Ferroudja Zermane

From childhood to Cameleon HR: let’s talk about your background

I naturally gravitated towards the sales field, while studying negotiation and customer relations in France. I chose this academic path because I already liked working with people. I continued to work in sales until I became a regional manager. This is where I really discovered recruitment, as I was recruiting for these stores. Through this career path, I knew that I loved relationships above all: meeting people and seeing the full potential in each person.

Once I arrived in Quebec, after 2 years in sales, I decided to reorient myself in the field of recruitment. I wanted to put people at the core of my work, and to feel useful.

What is your role at Cameleon HR?

On the one hand, I do recruitment. I meet candidates with enriching experiences. On the other hand, I also work on business development. At Cameleon HR, I have the freedom to do a lot of things and to use my full potential. I feel fulfilled because I have the chance to combine two worlds that I love.

What makes you passionate about recruitment?

The meeting of two worlds: the candidate’s and the client’s. It is my responsibility to create a story, a match between these two parties. To do this, you have to get to know them. For the candidate, it means going beyond the resume, unearthing their full potential. And for the client, it means helping them fill their need, and sometimes even defining their need with them.

What is your definition of a good candidate experience?

Creating a relationship of trust with the candidate means getting to know his or her personality, in order to find a company that will allow them to develop both professionally and personally. It also means supporting the candidate throughout the recruitment process, with regular follow-ups. If the employer gives a negative answer, it is important to follow up with the candidate so that they can improve for the next opportunity.

What aspects of your job make you feel proud?

Creating connections between candidates and employers. Contributing in my own way to the candidate’s life-changing, and helping the client by providing a solution (especially these days with the shortage of manpower).

In a world without recruitment, what would you have done instead?

I would have been a firefighter, but in this alternate world, I would also be tall, strong, and athletic. That’s what I wanted to be when I was young. I quickly realized that it wasn’t for me because I am pint-sized, and I’m afraid of blood and fire!

What motto do you live by?

If you can’t go through the door, then go through the window! And nothing ventured, nothing gained.