In this interview, we meet Elena Tinios, a manager at recruiters Anderson Frank. Based in New York, she’s in charge of a large team that helps companies find their ideal candidate. With smart recruitment being vital for the success of any business, Elena has built up strong relationships with key employers who have placed their trust in her to find the right fit for their roles.

Here, we talk to Elena to see what inspired her career choice, exactly what success means to her, and tips on how to succeed in the industry.

Name: Elena Tinios

Title: Recruitment Manager

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in International/Global Studies and Spanish From NYU.

How Elena Tinios Defines Success

What Does Success Mean to You?

I think success is something that you need to measure for yourself. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that success doesn’t necessarily mean being the best at something. For me, success has a lot to do with understanding your goals, being persistent, and not letting yourself compare your accomplishments to what other people are doing around you.

What Made You Get into Your Industry?

To be completely honest, it was a bit of an accident. After I had graduated from NYU, my goal was to enter into the world of consulting and work abroad for a multinational company. However, because I didn’t get a “typical” business degree, I was limited in which companies would even start a conversation with me.

This came as a bit of a shock considering I had taken the majority of the same courses as the business students and had gained invaluable experience studying and working abroad.

However, I decided not to let this get me down, and instead, opened up my mind to different types of opportunities. Once I made this decision, I started applying to jobs that I had never considered and quickly found myself interviewing with my current employers for the role of a Trainee Recruitment Consultant.

I decided to take the position and less than two years later, as a girl with no prior IT, recruitment, or sales experience, I am now managing my own team.

Although this was not at all what I had envisioned I would be doing after college, I was immediately sold on the entrepreneurial atmosphere and the opportunity for career growth that’s on offer. I decided to take the position and less than two years later, as a girl with no prior IT, recruitment, or sales experience, I am now managing my own team.

What Advice Would You Give Someone Who Wants to Follow Your Career Path?

Keep an open mind and work hard. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, stay late, and follow the outlined process. The day-to-day life of a recruiter isn’t always the most exciting, but being able to find someone the perfect job makes it all worth it! 

[RELATED: 10 Simple Rules for Guaranteed Success in Your Career]

What Are Your Career and Life Goals?

I hope to one day be managing my own successful division at Frank Recruitment Group and helping other motivated people build out their careers. I would also love to own an apartment in Italy, Spain, and NYC, so I guess I need to do a lot before I get to that point!

Who is Your Role Model?

Both of my parents, actually. They each run their own businesses and taught me from a very young age the value of hard work.

How Does Your Role Affect Your Work-Life Balance?

I’ve always had to work long hours, even when I was in high school and college, so the transition into the working world was not very difficult for me. I am better now though at working smarter so that I don’t have to work as many hours. It’s all about finding a balance and making sure that you are taking time for yourself as well!

What is The Best Advice You’ve Ever Received?

“Fake it until you make it.”

Just because you’re not the smartest person in the room doesn’t mean you can’t be as successful as the person next to you. Confidence can go a long way; if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will either! 

What Motivates You to Work Hard?

I’m a pretty competitive person, which itself drives me to work hard. But in addition to that, I love the feeling of setting myself a goal and being able to accomplish it.

My parents have also always pushed me to work hard by telling me that I can be and do anything that I want. Knowing that I have their support, and wanting to make them proud, has motivated me throughout my entire life. 

Quick Questions Our Readers REALLY LOVE

• What is your favorite TV show?
  It would have to be either Gilmore Girls or Friends.

• What is your favorite food?
  You can’t beat an amazing Greek salad.

• Where is your favorite holiday destination?
  Positano in Italy.

• What is your ultimate wind down activity?
  Drinking wine and listening to music on my East Village roof with friends.

•  What was your first job?
  Bussing tables at my dad’s restaurant.

• What is your best party trick?
  I’m pretty good at karaoke. Not at all because I have an amazing voice, but more just because I have memorized the lyrics to a surprising number of songs.