We recently sat down with Sayalee Pawar for the latest instalment in our ‘Meet the Team’ series. Sayalee is Xperate’s Talent Acquisition Manager, based in our Pune office, and she plays a key part in our recruitment process. She ensures that we hire the best of the best and develop those into key members of the team. In this edition, we learn more about Sayalee’s role, recruitment insights, and also what she likes to get up to outside of the office.
Describe your current role and previous experiences
I joined Xperate as a Talent Acquisition Manager and transitioned into an HR Manager role within my first year. The shift felt seamless, as my experience in talent acquisition already involved managing candidates and handling responsibilities closely aligned with HR. My background in people management also made the transition much easier.
Since March 2024, I have taken on both Talent Acquisition and HR responsibilities, playing a key role in expanding our team. In my time here, 40 new employees have joined, bringing our total to 120. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to Xperate’s growth, especially as we continue to gain clients and expand into new areas of the globe. With over 100 employees now in our Pune office, I focus on ensuring clear processes and guidance for every new team member.
One of the aspects I love most about my role is the balance between managing external candidates and supporting internal staff. I strive to be both a supportive friend and a firm leader when needed, ensuring that new hires have the structure and resources to succeed from day one.
I’ve learned so much from Bharat Gidde - he’s not just a great manager but also a mentor I deeply respect. His insights on work and company culture have been invaluable during my first year at Xperate.
Over the past nine years in the industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with clients from around the world, which has been an incredible experience. I’m excited to continue growing with Xperate as we expand our reach and build an even stronger team.
How do you ensure that Xperate hires "the best of the best"? What qualities do you specifically look for in potential candidates?
Our hiring approach depends heavily on the role and its specific requirements. For technical positions, for example, we focus on assessing a candidate’s technical skills and ensuring they can confidently perform the tasks they claim to be proficient in. However, beyond technical expertise, we take a holistic approach to evaluating candidates.
We look beyond just qualifications - we want to understand the person behind the CV. A positive attitude is key, as is a willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges and responsibilities. A strong first impression matters, but what truly stands out is a candidate’s eagerness to grow and contribute to the team.
At Xperate, we recognise that everyone makes mistakes, and we foster a culture where learning from those mistakes is encouraged. We support our employees in overcoming challenges, helping them develop both professionally and personally. Ultimately, we’re not just looking for skilled individuals - we’re looking for people who will thrive within our team and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.
What makes Xperate’s recruitment process unique?
Our recruitment process at Xperate is unique, especially when it comes to hiring students. Multiple times a year, we run dedicated recruitment drives, setting aside time to interview and assess candidates thoroughly. To ensure we select the best candidates, our process includes two rigorous testing rounds designed to assess both technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
We strive to create a workplace where all our employees, whether full-time staff or interns, feel happy, valued, and supported. Interns at Xperate are not treated as temporary workers; they are given the same opportunities as software developers, including hands-on experience and client interactions. We focus on potential over formal qualifications, meaning that degrees and academic backgrounds often take a backseat to work ethic, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
After three months, each intern undergoes a comprehensive review, where their progress is evaluated. Those who demonstrate strong performance, dedication, and a cultural fit may be offered a full-time role. This approach allows us to nurture talent from the ground up while ensuring that our team continues to grow with individuals who share our values and vision. Unlike many other companies, we offer paid internships because we believe that work should always be valued and compensated.
Do you have any CV or interview tips for someone who might be interested in applying for a role at Xperate?
During interviews, we look for candidates who show genuine interest in the role, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what the job entails, and eagerness is a key quality we value at Xperate. Making a strong first impression can make all the difference. I also encourage candidates to read the job description carefully, ensuring they fully understand the responsibilities and seniority level of the position they’re applying for.
In my time at Xperate, I haven’t come across a poor CV - colleges in Pune do a great job of helping students craft strong ones. Just like in an interview, eagerness and a positive attitude stand out in a CV. However, for technical roles, we also expect candidates to demonstrate relevant technical skills.
I’m not opposed to using AI to refine and enhance your CV, but it should be built on your own work. AI can help improve sentence structure and language, but it’s usually quite obvious when a CV has been entirely AI-generated. A well-crafted CV should reflect your own experiences and skills in an authentic way.
What challenges do you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
I love my role at Xperate and feel genuinely happy here. Like any job, it comes with its challenges, but I embrace them as part of the experience. One of my key priorities is providing feedback to as many candidates as possible, especially given the high number of applicants.
With the wide-ranging responsibilities I handle, spanning both HR and talent acquisition, staying calm and composed is essential. I make a conscious effort to maintain a positive mindset and share that energy with those around me, helping to keep morale high. This approach has earned me the trust and respect of my colleagues, and I take pride in being someone they can look up to.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I have a four-year-old son at home who is full of energy and endless questions. I love spending my free time with him, though keeping up with all his curiosity can be quite the challenge! Motherhood has definitely strengthened my patience, which has been a huge asset in my role, though, I must admit, managing employees is sometimes easier than managing a toddler!
One of my favourite things to do is cook, especially Indian dishes like chicken and fish curries. While I love eating Italian food, I haven’t quite mastered cooking it yet. I’m the only one who cooks at home, not just because I enjoy it, but because I love the peaceful alone time it gives me in the kitchen.
As a family, we love travelling and even have a YouTube channel where we share our travel vlogs. We usually get around 1.5k views per video, which is amazing! Since our son is still young, we tend to stick to local travel spots, but we always make the most of every trip.
My husband and I both love dancing, and we’re actually pretty good at it! Life outside of work is always busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Connect with Sayalee on LinkedIn here.