Joinrs meets Alexandra, EMEA Staffing Manager at Google

Who is Joinrs?  

Joinrs is the meeting point for students, junior profiles, and companies. Thanks to our AI model, we help job seekers discover the best job ads aligned with their ambitions. At the same time, over 150 client companies use our platform for employer branding and talent acquisition strategies, aiming to attract candidates who align with their company's values. If you are a company and would like to learn more, click here.

  HR conversations with Joinrs 

At Joinrs, we go beyond just matching candidates with opportunities. In addition to facilitating connections, we conduct insightful interviews with professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Through these conversations, we provide valuable insights and perspectives to our users, enriching their knowledge and experience on our platform. Join us in exploring the depth and breadth of expertise across various fields to enhance your career journey. Today Alexandra  is sharing her journey and advice with us!

Alexandra Hainsworth

EMEA Staffing Manager at Google

1) Alexandra, can you share how your academic background and early career experiences led you to your current role as an EMEA Staffing Manager at Google?

My career has been anything but predictable. It's taken me down some unexpected paths, but ultimately led me to a role I love. After graduating from Manchester University (BAHons in Business and Spanish), I explored different roles within a Recruitment Agency and within Google, finding my passion in recruitment. It was this early experience connecting people with opportunities that inspired my interest in HR.

Google recognised my potential, and I joined the company in 2010, quite early in my career. Since then, I've had the chance to explore various aspects of recruiting, from headhunting, managing a specific hiring space for all of EMEA, to HR program management and finally to People Manager. I've wanted to embrace continuous learning both internally to Google and externally, pursuing a Master's in HR and gaining my Chartered MCIPD. The company's support for my development has been invaluable.

The key take away from my story is that your career path doesn't have to be perfectly planned from the start. Be open to exploring different roles, seize opportunities to learn and grow, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

2) What are some of the key responsibilities and challenges you face in your role at Google and what aspects of your job do you find most fulfilling?

In my role, I lead a large team responsible for hiring hundreds of individuals each year for Google Cloud across EMEA. This involves collaborating with various teams, setting strategic priorities, and ensuring we attract and hire top talent in critical areas like AI and Data Centers. It's a fast-paced and demanding role, but it's also incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest challenges is the sheer scale of hiring we manage, particularly in high-priority areas. However, I'm passionate about the impact we have on Google's growth and innovation by bringing in diverse and inclusive talent, whilst also playing a pivotal role in supporting our own internal talent to take on new opportunities within the company.

What I find most fulfilling is witnessing the growth and development of my team members. Seeing them succeed and take on new challenges is inspiring and it stays with me whether they continue to report to me or not. I love the collaborative spirit at Google and the opportunity to work with incredibly talented people across the organisation: it remains the answer to why I have stayed at Google for over a decade.

3) For those considering a career in HR, what essential skills and experiences would you recommend they should focus on to succeed in this field?

HR is a dynamic and multifaceted field, offering a wide range of career paths. To succeed, it's essential to develop a solid foundation of core skills and actively seek out experiences that will set you apart.

Some of the most critical skills for aspiring HR professionals include:

• • Strong communication and interpersonal skills: The ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate sensitive conversations is paramount in HR.

  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities: HR professionals are constantly faced with complex challenges that require creative problem-solving and sound decision-making skills.

  • An understanding of employment law and compliance: Staying up-to-date on employment law and ensuring compliance is a critical aspect of HR.

  • Empathy and emotional intelligence: HR professionals need to be able to understand and connect with employees on an emotional level.

  • Adaptability and a willingness to embrace change: The HR landscape is constantly evolving, so the ability to adapt and learn new skills is essential.

In addition to developing these skills, I encourage seeking out opportunities to gain practical experience. This could involve volunteering for HR-related projects, participating in internships, or taking on leadership roles in student organisations.

As we say on the first day at Google and continue to say in personal development conversations, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on continuous learning and growth, and don't be afraid to explore different areas of HR.

4) From your experience, what common mistakes should early career professionals avoid during the job application process and what strategies can help them stand out?

The job application process can seem overwhelming, especially for those just starting their careers. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• • Typos and grammatical errors: Proofread your CV and cover letter meticulously. Even minor errors can create a negative impression. Ask a friend to proofread your application, even better, now may be a great time to use Gemini to help you proofread.

  • Generic applications: Tailor your application to each specific role, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.

  • Lack of enthusiasm: Convey your genuine interest in the company and the position you're applying for. You can do this as part of the CV, or in a cover letter or your first call with the company itself. 

  • Neglecting to follow up: If it’s possible, after submitting your application, send a follow-up email or LinkedIn message to express your continued interest.

To stand out, consider these strategies:

• • Network strategically: Attend industry events, connect with professionals on professional networks such as LinkedIn, and leverage your network to uncover hidden opportunities.

  • Showcase your passion: Highlight your enthusiasm for HR and your eagerness to learn and grow in the field.

  • Demonstrate your value: Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible and showcase the impact you've made in previous roles or projects.

  • Prepare for interviews: Research the company and the role thoroughly, and practice answering common interview questions.

Remember, the job search is two-way, it is just as much an opportunity for you to understand if this role aligns with your career aspirations. Be confident in your abilities, showcase your unique value proposition, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. With the right approach, you'll land the HR role of your dreams (which will also continue to change and evolve the more time you spend investing in your career).

5) How do you see the role of HR evolving in the next few years and what skills should early career professionals develop to stay relevant in this ever-changing landscape?

HR is undergoing quite an exciting transformation, and as new professionals entering this field, you have the opportunity to shape its future. Technological advancements, particularly in AI, are streamlining many traditional HR tasks. This means that the role of HR is shifting towards more strategic and value-adding activities, such as:

• • Data-driven decision-making: HR professionals will increasingly rely on data analytics to gain insights into workforce trends, identify skill gaps, and develop targeted talent strategies.

  • Employee experience: Creating a positive and engaging employee experience will be crucial for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Building a diverse and inclusive workplace culture will be essential for fostering innovation and driving business success.

  • Change management: HR will play a critical role in navigating organisational change and helping employees adapt to new ways of working.

  • Technology adoption: HR professionals need to be comfortable with emerging technologies and leverage them to improve efficiency and enhance the employee experience.

To thrive in this evolving landscape, HR professionals should focus on developing the following skills:

• • Adaptability and agility: The ability to embrace change and learn new skills quickly will be essential.

  • Tech savviness: Familiarity with HR technologies and data analytics tools will be a major asset.

  • Strategic thinking: The ability to think critically and develop solutions that align with business goals will be highly valued.

  • Communication and collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across the organisation will be crucial.

  • Continuous learning: A commitment to staying updated on the latest HR trends and best practices will be key to staying relevant.

By proactively developing these skills and embracing the opportunities presented by technological advancements, you can position yourself for success in this exciting and dynamic field.

Interview curated by the Joinrs' team