HR Spotlight: Sagar Lakhani
Welcome to the HR Spotlight where we chat with Human Resources professionals and hear their tips and expertise to help you level up and find that next career move!
Meet Sagar Lakhani!
Human Resources Manager, Insulation Supply Company
Sagar has 10+ years of professional work experience including 7+ years of progressive HR & payroll experience. Highly capable and levelheaded, he has extensive experience interviewing and preparing candidates for interviews as well as facilitating reviews for candidate resumes, LinkedIn profiles & cover letters. He provides career advice and consults on professional and social media branding. He also works with companies and prides himself in eliminating potential employment-related issues (no litigation, thanks!) through processing payroll and continually researching employment legislation to ensure that the companies he works with are fully protected.
What helps a candidate stand out?
Having the ability to tailor your professional and/or academic experiences to the job duties and responsibilities (found on the job description).
What’s your biggest resume tip?
Provide metrics (numbers, measurable data) on your resume.
What’s your biggest interview tip?
Be conversational as well as professional in your tone. It is best that the interview is more of a dialogue versus a traditional Q&A session.
What’s your biggest networking tip?
Be open to networking and having conversations with a variety of individuals. You do not know where your next employment opportunity, prospect, etc. will come!
What are some dos & don’t of negotiating?
DO:
1) Research the pay range for your position.
2) Know the value you provide to a potential employer and therefore know the number in which you can comfortably "walk away" from an opportunity.
DO NOT:
1) Come in trying to dominate the negotiation.
2) End any discussion too quickly just because the potential employer does not give you your number. Instead, attempt to further discuss other avenues of a compromised solution (i.e., flexible work schedule, remote work, benefits, etc.).
How do you feel about cover letters?
They are important and communicate the value you can provide to a potential employer without it just being a restatement of your resume.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to someone in their job search?
Be open to exploring every potential avenue (job boards/sites, conversations with hiring managers and HR professionals, connecting with recruiters and going through a temporary staffing agency, etc.).
How can a new team member best distinguish themselves?
Communicate to the rest of your team that you are (1) a team player and (2) willing to contribute to the project/mission the best way you can. You can inform the rest of your team about your skills and experience so that they know where best to utilize your talents!
Any other tips or suggestions you’d like to share?
Make sure that your LinkedIn profile has: (1) a professional headshot; (2) an "About" section that excites the reader; (3) a thorough detailed discussion/explanation of your prior work experiences, educational experiences, and volunteer experiences; (4) skills and expertise endorsed by your connections; and (5) recommendations from your previous supervisors, managers, coworkers, academic peers and cohorts, clients and customers, and any other individuals who can specifically speak to the value you bring to your LinkedIn network.
The MRM Career Coaching team is excited to partner with Sagar this month to bring job seekers a special deal!
Purchase the H.I.R.E. M.E. Resume Course in January (2021) and you'll receive a complimentary meeting with Sagar to review your updated resume & answer any questions!
Here’s what you’ll receive:
The H.I.R.E. M.E. Resume Course where you'll create a resume that flies through the ATS & tells recruiters HIRE ME!
+ 6 easy to follow modules with videos and worksheets
+ 3 customizable Word resume templates
+ A job search tracking template to keep you organized & focused
+ Bonus: resume Pivot Plan for career changers
PLUS! A 45-minute resume review!
