What does your job as people director involve?
I am responsible for the strategic leadership of the human resources (HR) function, ensuring it aligns with the company goals and long-term vision.
What makes you good at your job?
I am a people-orientated leader who builds strong relationships and strives to create a positive, inclusive work environment. I am approachable and empathetic, which helps me connect with people and understand and address employees’ needs while supporting them in their journey with the company.
What part of your job would you prefer not to do?
Like any job, HR comes with both rewarding moments and difficult challenges. One of the toughest aspects of my role is handling retrenchments and delivering difficult news, such as terminations or unfavourable disciplinary outcomes. While these decisions are sometimes necessary, they are never easy.
What advice do you have for someone preparing for a job interview?
Start by understanding the job description and how your skills and experience align with the role. Research the company, its values, culture and industry.
Prepare a clear summary of your experience, highlighting what sets you apart as a strong candidate. Think about the skills and expertise you can bring to the role and be ready to discuss them.
During the interview, ask thoughtful questions to show engagement and to assess whether the role and the company are the right fit for you. The interview is a two-way process — we evaluate you and you evaluate us to ensure we are a suitable fit.
Most importantly, be authentic. As interviewers, we can easily recognise when candidates try to give the “right” answers instead of being their true self. The goal is to find a job that aligns with who you truly are, not just one that fits an interview script.
What do you look for when recruiting for RS South Africa?
I first look for candidates who meet the role’s requirements in terms of knowledge, skills and experience, while also considering their potential for growth and long-term contribution to the team and company.
However, I firmly believe that attitude is everything. While skills can be taught, the right attitude cannot. At RS South Africa, we have a strong company culture and many people comment on the warmth they experience when interacting with us. Because of this, cultural fit and alignment with our company values are critical factors in all our hiring decisions.
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