Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Websites
Timeline
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Hristina Kostadinova

Hristina Kostadinova

Pazardzhik, Bulgaria

Summary

Experienced and people-focused IT Recruiter and HR Specialist with a solid background in full-cycle recruitment, HR operations, and talent strategy. Skilled in building meaningful candidate relationships, enhancing employer branding, and delivering exceptional hiring experiences. Known for a proactive, adaptable approach, and a strong digital presence with 15,000+ LinkedIn connections, effectively bridging the gap between people and tech.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance IT Recruiter / Founder

iTech Talents LTD
07.2023 - Current
  • Founded and legally established iTech Talents to ensure GDPR-compliant freelance recruiting services.
  • Collaborated with international recruitment agencies and direct clients: Devsense, Office People, Runa, Eastvantage, Prime Force.
  • Delivered end-to-end recruitment for tech roles (Java, .NET, Frontend, Data, Product, Cloud, etc.).
  • Crafted job descriptions, sourced and screened candidates, conducted interviews, and managed offers.
  • Maintained excellent candidate and client experience throughout the recruitment lifecycle.
  • Actively expanded talent pipeline through job fairs, events, and LinkedIn campaigns.

Co-Owner & Team Leader

MindHub Academy - Pazardzhik
Pazardzhik
07.2023 - Current
  • Co-manage a local branch of the international Mindhub programming academy network.
  • Lead a team of five mentors and support staff to deliver high-quality programming education.
  • Oversee operations, scheduling, customer satisfaction, and people development.
  • Build and maintain community engagement through events and outreach initiatives.

Talent Relations and Recruiting Specialist

Zhulke Group
Remote
02.2023 - 07.2023
  • Managed full-cycle recruitment for various IT roles (Java, .NET, Mobile, Embedded, etc.).
  • Acted as a primary point of contact for candidates and hiring managers across regions.
  • Coordinated interviews, background checks, and offer processes.
  • Promoted Zühlke’s employer brand through sourcing strategies and public events.

HR Specialist & IT Recruiter

Festo Bulgaria
Sofia, Bulgaria
02.2022 - 02.2023
  • I drove the full hiring process while also supporting key HR functions.
  • Consulted managers on workforce needs and recruitment strategy.
  • Conducted job analyses and role mapping for optimal alignment.
  • Maintained and updated recruitment files and ATS records.
  • Participated in employer branding initiatives, job fairs, and internal HR projects.
  • Supported onboarding, internal communication, and employee engagement activities.

IT Recruiter (Agency & Contract Roles)

Various Companies – Upskill, Seiteq, Top Skills Recruitment
Sofia, Bulgaria
10.2019 - 02.2022
  • Progressively developed expertise in IT recruitment through diverse roles in HR service providers, and contract positions.
  • Gained hands-on experience in sourcing, interviewing, and matching candidates for various technical roles and clients.
  • Built strong foundations in candidate engagement, CRM/ATS systems, and client communication.
  • I participated in tech events and meetups, expanding my professional network and market insights.
  • Adapted quickly to different company cultures and project-based work, reinforcing flexibility and reliability.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski"
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
09-2024

Master of Science - Business Psychology

University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski"
Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Skills

  • IT and tech recruitment
  • Talent acquisition strategy
  • ATS and CRM platforms
  • Sourcing and employer branding
  • GDPR-compliant data handling
  • HR operations and communication
  • People management and leadership
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Onboarding and retention strategies
  • Social media hiring campaigns
  • Interviewing and candidate assessment
  • Stakeholder management
  • Adaptability

Languages

Bulgarian
First Language
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2

Timeline

Freelance IT Recruiter / Founder

iTech Talents LTD
07.2023 - Current

Co-Owner & Team Leader

MindHub Academy - Pazardzhik
07.2023 - Current

Talent Relations and Recruiting Specialist

Zhulke Group
02.2023 - 07.2023

HR Specialist & IT Recruiter

Festo Bulgaria
02.2022 - 02.2023

IT Recruiter (Agency & Contract Roles)

Various Companies – Upskill, Seiteq, Top Skills Recruitment
10.2019 - 02.2022

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski"

Master of Science - Business Psychology

University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski"
Hristina Kostadinova