Manca Bricelj: I'm Genuinely Interested In Who The Candidates Are As Individuals Beyond Their CVs

Meet our Head of People Operations, Manca Bricelj, who brings over six years of experience in Human Resources to bunny.net. She joined bunny.net after spending quite some time in the pharmaceutical industry, driven by her personal excitement about the tech world. We delved into her professional journey and discussed the hiring process in general and specifically at bunny.net. She revealed some invaluable insights and tips and tricks for those between jobs. 

Manca is the heart and soul of bunny.net. and a go-to person for questions, problems, or suggestions. Her constant smile and kind, understanding approach make Manca one of fluffle’s favorite colleagues to spend time with.

Manca's people-first approach helps us to hire the best talents and stay a hop ahead.

Q: Hi, Manca; thank you for your time today. Can you please introduce yourself?

–Hi, thanks for having me! My name is Manca, and I'm in charge of the People Ops department at bunny.net, which you would traditionally know as HR. My other full-time job is being a mom to an energetic 4-year-old girl. If I have any spare, I become an avid book reader, traveler, and pilates enthusiast.

Q: You are the Head of People Operations at bunny.net, and you've been with the company for one and a half years. Can you share with us where your career as an HR person started and what even led you to it in the first place?

– I've always loved the idea of working closely with people, and during my high school years, I also realized I was also quite into business and economics. HR seemed like the perfect mix of both. With my studies in sociology and economy and a degree in human resources, I felt well-prepared to dive into this field. Starting out at Kearney, a consulting firm, really opened my eyes to how businesses operate behind the scenes. After that, working with the recruitment team at Adecco helped me get hands-on experience with candidates - both were crucial in getting me to where I am today.

Q: Before bunny.net you worked in MGC Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a pharmaceutical company. What motivated you to transition to the tech world and join bunny.net?

– The tech industry has always fascinated me, especially the success stories coming out of Silicon Valley. They seemed so amazing yet oh-so-far-away, like something we see in movies. As for my move to bunny.net, it was actually quite spontaneous. I found a job ad on LinkedIn for an “HR position at a tech company” and thought, "Sure, why not?". After I had done some research, I was quickly impressed, and it turned out to be a lucky find — a perfect example of serendipity.

Q: Moving to tech must have been a significant transition. Can you share how the work environment and culture in the tech and pharma worlds differ?

– Absolutely, it's a whole different world. In pharma, everything is more traditional and structured, with a clear hierarchy and a strong emphasis on following specific procedures and protocols to the T. When it comes to tech, there are still rules and procedures to follow, but there's much more flexibility. The focus is on being quick and efficient, with wiggle room to experiment and iterate. This dynamic environment aligns with my personal preferences for how I work best.

Q: What was the biggest "culture shock" to you when you joined bunny.net? Something that you never experienced before.

– We have a "work on your own terms, but get the work done" philosophy, which was a total eye-opener. And people say things as they are, which is pretty different from what I've seen elsewhere. It was a shock but in a nice and refreshing way.

Q: Does bunny.net have a specific "persona" that you believe fits the company's culture perfectly? If so, could you describe what characteristics or qualities this persona embodies?

– I think that the "Bunny persona" is someone who's really into their work and loves coming up with fresh ideas. They're the kind of person who's always asking, "What if we try this?" or "How can we make this better?" They're not afraid to try new things and always look for ways to push the limits. But it's not all about work; they're also kind, friendly, and great to be around. Here, we have a mix of thinkers, innovators, and genuinely nice people who all make up what we call our fluffle. If you're passionate, creative, and a team player, I’m sure you would fit right in with us.

Q: In your view, what qualities make someone the "ideal job candidate”? 

– The ideal candidate for me is someone who's really driven and excited about their work and is looking for a place where they can grow even more. I also really value kindness and honesty.  I understand traditional HR interviews can be awkward, but I'm genuinely interested in who the candidates are as individuals beyond just their CVs.

Q: What are some unique aspects of the hiring process at bunny.net that candidates should be aware of?

– Actually, something that might seem obvious, but I still get asked about, is that all our interviews are done online. Besides that, we aim to streamline the process, but we're also thorough. This means they'll meet with quite a few people - our Talent Specialist, myself, their potential teammates & hiring manager, and the CEO. It's important for us to see the whole picture and make sure everyone is aligned when we are making a decision.

Q: Based on your experience, what specific advice can you give to candidates on how to best prepare for a job interview?

– My best tip for interview prep? Try to stay relaxed. We see interviews as friendly chats rather than serious interrogations. It's a chance for both of us to learn about each other. Feel free to ask any questions you have. We know switching jobs is a big step, and we're more than happy to offer all the details you need to feel comfortable. Also, when answering questions, keep it simple and use the STAR method: share the Situation, your Task, the Action you took, and the Result. It really helps paint a clear picture of what you've accomplished.

Q: From your perspective, what are some critical "do's and don'ts" that candidates should keep in mind during their job interviews?

