My Brilliant Recruitment Career: Natasha Makhijani
15 March 2016
My Brilliant Recruitment Career: Natasha Makhijani
Thu, 17 Mar 2016 | By Natasha Makhijani
When I was really young, one of my cousins was in recruitment and somebody I knew worked in human resources in the US. So believe it or not, I always knew that I was either going to go into HR and talent or recruitment.
What was your first job in recruitment and how did you come into it? It was with Hays Logistics Supply Chain and I joined the graduate scheme back in 2000.
What do you love most about your current role? I love the variety and the autonomy that comes from being my own boss. And the fact that our business is expanding fast.
What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career? When I worked for Michael Page HR, I was told by my MD Paul Wilson that I would not be number one newcomer that year and I proved him wrong. He said I was more a Hays girl than a Michael Page girl! The other time was winning the DHL PSL (preferred supplier list) for Oliver Sanderson.
Do you prefer a staycation or holiday abroad? Holidays abroad definitely, so the beach in the Maldives. I’d also love to go to Las Vegas.
Outside the office, where would you like to interview a candidate or be interviewed? Home House in Portman Square but failing that, the beach in the Maldives.
What’s your top job to fill at the moment? HR director, a confidential brief for a major blue chip client.
Laugh or cry, what did your most memorable candidate make you want to do and why? Laugh and smile. That was a compliance director for a big blue-chip group. I managed to get him a job that allowed him to relocate back to the UK. I got him a pay rise of over £80k, which meant his wife could leave her role and he could send his kids to the best schools in the country.
What’s the best or worst interview question you’ve ever heard? Years ago I heard one of my recruiters, who was training, ask ‘how would your mum best describe you?’ I thought that was quite funny.
Make us an offer we can’t refuse
FROM APRIL'S RECRUITER MAGAZINE
What was your earliest dream job?When I was really young, one of my cousins was in recruitment and somebody I knew worked in human resources in the US. So believe it or not, I always knew that I was either going to go into HR and talent or recruitment.
What was your first job in recruitment and how did you come into it? It was with Hays Logistics Supply Chain and I joined the graduate scheme back in 2000.
What do you love most about your current role? I love the variety and the autonomy that comes from being my own boss. And the fact that our business is expanding fast.
What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career? When I worked for Michael Page HR, I was told by my MD Paul Wilson that I would not be number one newcomer that year and I proved him wrong. He said I was more a Hays girl than a Michael Page girl! The other time was winning the DHL PSL (preferred supplier list) for Oliver Sanderson.
Do you prefer a staycation or holiday abroad? Holidays abroad definitely, so the beach in the Maldives. I’d also love to go to Las Vegas.
Outside the office, where would you like to interview a candidate or be interviewed? Home House in Portman Square but failing that, the beach in the Maldives.
What’s your top job to fill at the moment? HR director, a confidential brief for a major blue chip client.
Laugh or cry, what did your most memorable candidate make you want to do and why? Laugh and smile. That was a compliance director for a big blue-chip group. I managed to get him a job that allowed him to relocate back to the UK. I got him a pay rise of over £80k, which meant his wife could leave her role and he could send his kids to the best schools in the country.
What’s the best or worst interview question you’ve ever heard? Years ago I heard one of my recruiters, who was training, ask ‘how would your mum best describe you?’ I thought that was quite funny.
Make us an offer we can’t refuse
Oliver Sanderson is expanding. As we’re growing, we’re looking for consultants that can come and work with us. We will be offering equity and LTIPs (Long Term Incentive Plans).
