Interview with Breanna Schaefer-O’Reilly from Select HR
- Can you introduce Select HR and tell us what makes your company unique in the Luxembourg HR landscape?
Select HR is, at its core, a people-first company. We’re a dedicated team that genuinely loves understanding how people and organisations operate. What makes us different in Luxembourg is our approach: we take the time to really get to know our clients and candidates, and we’re honest, and transparent, always. No shortcuts, no pushing people into the wrong roles. We focus on building relationships that actually last, which makes the work far more meaningful for everyone involved.
2. In your experience, what are the most important trends shaping recruitment and talent management this year?
People want clarity and respect, which sounds simple, but it’s become a real differentiator in todays market. Candidates are asking smarter questions and paying close attention to how companies show up throughout the hiring process. On the employer side, we’re seeing clients struggle to find candidates who tick each box on their wishlist, and start to have more openness toward skills-based hiring. Companies are also realising that talent attraction and retention can’t be treated separately anymore, they feed into each other.
3. What are the biggest HR challenges you’re currently seeing in Luxembourg — and how is Select HR helping organisations address them?
The biggest challenge companies in Luxembourg are currently facing in the HR world is standing out in a market where everyone is looking for the same talent. Many companies struggle to articulate what truly makes them unique to give them the advantage in the market. To overcome this we really get to know our clients, so we can properly and adequately vouch and represent them to candidates. We also spend a lot of time improving our clients hiring processes, making them more transparent, faster, and people focused. A positive candidate experience goes a long way in this market.
4. What made Select HR decide to partner with The Network?
We took the chance to partner with The Network because it represents everything we believe in: connection, growth, curiosity, and women supporting women. It’s a community full of smart, international, motivated women who want to lift each other up and that’s exactly the kind of environment we love being part of. So often we’ve seen women be undervalued in the market, under-offered or not even considered, we therefore hope that being partners to The Network we will be able to further empower women with our market insights. Partnering with The Network felt like a natural fit from the very first conversation.
5. What does a successful partnership with The Network look like for Select HR?
For us, success means that members feel they’ve gained something tangible, whether that’s insight, confidence, career clarity, or simply the feeling of being supported in the market or in their career journeys. If our involvement helps even a handful of women feel more empowered in their career journey, then that’s a win. We’re here to be a real resource, not just a logo on a slide.
6. How does this partnership align with your company’s values and objectives?
Select HR is built on trust, respect, and a genuine passion for helping people grow. Working with The Network allows us to put those values into action in a meaningful, local way. We want to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive professional community in Luxembourg, and championing women’s development is a big part of that mission.
7. What advice would you give to professionals looking to advance their careers in Luxembourg today?
Be curious, be visible, and don’t underestimate the value of community. Luxembourg is a small country with big opportunities, and so much of career growth happens through conversations and connections. Invest in your skills, know your strengths, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, whether that’s a new role, a raise, or a stretch opportunity. And remember: the right environment will recognise your potential long before you have to prove it.