Gianluca Binelli the founder of Booster Box Digital is a man on a mission.
He left a successful career at Google to build his own digital marketing empire in the heart of rural Tuscany defying the conventional wisdom that success in tech requires a Silicon Valley address.
His philosophy is simple: talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t evenly distributed.
Building a Culture of Innovation
Gianluca’s recruitment strategy is inspired by his time at Google but he’s not afraid to put his own spin on things.
He believes in three core areas when evaluating candidates: skills knowledge and cultural fit.
He emphasizes that cultural fit is paramount especially in a fast-paced startup environment where strong relationships are essential to navigate the constant change and growth.
He believes that finding the right team members is more important than finding a romantic partner emphasizing the need for a shared passion for innovation and a commitment to taking ownership of the work.
He jokes that “time really moves very fast in these accelerated experiences.
You need a type of relationship that is intense in terms of sharing the rollercoaster of our startup life.”
Streamlining the Hiring Process
Gianluca recognizes the importance of maximizing the likelihood of finding high-quality talent while minimizing the time required to do so.
To achieve this Booster Box relies heavily on automation to streamline the administrative aspects of the hiring process.
This includes automating communication with candidates sending instant confirmation emails upon application receipt and using a robust applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage the application flow.
He believes that eliminating these administrative burdens frees up time for the hiring team to focus on what truly matters – engaging with candidates and making informed decisions.
He highlights the importance of conveying the right message to candidates at the right time especially in a time-constrained environment.
Beyond Skills: Assessing Personality and Ambition
Booster Box’s hiring process goes beyond a simple checklist of skills and competencies.
Gianluca believes in assessing a candidate’s personality and personal ambitions as these factors are essential for finding individuals who align with the company’s culture and values.
He emphasizes that the screening and interview stages are not just about skills but also about discovering a candidate’s level of curiosity and tenacity.
He shares a story from his time at Google where he asked a candidate a seemingly abstract question about Homer Simpson an alien and a boat crossing a river.
The candidate’s persistence in trying to solve the problem impressed him more than any right answer.
This approach reflects Gianluca’s belief in the power of using unconventional interview questions to assess a candidate’s problem-solving abilities and determination.
He recognizes that while this approach might be considered a Silicon Valley cliché it has proven effective in uncovering a candidate’s true potential.
The Importance of Team Input
Gianluca firmly believes in the importance of involving the entire team in the hiring process.
He emphasizes that the ultimate decision should rest with those who will be directly working with the candidate ensuring a shared understanding of their skills and fit within the team.
Booster Box’s interview process typically involves a panel format where candidates meet with multiple team members from different departments allowing for a comprehensive assessment of their skills cognitive ability and cultural fit.
This approach empowers each team member to contribute their expertise and ensures that everyone has a voice in the decision-making process.
Aligning Personal Ambitions with Company Goals
Gianluca emphasizes the importance of hiring for alignment not just for skills.
Want to work with a team that values innovation and collaboration? 💪 Check out Booster Box Digital’s hiring process, it’s anything but boring. Learn more about Booster Box Digital’s hiring process
He believes that the most important interview question is “What do you want to achieve in life?” He believes that understanding a candidate’s aspirations and aligning them with the company’s goals is key to creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
He recognizes that this requires him to personally meet with every candidate a significant investment of time.
However he believes that this investment is essential to building a strong and aligned team.
He draws inspiration from Larry Page who personally reviewed every CV at Google demonstrating that even the most successful leaders recognize the value of personal engagement in the hiring process.
Want to work with a team that values innovation and collaboration? 💪 Check out Booster Box Digital’s hiring process, it’s anything but boring. Learn more about Booster Box Digital’s hiring process
Building a Collaborative Hiring Process
Gianluca believes that everyone on the team should have a voice in the hiring process.
Booster Box fosters a collaborative approach with all team members involved in interviewing and providing feedback on candidates.
This fosters a shared sense of ownership over the hiring decisions and ensures that everyone feels invested in the success of the team.
To further enhance the hiring process Gianluca actively seeks feedback from candidates.
He recognizes that their perspectives are invaluable in identifying areas for improvement.
For example after receiving feedback that the time taken to send offers was too long Booster Box implemented changes to streamline their offer process reducing the average wait time to 7.5 days.
The Power of Automation
Gianluca acknowledges the power of automation in freeing up time for the hiring team to focus on more strategic tasks.
He believes that using technology to streamline administrative tasks enables him to invest more time in engaging with candidates and making data-driven hiring decisions.
He recognizes that the goal is not just to find the right candidates but to create a hiring process that is efficient engaging and ultimately leads to the selection of the most talented and motivated individuals.
He views the hiring process as an opportunity to attract individuals who will challenge and inspire the team ensuring that Booster Box continues to push the boundaries of innovation.
Looking Ahead: Finding the Ideal Boosters
Gianluca is not afraid to adapt and evolve his hiring strategy as his company grows.
He recognizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve and constantly evaluating his approach to ensure it aligns with the changing needs of his business and the evolving talent landscape.
Want to work with a team that values innovation and collaboration? 💪 Check out Booster Box Digital’s hiring process, it’s anything but boring. Learn more about Booster Box Digital’s hiring process
He emphasizes the importance of finding “ideal boosters” – individuals who bring fresh perspectives new skills and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement Gianluca is determined to build a team that can navigate the future with confidence and agility.