efficiency but also enhance the candidate experience and the quality of hiring decisions. In a market like the U.S., where speed and transparency are essential, digitalization provides a decisive competitive edge.
Conclusion
The U.S. market offers tremendous opportunities, but it requires preparation, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the local context. Talent acquisition is not just an HR function—it is a strategic element for the success of any internationalization project. At Consea, thanks to our experience and direct presence in the region, we support Italian companies in facing these challenges with an integrated, human-centered, and technology-driven approach. “Approaching the U.S. market with awareness and vision means laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth. And in an increasingly interconnected world, human capital remains the true engine of innovation and competitiveness.” Antonella Cerabona – CEO Consea America Inc. Link Video
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