Lara : Teleadvisor at Ekosport

Can you present your professional background?

After graduating highschool in Germany, I moved to France. I took a CAP in carpentry, which I finished in 2014, and then went on to do a License in Foreign Languages (LEA) in Chambéry.

After my studies, I worked at Biocoop for a few years, but ended up resigning because I didn't really have any prospects for advancement within the store. I then took a short break from my professional life to go on a cycling trip and think about the sector in which I wanted to work.

That's where MisterBilingue came in, they contacted me after seeing my profile on Pôle Emploi and offered me the job at Ekosport. The opportunity came just at the right time, as I was looking for something new in a company that made sense and suited me.

How long have you been in France?

I have been living in France for 20 years.

How would you rate your previous experiences? What have they taught you (in terms of skills, etc.)?

My years in carpentry gave me the pleasure of working with my hands. These experiences taught me a lot, because in this environment there's also a lot of solidarity and passing on of knowledge, and you learn how to do things properly by hand.

I was also able to work in very different companies, in aeronautics and real estate, which was very enriching.

At Biocoop, I felt a real personal investment that was shared by all the employees because we shared the same ecological values. It's this environment and these values that I also find at Ekosport.

Have you encountered any difficulties in your job search? If so, which ones?

Yes, mainly because I didn't really know where I wanted to go, which didn't make the search any easier. Of course, I knew how to find a job, but I also wanted to find meaning in my new position.

What do you think of the French application process?

Honestly, I find it quite simple and logical, even though I haven't experimented with it much. I think it works quite well.

Any advice on how to settle into a new (French) company?

I think you always have to be open and curious, and not take everything for granted. When you arrive in a French company, the way things work is new and you have to learn everything.

What differences in everyday life have surprised you most in France?

The difference that struck me the most was about meals. In Germany, our main meal is lunch, whereas in France I think it's dinner. Although it certainly varies depending on where you live.

Culture is very diverse in France. Do you have a favorite place?

Generally speaking, I prefer "small" cultural venues in small towns. I don't necessarily have a favorite place, but I like small discoveries.

How did you hear about MisterBilingue?

As I said earlier, it was MisterBilingue who contacted me. Nicolas, who is part of the recruiting team, found my CV via the Pôle Emploi CV library.

What do you think are MisterBilingue's strengths?

I thought that the offer and the job were very well explained to me, and I knew straight away what I was getting into. During my interview with Nicolas, I felt supported because he helped me a lot and gave me advice that I was able to follow for my interview with the company afterwards. MisterBilingue also offers good follow-up throughout the whole recruitment process.

What could be improved?

I don't really see anything, in fact it's the first time I've been in contact with a recruitment agency. At first, I was rather intrigued about how this service worked,and in the end I'm very happy with the result.