Employee referrals

Giselle Rajabi
Managing Consultant
Referee

1. How did you first hear about HKA? 
   I heard from HKA for the first time from Behrang Ansari when he joined HKA. 
   
   
2. Did you know much about the working culture of HKA before? 
   I heard from Behrang about the diversity and opportunity for growth and success at HKA. He also told me about the opportunity to work and learn from great people and how HKA values studying. 
   
   
3. What was your experience with the recruitment process?
   I was in contact with Liz Kane, and she was available and responsive. 
   
   
4. How was your first week at HKA?
   My first week went smoothly. I was aware of my first-day plan, and Elle introduced me to my colleagues in the office. Everybody was supportive and friendly. 
   
   
5. Did you have any reservations working with someone you have a pre-existing relationship with? Have those views changed since you joined? 
   I used to work with Behrang Ansari and Geoff Bell, and they have been helpful and supportive since I joined. 
   
   
6. What advice would you give to people considering an opportunity from a referral?
   It would be a great opportunity if you know and trust your referrer and it is always good to ask about the culture of the company to make sure it is aligned with your goals.

Behrang Ansari
Associate Director
Referrer

1. How did you first hear about the vacant position?
   I first heard about the vacant position through the HKA website.
    
2. What were your thoughts on referring someone to this position?
   The first thing I consider is my reputation and whether the person I am referring is worthy enough to uphold it without causing damage to my credibility.   I believe the person should be a great fit for the position regarding their professional skills, experience, and qualities that align with the job requirements as well as their soft skills, personality. More importantly, whether they would be aligned or can adjust themselves with HKA culture and values.
    
3. What was your experience like to refer someone for a role at HKA?
   My experience referring Giselle for a role at HKA was positive. The recruitment process was efficient, and the People team was very responsive and supportive throughout.
    
4. Did your referral ask any questions about the process?
   Yes, Giselle had a few questions about the specific aspects like the interview format, company culture, the process time frame and benefits. I was able to provide answers based on my knowledge and experience with HKA.
    
5. Would you refer someone to work at HKA again?
   Absolutely. I would not hesitate to refer a suitable candidate for a position at HKA in the future.

Anton Ma
Lead Consultant
Referee

1. How did you first hear about HKA?
   Melvin Nagi and I used to work together and he often spoke of HKA after he joined. 
   
   
2. Did you know much about the working culture of HKA before? 
   Only what Melvin spoke about. 
   
   
3. What insights did your referrer give to you prior to engaging with HKA?
   Melvin mentioned the good work culture and how it was like working directly with a client. He also mentioned the flexibility of the workplace. 
   
   
4. What was your experience with the recruitment process? 
   The recruitment process was very smooth and insightful. Meaningful questions were asked by the recruiter and we both knew what each of us was after. 
   
   
5. How was your first week at HKA?
   The team that was in the office was great and Saurav from the IT team was excellent in helping where he could. The communication from my manager Damian prior to me starting was also good.
   
   
6. Did you have any reservations working with someone you have a pre-existing relationship with? Have those views changed since you joined?
   No for a few reasons. Firstly, although Melvin and I were working for the same client, I knew we were going to be working in a different teams. Secondly, we worked closely together in our previous role and had never had any issues and we both knew how each other operated. My views have not changed since joining. 
   
   
7. What advice would you give to people considering an opportunity from a referral?
   If being placed in a secondment role, take the time to meet the great people at HKA. It can be difficult to be back at the HKA office during the first month or two due to having to know the client and their method of working etc.

Melvin Nagi
Senior Consultant
Referrer

1. How did you first hear about the vacant position?
   There was no vacant position at the time of referral. Both Phil Kienstra and Mitchel Pitt mentioned to me that if there is any one in my contact list who would be a good fit for the HKA culture I should reach out to them.
    
2. What were your thoughts on referring someone to this position?
   After being with HKA for a while I knew that the people culture was very important that Anton Ma was the right sort of person to bring into the fold. As a previous mentor of mine, I knew he possessed the right knowledge basis, work ethic and people skills to thrive in such a position.
    
3. What was your experience like to refer someone for a role at HKA?
   The referral process was easy as Elle Weeden let me know about it when I first joined. All I had to do was fill out a basic form and I sent it to over to Liz Kane who then proceeded to recruit Anton.
    
4. Did your referral ask any questions about the process?
   Yes, Anton did ask about what the day to day would look like, secondee work culture, office culture and work life balance. I was pleased to say that these are all big priorities at HKA and that they operate at the highest standard.
    
5. Would you refer someone to work at HKA again?
   Definitely! The process was very easy, and the bonus was a great incentive.