– Do your homework about the company; it shows that you're genuinely interested. Hearing about your experience is great, especially using the STAR method for clarity and impact. And don't forget to ask questions, too - it's about finding a great fit for both of us. 

On the don'ts side, try to avoid going into too much detail, and if you don't know an answer, that's okay - it happens! Please don't go and google it during the interview. 

But most importantly, just be yourself. We're looking to get to know you as much as you're getting to know us. Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but at the end of the day, we're just people having a conversation.

Q: Which is your favorite job interview question to ask, and why? On the other hand, which question would you never ask a candidate, or would you never want to hear yourself, and why?

– One of my favorite interview questions is, 'What's the biggest mistake you've made in your career and how did you handle it?' It really illuminates how candidates deal with setbacks and learn from their experiences. Also, it's not about the mistake but their ability to reflect, take responsibility, and grow.

As for questions I would never ask, I'd avoid anything too personal, like marital status or family plans, which are off-limits. These don't tell me anything about their ability to do the job and should never be brought up. I stick to their professional skills and how well they could fit with our team.

Q: We all know that when you’re choosing your next job, you tend to look beyond the paycheck. What would you say are the most common perks that applicants expect or ask about?

– Yes, the expectations around work have definitely shifted. We are a remote-first company, which is a big plus already, but I also get questions about flexible hours, vacation time, the company's culture, and chances for team bonding, which come up a lot, too. It's not just the job that matters but also feeling like you're part of a supportive community, and people are looking for a better balance between their personal and professional lives.

Q: Which of the perks offered by bunny.net is the biggest "magnet" for attracting candidates? Which benefits or aspects of the company culture draw the most interest from potential hires?

– The remote-first setup is by far the most appreciated one, and they also appreciate the budget we give for setting up a cozy and productive home office. What also really catches their eye is that we offer a budget for promoting a healthy lifestyle and provide access to mental health support counseling.

Q: Rejection is a part of the job application process. How does bunny.net handle the rejection of candidates, and what advice would you give to those not selected?

– Getting turned down is tough, but it happens to everyone at some point. At bunny.net, we try to give feedback when we can, so you know why things didn't work out this time. Sometimes, it's just about our timing or what we need right then, and it doesn't line up perfectly for everyone. If you're really into what we're doing and see yourself joining us, keep in touch through our careers page. That way, if something comes up we'll know just where to find you.

Q: Given the increasing trend of remote work, especially in tech, how does bunny.net maintain its company culture and ensure effective communication among team members?

– Our big thing is the annual "fluffle-building" event, which is just a few days of fun and bonding, without working. Day-to-day, we've got things like virtual coffee chats to stay in touch. We've got an office in Ljubljana, too, and we love it when our global team members pop in. Plus, we keep things lively with online game nights and cook-offs. It's our way of making sure everyone feels like they are part of the team, no matter where they are.

Q: What strategies does bunny.net use to keep employees engaged and motivated, especially in a remote work environment?

– We do a lot of cool stuff to keep everyone feeling connected, just like we would in a real office. We communicate mainly via Slack and have many different Slack channels where anyone can find something that interests them – are you an animal lover? Foodie?  there’s a place for you to share and talk. We also have virtual coffee dates where we catch up for 30 minutes, just chatting and hanging out. To stay aligned on the big picture, we have a company-wide All-Bunnies call to hear what's going on in different parts of the company. We share the main points in a special channel so everyone knows what's up... And we're really into cheering each other on. We celebrate our wins, big or small, and give each other virtual high-fives. It’s about making sure we all feel part of the team and valued for what we do.

Q: How does bunny.net support the professional development and growth of its employees?

– We mainly want to focus on supporting our team to get better and excel at what interests them. Obviously, there are career paths and development processes. Still, we also think it's important for everyone to learn new things, even if it's not directly related to their job right now. That's why we have an education budget to spend on learning stuff like new courses, books, or workshops. This way, everyone can keep learning and growing in ways that excite them.

Q: Looking towards the future, what trends do you see shaping the hiring process in the tech industry?

– I will try to avoid the apparent impact of AI and automation, but at least in tech, there's a strong trend toward valuing what skills people bring rather than just their academic background. What you're capable of and how you can contribute matters a lot. Alongside technical skills, soft skills like communication and teamwork are getting more spotlight in the hiring process. How companies attract talent is changing, too — making sure candidates have a positive, clear, and inclusive experience from the start is crucial. All in all, it's all about finding the right people who can truly make an impact.

Q: Do you have a personal bucket list? Can you share what the top 5 items on it are?

– Absolutely, but I don’t think it’s a traditional one or that there are 5 items. A lot of what I dream about involves traveling. Up on the top of my list is showing my daughter the wonders that our world has to offer, with Australia being one of the top places I'd love for us to explore together. Besides that, I have this longing to live in the countryside, in a cute little house, where I could immerse myself in nature. Honestly, as I grow older, it doesn't take much to make me happy. These experiences, especially sharing them with my family, are what truly matters to me.