CEMEX: ENVIRONMENTAL & INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
Interview conducted by Nessrin Minessy

The success of any company comes from the efficiency of its employees. Recruiting the right calibers will reflect on the well being of the business. This week's 'Close Up On Professions' had the pleasure to interview Mr. Tarek Abus-Suud, HR Planning & Development Director of CEMEX EGYPT, one of the three largest Cement companies in the world.

About CEMEX:
Founded in 1906, CEMEX is one of the three largest Cement Companies in the world, with close to 78 million metric tons of production capacity. It is the world's leading producer of white cement. The company operates in 30 countries and has commercial relations with over 60 countries worldwide. "CEMEX is truly a multinational company that operates in Egypt. We have our own way of operating. We abide by the rules and regulations of the company regardless of its location and market," highlighted Abus-Suud.

Abus-Suud believes that CEMEX is a very rewarding company though demanding: "we receive instructions from Mexico at 5 pm which requires working late till things are delivered," he added.

CEMEX New Talents Program:
Being responsible for Human Resource functions, Abus-Suud is involved in the company's HR planning and development. Part of his responsibilities is the New Talents Rotational Program, which mission is to develop executives at the growing speed of the company. These people are being prepared to fulfill CEMEX needs. "We want to introduce females into the program; yet the problem is that they are required to spend the first six months at the plant in Assiut," he said. During this period of time, trainees learn the production process of cement. They continue the program for two years further and then the top performers are sent internationally to other CEMEX Business Units to learn the best practices in the field.

Criteria used when recruiting people:
"It is difficult to recruit people in Egypt as we have a hard time finding calibers willing to relocate internationally to developing countries or inside Egypt," pointed out Abus-Suud. He believes that fresh graduates are not qualified enough regarding language skills.
"We also have difficulties recruiting candidates from Assiut, that are able to utilize computers, e-mail and Internet," he said. Therefore the company hires employees from Cairo to be based in Assiut. "Yet people still don't accept the fact they can move their lives to Assiut," said Abus-Suud. "Since the market in Assiut is limited and the right calibers are not easy to find, we consider hiring graduates of the Future Generation Foundation; they do have a minimum of computer and language skills," he added.

"During job interviews, we do not judge from the first look; our main objective is to reduce bias effects," highlighted Abus-Suud. CEMEX has its own developed selection criteria: the HR responsible concentrates on competencies, the company morals, and behavior during the interview and language skills. "Candidates are required to pass an English exam- TOEIC and other psychometric exams," he added. From the date candidates apply for these exams, CEMEX makes the hiring decision within the four following weeks.

Abus-Suud believes in online recruitment as it allows recruiters to search their own way. Online recruitment helps you decrease or move away from human errors; it is a very systematic and economical way to hire people. It also allows you to avoid direct contact and "candidates nagging."

Advice given to a fresh graduate:
"Today is a better opportunity." HR management courses are today taught in universities. Besides today's market is in high need of HR functions: compensation, recruitment and training. "Yet very few candidates are qualified for HR opportunities," said Abu-Suud. Since HR is a required job nowadays, candidates should develop their skills by studying and researching. They should read as much as they can about HR.

Abus-Suud's story:
Abus-Suud graduated from the Faculty of Commerce in Cairo University, Accounting section. After his graduation, he went to live in Northern Sinai to participate in a project at the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (gtz), where he worked as a Project Assistant coordinator. The project aimed to increase the stability and standard of living of Bedouin communities in North Sinai.

Due to his sincere efforts, he received the appreciation of his superiors & evaluators. Abus-Suud ran surveys and developed questionnaires for Bedouins to express their needs. In addition, he participated in several workshops for projects planning & analyzing problems. He came back after spending four years in Northern Sinai to find a job in Cairo. Abus-Suud then joined Premier recruitment agency. He worked in the international recruiting department for about four years. Throughout this period, he learnt all the basics of recruitment as he was exposed to the many processes of major companies in the Gulf area. To gain more experience in the field, Abus-Suud moved to work in one of the most prestigious consulting firms in Egypt, KPMG, Hazem Hassan. During his work with KPMG, Hazem Hassan, he was envolved in several recruitment & selection assignments for major clients in & outside Egypt.
Abus-Suud also worked for Pepsi-Cola Egypt. He then started interviews & negotiations with CEMEX. He describes CEMEX as a very dynamic environment in which your efforts can be recognized and appreciated.
Abus-Suud is a certified Quality Expert from the TuV Academy, Germany. He is currently in his way to obtain a graduate degree in Human Resources Management.