Bio:
Natasha is the Recruitment Manager for Meltwater Group in the Middle East & Africa. She is an integral member of their global HR/recruitment team. Having lived all around the world (Spain, Canada, UK, UAE amongst a few), she is well-versed in dealing with a multitude of cultures, making her highly proficient in dealing with the needs and requirements of employees and offices across the globe.
Questions:
1. How do you like living and working in UAE?
Dubai is home to me. Having had the opportunity to live in different countries, I find life in Dubai to be most convenient and comfortable. Working in the UAE can be challenging due to its distinct laws and regulations, yet it is extremely rewarding because of the multitude of cultures you work with and learn from.
2. What is your average day at work like?
My average day involves working across different time zones. Being part of a global team means that when I am not meeting with candidates for the Dubai or Abu Dhabi offices, I am phone interviewing candidates for our office in Cape Town, or working on a project with the recruitment manger in Amsterdam, or having a global Recruitment Team web conference at 9 am PDT (20:00pm local time !)
3. What is your biggest professional challenge?
Managing the expectations of employees who are all passionate about the role and the company is probably my biggest challenge. At Meltwater, I am very closely involved with every candidate from the first phone interview to the final panel interview with the Directors. Turning down a candidate after an extensive recruitment procedure is always difficult. Fortunately, at Meltwater we never just turn people down – we make a commitment to offer them constructive feedback with the hope that they leave having learnt something beneficial for the future.
4. What is the most important thing you look for in new hires?
In Meltwater, the most important thing is for the new hires to not only be highly intelligent, but also for them to mirror our organizational values and culture. A great team player with a strong drive to succeed is important. The Middle East is a fast-growing region; therefore someone with a passion for entrepreneurship is definitely a strong hire for me.
5. What is the biggest challenge you face in hiring talent?
Sales is stigmatized around the world. In many respects, the sales profession has been considered less attractive to other more ‘glamorous’ job titles. In the post-financial crisis world, modern companies are placing particular emphasis on the value of sales and business development, and it is a challenge for me to educate fresh university graduates as well as experienced candidates on the fact that Sales can be as lucrative and prestigious a career path as any other. At Meltwater, we recognize sales is the best school of management.
6. What is your favorite part of your role?
My favourite part of the role is seeing a new hire develop personally and professionally within the company, and reach the next stage of their career.
7. What has been the highlight of your career in HR?
I would have to say the opportunity to be part of a global HR/recruitment team and learn from individuals from different cultures has been something I have enjoyed the most. Also, watching the growth of an office and success of an individual due to HR and recruitment efforts are very exciting. Every interaction with every employee is an opportunity for me to learn and develop my own career.
8. What is your advice to someone looking to enter the field of HR?
You must be passionate about your company in order to be successful in a HR role, as your work revolves around the organization’s culture and people. Always build great relationships with your employees and colleagues as it will keep you in good stead. With a huge expatriate work force in this region, it is important to always be understanding and respectful of the local culture.
9. How do you see the Middle East evolve as a place to practice HR?
Given the fact that the Middle East, specifically Dubai, as a business hub is still in its formative stages, there is only reason to believe that there is room for improvement. Organizations are now understanding the importance of effective HR practices with the advent of international companies in the region, and a lot of effort is going toward the improvement of the same.
10. If you could wave your magic stick and make a significant development in one specific area of HR practices worldwide, where would that fall?
I would wave my magic stick to standardize all HR policies, laws and regulations across the globe. This would really simplify processes for a global company like ours, and would allow us to invest more creative efforts in attracting and retaining outstanding talent!
