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Monica-Miruna Szalay

Lead Recruiter

Growth-Recruiting

Monica-Miruna Szalay, a freelance recruiter, is driven by a passion for improving people’s quality of life through meaningful work connections. Guided by empathy and curiosity, she focuses on creating team environments where collaboration, trust, and growth thrive. In this interview, Monica-Miruna shares how stepping into uncertainty shaped her career, her perspective on AI and people-centred recruitment, and why confidence begins with taking action before you feel completely ready.

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

   What inspired me to pursue my career in recruitment is my passion for improving people’s quality of life. I believe that matching the right candidate to the right job doesn’t just benefit the individual; it has a direct and meaningful impact on team wellbeing and business performance. Seeing how the proper placement can transform someone’s confidence and contribute to a company’s growth is what drives me every day.

2. What was one defining moment early in your career?

   One defining moment early in my career was when I followed my instincts and accepted an opportunity I didn’t feel fully prepared for. It challenged me to grow quickly, adapt under pressure, and trust my ability to learn on the go. That experience taught me that stepping into uncertainty is often the fastest path to professional growth - and it’s shaped how I approach every new challenge since.

3. How do you define success in your current position?

   As a lead recruiter, I define success by creating a team environment where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow together. It’s not just about filling roles - it’s about inspiring collaboration, building trust, and ensuring that everyone feels appreciated and ready to take on new challenges as a united team. When people thrive, the business thrives too.

4. How do you continue to grow and stay current in your field?

   I stay current in my field by constantly asking myself how I can improve - whether it’s the quality of my work or the speed of delivery. I believe growth comes from staying curious and open-minded, constantly exploring new tools, refining processes, and learning from others. That mindset helps me adapt quickly and consistently deliver better results in recruitment.

5. What trends are shaping your industry right now?

   AI is transforming recruitment, but it’s just one of several key trends shaping the industry in 2025 - including skills-based hiring, candidate experience, and tech-driven efficiency. These innovations are helping recruiters focus more on people and strategy, while automation handles the repetitive work. The human touch, however, remains irreplaceable.

6. How would you describe your leadership style?

   I would describe my leadership style as empowering and collaborative. I believe in inspiring my team to take ownership, build confidence, and grow their capabilities. When people feel supported and capable, they contribute more meaningfully - and the results reflect the strength of the whole team working together. My goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and ready to take on challenges with shared purpose.

7. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

   I hope I will always be most proud of my most recent accomplishment, as it demonstrates my progress. Each new milestone reflects growth - whether it’s refining a recruitment process, supporting a candidate through a complex transition, or adapting materials across languages and cultures. That mindset keeps me moving forward with purpose and enthusiasm.

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

   If you feel the drive within you, be brave and start - even before you feel fully ready. Growth doesn’t wait for perfect timing. Allow yourself to take calculated risks in the right direction, trust your instincts, and learn as you go. Confidence comes from taking action, not just preparation. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll discover what you’re truly capable of.