To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, we’ve been speaking to some of the inspiring women working across Resource Solutions to discuss their career journeys, the experiences that have made them who they are today, and what #BreakTheBias – IWD22’s theme – means to them.

Sajeedah Lambart is a Direct Recruiter based in Johannesburg, South Africa, supporting Resource Solutions’ direct sourcing functions and powering our partnership capabilities. She reveals how her diverse role enables her to do what she does best, her advice for women starting out in recruitment, and what she learned from her time in the construction industry. 

What does a typical day look like at Resource Solutions?

On a typical day, I’ll complete a wide range of tasks that help us to fulfil roles across several organisations. These include checking in with our client account teams, discussions with hiring managers about their needs, sourcing candidates and setting up interviews.

The work itself can be fast paced, but I enjoy how the team is set up. Instead of generalist roles, we’re assigned tasks that cater to our various strengths and fields of expertise. Mine is in Financial Services, specifically in supply chain services and business management, and this arrangement enables me to do what I do best.

What do you enjoy most about the role?

My favourite thing is getting to interact with new people every day and helping them find their next opportunity. It’s incredibly rewarding. 

How would you describe your experience as a woman working in recruitment?

My first job in recruitment was in the construction industry, which is very much male dominated in South Africa. A lot of my work involved dealing with engineers on the ground, who had no qualms about being direct in their demands. Considering my gender and initial lack of experience, that kind of environment presented a steeper learning curve for me. 

The role was daunting in the beginning, but looking back, I am grateful for the experience. It taught me how to navigate situations in which I feel underestimated or boxed into a predetermined role. The skills I’ve picked up have prepared me for all the roles I took on after – especially growing to relate to those I work with and understanding their different styles. 

How would you describe the company culture at Resource Solutions?

I believe the company culture more than lives up to our inclusivity values. I work with teams based across the world, and everyone has been welcoming and open-minded.

The high visibility of women in leadership positions is also encouraging, and testament to how women at Resource Solutions are empowered to push boundaries.

Who are your female role models?

Growing up, my mother has always been an inspiration – she’s the reason why I’ve come this far. She rejoined the workforce after raising me and my two older sisters. It had been 20 years since she had been in that kind of environment. She’s had to learn how to turn on a computer and be around people in a working context again. However, that has not stopped her from always pushing herself until she reaches her goals.

What advice would you give to women starting a career in recruitment?

Recruitment can be challenging at times, so be yourself and trust your instincts, while keeping an open mind as you explore and learn the ropes. There will come a time where you’ll need to put your hand up and take a stand or argue your case. When that time comes, stick to your values. Combine that with hard work, and you will succeed.

Download our whitepaper, Break the Bias: Achieving gender equality in the workplace, for further insights into gender equality and how hidden bias within your recruitment process could be alienating diverse talent. In addition, you’ll discover actionable tips for fostering a more inclusive company culture.