‘Interacting with faculty here stands out as a memorable experience’

She describes herself as an experienced recruiter – an HR professional with over eight years of experience in the technology, strategy, and research sectors. The skills and expertise she can offer include being able to provide a true value-added service to any organisation. Her ability to source any level of candidate, effectively telephone screen, and manage expectations have become finely tuned areas of her expertise. She has outstanding communication and relationship-building skills and can effortlessly manage and meet client expectations. Meet Archi Sharma, an alumna of Apeejay School of Management (ASM).

In a candid interview, she talks about her fond memories from ASM among other things.

Tell us about your professional journey.

It began with an internship at Educomp Solutions Ltd. After completing my MBA I joined SapienRazorfish as Talent Acquisition Specialist. In 2019 I moved to Gartner as a Recruiter, APAC. Today I am a technical recruiter. So, it has been around eight years and so far the journey has been good.

Can you share insights into the nature of your work and describe a typical day?

I am involved in recruiting and talent acquisition in my present organisation, primarily handling HR responsibilities. A typical day involves managing recruitment processes, interacting with candidates, and addressing stakeholder expectations. My role is more aligned with HR functions; specifically focusing on recruiting and talent acquisition.

How did you become interested in HR as a profession?

During my MBA, I realised my passion for recruiting and HR. I initially pursued a degree in CA during my graduation but shifted my focus to HR due to its exciting nature, involving communication, interaction, and helping individuals grow in their careers. I finally ended up pursuing an MBA in Human Resources Management and Services.

What challenges do you face in the HR sector, particularly in recruitment?

External challenges include managing candidate expectations and effectively conveying the right messages. Internally, stakeholder management is crucial, guiding clients on best practices, and policies, and helping them navigate the candidate selection process.

How do you evaluate if a candidate is fit for the role, considering the prevalence of misinformation on resumes?

We assess candidates based on the technical capabilities required for the job and their behavioural aspects. Behavioural interviews, focusing on how candidates would react in certain situations, are conducted alongside technical evaluations to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

Any fond memories from your time at ASM?

The faculty at ASM was truly amazing when I joined the institute; I was in the 2013-15 batch. Hence, interacting with faculty stands out as a memorable experience. The faculty played a significant role in developing our personalities, boosting confidence, and helping us present ourselves effectively. The fact that they were supportive made my two years here memorable.

Would you recommend ASM to others based on your experience?

Yes, I would recommend ASM to others because of my positive experience, especially with faculty.

For someone aspiring to work in HR, what traits or skills do you consider essential?

Understanding the domain well, having people skills, and a focus on learning and understanding the curriculum is crucial. A strong foundation, such as that provided by ASM’s curriculum, can be beneficial in one’s HR career. Also, it is important to understand the critical aspects of HR, coupled with strong people skills, which are essential for a successful career in the field.