Get to know our colleague, Billie, who’s been with us for a few months and has already made a great impact in her recruiting role. With an interesting career background that connects well to what she’s doing now, Billie has valuable insights to share.
What first sparked an interest in working within the trucking industry, and what excites you most about your role as a recruiter?
Survival mode. During the COVID pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. Although I wasn’t working at the time, I got a chance to join the trucking industry, and I took it. I started as a dispatcher and then moved into logistics and customer care, where I kept in touch with drivers about their pickups and deliveries. Next, I worked in the relations-recruiting department at an American company with an office in Skopje, which deepened my connection to the trucking world. I loved helping drivers. After returning to Shtip as a recruiter, I’m now happy to be part of Superior. And I found myself here, because recruiting is something that matches with my basic profession, and that’s journalism.
What was the most interesting interview in your journalistic career?
I had a lot of interviews in my career as a journalist, but I would say, the Interview with Vlatko Stefanovski and Miroslav Tadic. It was a challenge. Most of my colleagues said there is no chance to have them in “The corner” – that was the name of my TV show at that time. But I made it. I remember, before we started recording, Vlatko asked me, how long would the recording take – like 15 minutes…. It took more than one hour, and the editor, who had to edit the whole material up to 45 minutes, was mad at me for it. But I was happy.
When you’re not recruiting, what’s your favorite way to spend your free time?
Working in the trucking industry, particularly for the American market, has shaped my daily routine. I work from 3 PM to 11 PM Macedonian time, which corresponds to 8 AM to 4 PM Central Time in the U.S. This means my afternoons are dedicated to work, and I handle household tasks—cleaning, cooking, laundry—after hours. Every Friday night, I enjoy a movie night after returning home. Saturdays are reserved for grocery shopping for the upcoming week, and sometimes socializing with my neighbors in the evening. And Sunday is my day to relax. I like to chat with my daughter and the friends who live far away and ‘wash my brain’ from everything that happened during the week and get ready for the upcoming one with some meditation.
How did your experience as an interviewer help you transition into your current role as a recruiter?
Connection between recruiting and journalism Is communication. I was doing interviews as a journalist, I am doing interviews with the drivers as a recruiter now. The difference is that as a journalist I had to visit the people that I was interviewing, at their offices e.t.c and here I am doing that from the recruiters office, online. I can tell it’s like a radio talk show. I have leads with the names of potential drivers and the greatest satisfaction is when most of them are becoming our drivers.
What are the key factors that make clients trust and stick with the same outsourcing company for the long term?
Trust, loyalty and believing that together we can make a great team of drivers that can make money for themselves, and of course, for the company.
What keeps you motivated day after day?
My work. I am kind of obsessed with this work. It’s a special feeling when I come to the office, turn my PC on, put headphones on, and in the next eight hours, I am Billie, helping drivers in the USA to get a job. My work here is special and sensitive because the company I work for, hires a special kind of drivers, and there are not a lot of companies like this one. Our role as recruiters is to show to the drivers that we genuinely care for them. We ensure that they are treated as part of a family by everyone involved—management, dispatchers, the safety department, and maintenance staff.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and what are some goals you want to achieve?
Superior is the company I’ve envisioned myself working for since I entered the trucking industry. I even submitted my application two years ago. Fortunately, it wasn’t the right time back then, as I lacked the necessary skills. Now, however, I’m proud to say that the time has come—I no longer need to imagine being here; I am here.
In the next five years I don’t see myself anywhere else but here. My growth will depend on my performance and commitment to the work.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career in the trucking industry?
Devotion, adaptability to working afternoons and midnights, and a focus on understanding the industry’s specifics are essential to this role. Building strong relationships with candidates and clients is a priority.
In recruitment, it’s crucial to effectively utilize recruitment technology, maintain clear communication, stay organized, and above all, be kind. Kindness is one of the most important skills for a successful recruiter; it creates a positive impression. Since drivers cannot see us, they can only hear us, and emotions can be recognized through tone and language. Nobody wants rudeness.
Another key element is persistence. I consistently reach out through calls, texts, and emails until they say to themselves, “Okay, let’s hear what Billie has to say.”
What’s one outstanding experience that shaped you to be the person that you are today?
I’ve had many unique experiences throughout my life and career, but the most outstanding one has been being a single mother. This journey was challenging and tested my resilience in numerous ways. While that period had its difficulties, I’m pleased to say that my daughter, Rosana, is now 23 and has graduated from the Faculty of Psychology and I’m very proud of her achievements and grateful that we’ve come out from that tough time stronger and closer than ever.
Do you have any hobbies or passions that might surprise your colleagues?
Aside from our HR advisor and my manager, who are familiar with my CV, only a few colleagues at Superior know that I am an official translator for Macedonian and Bulgarian.
However, I believe the biggest surprise will come when I finish and promote my book. It’s an autobiographical work that reads like a diary, capturing specific days and situations from my life. I’ve been writing this book for several years, and it represents my most honest and emotional experiences, written with sincerity and depth. It will also include reflections from my time at Superior. I truly hope it will have a happy ending. 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to read Billie’s inspiring story and discover her contributions to our recruiting team.
If Billie’s story has motivated you and you’re interested in joining our Superior team, we invite you to apply! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our values and dedication to outstanding performance.
