As technology rewrites the rules, what defines the talent ofomorrow? Hiring is evolving — from finding the right fit for today, to discovering future-ready partners. ALTEN’s Recruitment Director, Stéphane Dahan, brings a rare dual lens: the precision of an engineer and the instinct of a seasoned recruiter. He unpacks the new hiring logic for us — and how to stand out in it.

Advancement: engineer to director

“I started as an engineer, then found myself drawn into business—and eventually, recruitment,” Stéphane says. In 2000, he joined ALTEN with a passion for electronics. Within a few years, he was leading a 200-person tech team. But in working closely with clients and projects, one truth became clear: technology is powerful—but people are everything. That insight changed everything. Seventeen years ago, Stéphane shifted gears and built ALTEN France’s recruitment system from the ground up. He brought an engineer’s eye for detail and a deep belief in human potential.  “Recruitment isn" t just filling roles,” he says. “It’s about spotting talent before the world sees it—and having the courage to believe in it.”

Stéphane Dahan，Director of Engineering Recruitment at ALTEN

Growth Engine

recruitment: the accelerator of ALTEN"s growth

When I first joined ALTEN, the company had fewer than 1,500 employees globally. Today, that number has grown to nearly 60,000—making ALTEN one of the leading engineering and technology consulting companies in the world. Behind this remarkable growth, recruitment has undoubtedly been the key driver. In France alone, ALTEN recruits around 4,000 engineers every year, covering industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, life sciences, IT, and finance. Stéphane states: "Recruitment is the first step in ALTEN’s drive for innovation and delivering value to our clients. We not only need to find outstanding talent, but also help them grow and succeed with the company." 

Quentin adds: "Recruitment is not just a human resources matter. Every project manager, every business leader, is part of our recruitment team." Currently, the recruitment team in France alone exceeds 150 people, with over 400 business managers actively involved in the front lines of talent selection. 

Quentin BOISSY D"ANGLAS，Corporate Communications

Transformation: from fax to AI

“When I started in recruitment, CVs came in by fax,” Stéphane laughs, like he’s telling a tale from another century. Today, ALTEN’s hiring process is fully digital — from social media applications and QR code check-ins to video interviews and AI-powered screening. “Technology is becoming a game-changer in recruitment,” Stéphane says. “We want HR to be as smart and structured as engineering itself.”

10 Sec

writing a resume is quite an art

How to Write a Standout Resume? Stéphane shares his "golden rule" from 17 years of recruitment experience: "Recruiters spend, on average, no more than 10 seconds reviewing a resume—within those 10 seconds, you must capture their attention." He offers very specific advice:

Clear structure with key points highlighted;

Start by emphasizing education background, internship projects, and technical expertise;

Replace vague statements with concrete achievements;

Tailor the resume content to each specific position whenever possible.

More importantly, include info about "who you are." He encourages candidates to showcase soft skills and "Mad Skills" in their resumes: "These could be a volunteer experience, an international trip, or an unusual hobby... These things help us see a vibrant person, not just a list of qualifications."

No tricks

thorough preparation + genuine approach

"The most fatal interview mistake? Not being prepared," Stéphane says firmly. He advises candidates to:

Research the company: Understand ALTEN/the company you"re applying to, its business, culture, and values.

Research the interviewer: Look up the interviewer"s background through LinkedIn or other platforms.

Research yourself: Be clear about why you"re a good fit for the role and support it with data or examples.

He adds, "We don"t expect a perfect performance. Be genuine. Show your passion, confidence, and willingness to keep learning." Even in remote video interviews, he reminds candidates to pay attention to their appearance, the cleanliness of their background, and the clarity of their speaking pace. "The professionalism you display will directly impact the first impression."

Don"t Overlook soft skills and mad skills

"Technical skills can be learned, but soft skills need to be cultivated," Stéphane emphasizes. At ALTEN, recruitment goes beyond looking at academic qualifications and experience; we place more value on a candidate"s communication skills, cross-cultural adaptability, curiosity, and ability to handle pressure. In the context of an increasing number of global projects, these "human" traits determine how far you can go. What"s even more interesting is that we encourage recruiters to uncover candidates" unique "Mad Skills." Can you fly a paraglider? Have you filmed a documentary? Are you deeply involved in theater? These special experiences and skills often spark diverse creativity within the team!

Final Advice

recruitment is a commitment to the future.

As Stéphane says, "Recruitment is not just about today, but about the possibilities three years from now." Both he and Quentin believe that behind every recruitment at ALTEN is a bond of trust and the beginning of a mutual journey between talent and dreams.