Meet our team: Chifae Laazouzi 

What’s your experience with recruitment and/or HR? 

Chifae Laazouzi: “I have a relatively solid background as I’ve got a degree in business administration and a master’s in HR. I hadn’t previously thought of looking for a job in recruitment but quite suddenly found myself there when I interned at a company in their talent acquisitions department. After successfully ending the internship, I got offered the job of Talent Acquisition Associate. I was mostly to be found in the back office as I received candidates after pre-selections and so on. Somewhat different I’d say from my experience with addon, so far. Here, I dive deep to find the candidates in the first place, to get in touch with them and build lasting relationships. It’s new and challenging but that’s exactly what I was looking for and what I love about my new role.” 

“I wholeheartedly agree with the addon approach, and it’s nice to feel that I’m on the same page as my employer. That’s incredibly motivating. In my spare time I do some volunteer work and I’m really a people person. The combination of work and volunteering can be overwhelming but I’m very passionate about it all. I thrive being the intermediate between different stakeholders, being their spokesperson and making sure they all feel like they’re being represented.” 

How did you cross paths with addon? 

Chifae: “It’s a funny story: I applied and then Yousra reached out to me, whom I knew from a previous working experience! I immediately knew I’d be in good hands here. It’s lovely to know someone when you start. It makes the first contact so much easier, and the working environment extra cool and fun. I truly enjoy working with her in this bilateral relationship we’ve got going on at the moment since she’s showing me the ropes.” 

“I hope that my biggest asset here will be my eagerness to create positive impact. At addon, we’re all constantly looking for that perfect match between client and candidate, and with that in mind, we help people find the best opportunities for their career. Those aspects are my drivers for success and why I commit myself fully to the job.” 

“I’ve got to say, it’s different, recruiting in the Belgian IT market. I’m used to logistics. IT, specifically in the Belgian market, is certainly trickier. However, with the tools that we have, I’m sure that I’ll soon find my way. Besides, I was looking for a challenge, right? The searching, the building of connections and visibility and exposure on LinkedIn; I’m learning it all and it’s right up my alley.” 

What can people expect from you and your way of recruiting? 

Chifae: “For me, the keywords are positive communication, responsiveness and reactivity. You can count on those when working with me as I deem them most important myself. I’m still figuring out my best capabilities, but I work hard to expand my network and to maintain good partner- and relationships. It is a work in progress, and I’m sure Yousra and I will help each other out towards our common goals once I’m settled and know my way around more.” 

“Right now, my days are filled with processing the feedback I’ve gotten from previous sourcing, and back-and-forths with potential candidates. I might call them to discuss terms of a particular mission, I might be searching for other vacancies … It can really be a puzzle and it’s definitely not an easy world. I think it’s about trying to stay objective and putting yourself in the shoes of the other parties. Plus, I’m so supported here, by Yousra, Tawfik and Youssef, that it does get easier by the day.” 

“Maybe a last thing about myself: like I said, I’m very impact- and challenge-driven. It’s who I am, and have always been, even in personal endeavours. When I started doing volunteer work, for instance, I wanted to make a difference in a coordinating capacity because I knew I’d learn so much about expanding your network and such. Keeping a helicopter view on the entire scope, that’s my thing. It’s how I feel I can put myself to good use in humanitarian projects, which remains one of my biggest passions in life.” 

Do you have any tips for starting freelancers? 

Chifae: “Most of all, I’d urge them to be open to new opportunities. There are so many jobs on the freelance IT market right now, it’s incredible. Please, be open to discuss the options with addon. Chances are you’ll get ahead through us. You’ve got all the tools and resources to get where you want to be, let us guide you there. It’s just a matter of hearing each other out!” 

Hey! We are addon. As we want to keep our personal and human values high, we welcome anyone who wants to contribute to our story and mission. Don’t be shy to contact us: we’re approachable, available and we can’t wait to meet you!