Cristina Profeanu: Recruitment beyond the CV. What companies really need

Cristina Profeanu is a human resources specialist, trainer, and certified coach from Romania, with over 15 years of experience in communication, recruitment, and personnel selection. After building a solid career as an employee and HR manager, she transitioned to entrepreneurship in 2021, launching her own consulting project through the official platform cristinaprofeanu.ro.

She provides tailored solutions both for companies looking for talent and for professionals who want to develop their careers:
Recruitment and Headhunting: Identifying the right candidates for organizations across various industries and placing them in the right roles.
HR Consulting: Human resources audits, performance management, and employee retention strategies for companies.

Cristina Profeanu is recognized for her professional and hands-on approach. In addition to working as an independent consultant and Managing Partner at her own company, she is actively involved in the local business community, serving as a member of the leadership team of the FOCUS Bucharest group within BNI Romania (Business Network International).

C&B: What is the mission you have taken on through your work?

Cristina: Recruitment means more than simply filling a position. That is why my mission is to connect companies with the right people and help candidates make the most of their potential by being seen beyond the experience and skills listed on their CV.

C&B: What is the most important problem you see today in the field you work in, and how do you think it can be solved?

Cristina: The main challenge I encounter is the lack of alignment between what companies want and what candidates want. Often, expectations are not aligned with the reality of the market. This is where my role comes in: to bring a realistic and up-to-date perspective, facilitate dialogue, and help both sides find common ground that can lead to a successful collaboration.

C&B: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned throughout your experience and believe is worth passing on?

Cristina: The most valuable lesson I have learned in recruitment is that the success of a process begins before the job advertisement is even published. It is essential to know exactly what you want from a future colleague, but also what you do not want. I always recommend that managers write down both the mandatory criteria and the aspects that could represent an obstacle to the candidate’s integration into the role or the team.

It is equally important to be realistic. We often look for the perfect candidate, with extensive experience, multiple skills, and low salary expectations, but the labor market shows us that such profiles are rare. The more clearly and realistically we define the recruitment need, the more efficient the process becomes, and the greater the chances of finding the right person. In my opinion, clarity and realism are the foundation of any successful recruitment process.

C&B: If you had the opportunity to change just one thing in Romania, what would it be and why?

Cristina: If I could change just one thing in Romania, I would increase the level of career education and information starting from school. Many young people end up choosing their studies or first job without having a sufficient understanding of their skills, values, and the real opportunities available in the labor market. Better career guidance would help people make more suitable decisions for their future, while companies would have access to better-prepared and more motivated professionals. I believe that a healthy labor market starts with people who understand what they can offer and what they truly want from their careers.

And if I could, I would reduce payroll taxes.

C&B: How can we work together to help people, companies, and communities develop more effectively?

Cristina: I believe we can help people, companies, and communities develop more effectively if we manage to build real bridges between them.

People need to be heard, understood, and valued beyond their CVs; companies need to understand their needs very well and align their expectations with market realities; and communities need collaboration and engaged people.

From my role, I try to contribute precisely through this connection: bringing the right people to the right places, creating dialogue, and helping each side see more clearly what they can offer and what they need. I believe development happens when there is education, trust, realism, and a genuine desire to build together, rather than simply to achieve a short-term result.

Cristina Profeanu’s experience shows that effective recruitment starts with clarity, realism, and a strong understanding of both companies’ and candidates’ needs. From recruitment and headhunting to HR consulting and professional development, building relationships based on trust and communication can contribute to a healthier labor market.