Get to know Simen Fjell, “Our Recruitment Specialist and Chief Sailing Officer”

A small introduction to our “Recruitment Specialist and Chief Sailing”. At work, Simen is dedicated to being an effective recruiter and delivering quality in all aspects. He emphasizes setting clear goals and having a strong understanding of tasks and responsibilities. Honest feedback and being part of a growth-driven culture are essential to him. As a colleague, Simen values teamwork and expects everyone to contribute to building a positive culture, supporting each other, and ensuring collective success. He believes in daring to fail and fostering collaboration at Avant-Garde.

Hi Simen, how would you say you tailor your recruitment process to meet the unique needs of different companies?

I believe recruitment is most successful when it starts with a deep knowledge of the company. Before any meetings, I always make sure to research the company’s journey also its history, current market position, and future aspirations. By understanding the bigger picture, I can ask insightful questions in our kickoff meetings, helping us not just define the role, but also get to know the kind of person who will thrive within the company’s culture. This tailored approach always ensures that each process is aligned with the unique needs and goals of the client. This makes recruitment not just about filling a vacancy, but also driving towards long-term success.

After you have a good understanding of the client and what they are looking for how do you ensure that candidates are a good fit for the company’s values?

Cultural fit is as important as skillset in recruitment. I prioritize transparency with candidates, making sure they understand not just the technical requirements of the role, but also the cultural context of the company. Also, it’s important to know what the company stands for, where it’s headed, and what success looks like in the specific role. I strive to find candidates whose personal values align with the company’s mission, ensuring a partnership that benefits both sides in the long term. I believe a great hire is one who not only fulfills today’s needs but can grow and evolve with the company’s future.

With many successful hires up your sleeve, what’s one of your proudest moment since becoming a recruiter here?

My proudest moments are when a client returns for repeat business. It’s the ultimate compliment. It means they trust my process and the quality of the hires we've brought on board in the past.

What’s a fun or unique activity you do outside of work that helps recharge you for your role?

I enjoy spending my free time outside of work watching my local football team in Oslo with my good friends.

What personal values align most with Avant-Garde?

My personal values that align most with AvantGarde Search include being forward-thinking, bold, and curious. We at Avant-Garde thrive on challenging the status quo and thinking creatively to discover new ways of finding top talent. I think our curiosity pushes us to innovative while our dedication drives us to always go the extra mile to deliver outstanding results for our clients.

How would your colleagues describe your personality in three words?

I think my colleagues would describe me as helpful, dedicated, and always ready with a joke!

Which office pet would you want to adopt?

"I’m a big fan of animals, but after working in an office with more than 10 dogs, I think a quieter companion would suit me better. Maybe a tortoise—calm, slow-paced, and doesn’t mind the hustle and bustle around it!"

If the team had a theme song or motto, what would it be?

"Our team motto? It would have to be ‘Work hard, play hard.’

 What’s one “superpower” you’d say is necessary to thrive in this company?

A “can-do” attitude! In our line of work, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges are key.

Thank You Simen! for taking the time to answer our interview questions. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable, and we truly appreciate the thoughtful responses. Your dedication to quality, growth, and collaboration shines through in everything you do. We're grateful to have you share your experiences!