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Magdalena Blazheska Kjamilova

HR Specialist

freelance

Magdalena Blazheska Kjamilova, a freelance HR Specialist whose roots lie in translation and interpretation, brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to talent acquisition and recruitment. After discovering the power in helping individuals align their career aspirations with the right opportunities, she transitioned into HR - with a firm belief that transparency, respect and authentic communication form the bedrock of successful hiring. In this interview, she discusses her day-to-day work sourcing candidates and managing interviews, the growing role of AI in recruitment, and how she mentors emerging HR colleagues by giving them ownership and room to grow.

• LinkedIn

1. What inspired you to pursue your current career path?

   My educational background is in translation and interpretation, which really sparked my love for connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Over time, I realized I wanted to use that same passion in a way that helps others grow in their careers. That’s what led me to HR and recruitment - I love helping people find opportunities that truly fit them and hopefully bring them a step closer to their dream job.

2. What lesson from your first job still guides you today?

   An important lesson from my first job that still sticks with me is the importance of staying professional and genuine at all times. I learned that being transparent and treating people with respect - whether it’s a colleague, client, or candidate - goes a long way and that’s something I carry with me in every role.

3. What does a typical day look like in your role?

   A typical day usually starts with sourcing candidates and posting new roles, then reviewing CVs and scheduling interviews. I often have a quick virtual coffee with my team to catch up, and spend the rest of the day meeting candidates, running assessments, and managing offers. It’s a nice mix of people interaction and organization, which I really enjoy.

4. Which skills have been most valuable to your success?

   I’d say openness and transparency have been key - whether I’m working with hiring managers or candidates. Good communication really makes everything flow better. I also rely a lot on being organized and creative, knowing how to prioritize the right task at the right time, and keeping a “never give up” mindset. If something doesn’t work, I just try a new approach. Another important factor is that I am always learning - whether it’s a brainstorming session with colleagues or keeping up to date with the latest trends and tools in recruitment, referring to books or courses related to my profession.

5. How do you see your profession evolving in the next few years?

   I see technology, especially AI, playing a bigger role in sourcing and screening, helping recruiters focus more on the human side of hiring. With that said, as automation grows, the personal touch or building genuine relationships will become even more valuable - especially as hiring becomes more global and remote.

6. How do you inspire or mentor others on your team?

   I focus on giving team members ownership and the freedom to try their own approach, while being available for support at all times. I see mistakes as part of learning, and believe people grow best when they can shape their own way of working.

7. Who or what played a key role in your success story?

   My family and professors throughout my educational process gave me a strong foundation, and I’d say everyone I’ve worked with in the corporate world has helped me grow and shape professionally. I am very grateful for their guidance.

8. What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

   No matter what career path you choose, opportunities are everywhere - however, success takes effort: “Diamonds are made under pressure.” Stay organized, plan ahead, invest in education, and network. Use your early career to experiment, build skills, and grow both professionally and personally.