More than a job: choosing growth, balance, and belonging

The recruiter’s perspective: clarity and support
For Phat, recruiting for a Senior Accountant position was a new challenge. It required stepping outside the familiar territory of tech roles and diving into the finance space. "Since I typically focus on tech roles, it was refreshing to dive into the finance space and learn something completely new. Fortunately, our recruitment process is designed in such a way that it’s easy for us to tap into the rich experience of others and our different teams, making sure to provide a consistent candidate experience."
Phat emphasises the importance of clarity and collaboration throughout the process.
“Clarity is everything. Being crystal-clear about the role, responsibilities, expectations, and success criteria from the start dramatically improves candidate experience and leads to much better matches.”
Transparency and speed are central to feedback. "From the very first screening call, I clearly explain the full process, timeline, and what to expect in each round. After every interview, we provide feedback as quickly as possible, often on the same day."
Support is woven into every step. "I repeatedly encouraged her to reach out with any questions at any time and made myself easily accessible. I also added her to our dedicated chat channel so she could get quick responses whenever something came up. Keeping open, proactive communication was essential to making her feel supported."
The candidate’s journey: seeking fulfillment and alignment
Lan Anh’s journey began with a desire for change. After years in high-pressure finance roles, she realised that success on paper was no longer translating to fulfilment. "I wasn’t just tired. I was burnt out. I knew I needed a change, not simply to move on, but to move toward a workplace where I could contribute meaningfully while feeling respected, supported, and energised again."
What drew her to Zühlke was not the job description, but the company’s culture. "Empowerment, curiosity, collaboration, and long-term development. These weren’t just buzzwords. They reflected something I hadn’t felt in a while, a place where people matter as much as performance."
The interview process stood out for its intentionality and respect.
“Each conversation felt intentional, respectful, and thoughtful. Instead of focusing solely on what I had done, the interviewers wanted to understand how I work with people, how I approach challenges, and what motivates me. The tone was collaborative, not evaluative. I didn’t leave the interviews exhausted. I left energized.”
A pivotal moment came during a discussion about how finance can enable responsible growth. "The discussion wasn’t transactional. It was a shared exploration of how finance supports business purpose. I felt heard not just for my expertise but for my perspective and values. That was the moment I felt, deep down, ‘This is a place where I can belong.’"
Support, transparency, and trust
Support from Phat was consistent and genuine. "The recruiter checked in consistently, not just about scheduling, but about how I felt after each round, what questions I still had, and whether I had enough information to make a confident decision. It felt like a partnership, not a transaction."
Feedback was clear and timely, reducing anxiety and building trust. "I always understood what stage I was in and what the next steps were. That clarity built trust. Even the offer conversation felt human. It wasn’t a push to close a deal. It was a space to align expectations and envision long-term growth together."
For Lan Anh, the decisive point was the consistency between Zühlke’s stated values and the behaviors of everyone she met. "Every person I met embodied the culture the company claims to value. There was no gap between words and behaviors. I wanted to be in a place where I could bring not only my financial expertise but also my energy, curiosity, and ability to collaborate without compromising my well-being or values."

Lessons and advice for future candidates
- Be honest about what energises you, not just what you’re good at.
- Focus on cultural alignment, not perfection.
- See the interviews as conversations, not tests.
- When a workplace is right for you, you don’t have to try to fit in. You feel like you can grow as who you are.
For Phat and Lan Anh, Zühlke’s recruitment process is defined by clarity, support, and genuine alignment between values and actions. It is a journey that prioritises human connection, transparency, and long-term growth, helping candidates find not just a job, but a place to belong.