In Conversation With Rahul Sahay, Senior Vice President – HR at Virtusa Corporation

Could you please take our readers down memory lane and tell us about the formative years of your illustrious journey?   

I oversee the HR function across select centres at Virtusa, where I've been over 11 years. My journey began in Hyderabad, where I contributed to talent management, talent acquisition, and learning roles. This path led me to the US, where I served as the head of HR for America for about three years.    

The growth I've experienced at Virtusa is truly enriching. Starting with talent management, I progressed to roles in system implementation and collaborated closely with clients and front-end sales teams, adding dynamism to my career journey.    

My journey also involves leading pivotal initiatives like the Oracle HCM upgrade, aimed at establishing scalable systems of intelligence and record. This venture required collaboration with vendors, external partners, the AG team, and business stakeholders to ensure a smooth upgrade.  

In my view, effective leadership revolves around modesty, relevance, and empathy—crucial qualities for fostering a strong leadership approach.  

With the growing interest in AI interviews, how do you see automation effectively supplementing traditional talent-sourcing methods at Virtusa Corporation? What benefits has Virtusa experienced by integrating automation into its talent acquisition process?  

In the current business environment, speed and effectiveness are vital, particularly in the hiring process, which can be time-consuming and challenging. To address the complexities of modern recruiting, leaders must adopt innovative strategies. Generative applications of AI are emerging as a valuable solution in this context, recognized by business leaders as a powerful tool to enhance efficiency and productivity within their organizations.  

At Virtusa Corporation, we embrace automation to complement traditional talent sourcing methods, thereby enhancing efficiency and accuracy in talent acquisition. By leveraging the potential of AI and automation, we have observed accelerated candidate screening and improved candidate quality through intelligent matching. Tools like VeriClick and HackerRank have significantly simplified the hiring process and improved efficiency, enabling us to swiftly identify and secure top-notch talent. Additionally, automation has played a crucial role in reducing manual biases and fostering a fair and impartial selection process. Overall, the integration of automation has positively influenced our talent acquisition process, allowing us to efficiently attract and retain exceptional candidates.  

Technology plays a significant role in fostering agility throughout the hiring process. Can you elaborate on some specific ways Virtusa leverages technology to streamline and enhance its hiring process?  

Technology plays a vital role in promoting agility within Virtusa's hiring process. We utilize advanced CRM platforms to gain valuable insights into potential candidates, simplifying candidate engagement and sourcing. Furthermore, our AI-powered assessment platforms expedite and enhance candidate evaluation, leading to quicker decision-making. Additionally, AI-driven predictive analytics enable us to anticipate talent needs and proactively address skill gaps. With the adoption of these technologies, we ensure a seamless and efficient hiring process, enabling us to remain agile and responsive to evolving talent requirements.  

As Virtusa Corporation operates globally, how do you ensure alignment with global standards in the company's hiring practices while addressing the unique needs and cultural aspects of each region?  

As an engineering-first company, Virtusa Corporation ensures alignment with global hiring standards while addressing the unique needs and cultural aspects of each region. Our HR team collaborates closely with global counterparts to uphold company-wide policies and guidelines, ensuring consistency in recruitment practices. However, we recognize the importance of adapting our approach to cater to the preferences and expectations of local candidates. By customizing our hiring strategy, we can attract top talent while fostering a cultural fit that aligns with each region's specific requirements.  

The implementation of AI chatbots as interviewers has gained traction in the industry. Does Virtusa use AI chatbots in interviews, and if so, what specific roles do they play in the overall candidate evaluation process?  

At Virtusa, we embrace AI chatbots in our interviews, enhancing candidate evaluation. Our chatbots engage applicants during the application process, aid candidates on our career page, and conduct preliminary assessments. They offer support, scheduling assistance, and data-driven insights, streamlining the experience. Additionally, we automate onboarding through a dedicated tool, ensuring seamless integration for new hires. Our commitment to innovation drives us to explore AI's potential in recruitment and onboarding, refining our strategies for optimal candidate selection. 

In your experience, what are the key factors that contribute to a successful talent acquisition strategy, and how does Virtusa tailor its approach to attract and retain top talent in the competitive IT industry?  

Several pivotal elements play a role in achieving an effective talent acquisition strategy. To begin, a robust employer brand and a favourable company culture are vital to drawing exceptional candidates. Virtusa customizes its approach by showcasing our dedication to nurturing employee advancement and cultivating an inclusive, collaborative work environment that resonates with IT experts. Moreover, adept utilization of technology, encompassing AI and automation, expedites the hiring process, allowing us to secure suitable talent. Lastly, our tailored candidate journey and attractive compensation offerings contribute to the retention of valuable employees in the competitive IT sector.  

With the rise of remote work and virtual hiring processes, how has Virtusa adapted its talent acquisition strategy to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this paradigm shift?  

At Virtusa, we have invested in robust virtual hiring platforms that facilitate remote candidate assessments and interviews, ensuring a seamless and efficient hiring experience. Additionally, we have extended our talent search to a global pool of candidates, allowing us to tap into diverse talent and offer opportunities for remote work. The virtual environment has also enabled us to foster a more inclusive and flexible workplace, attracting top talent from various geographical locations.  

What advice would you give to other HR leaders and organisations looking to integrate AI and automation into their talent acquisition processes while maintaining a human-centric approach?  

In the dynamic HR landscape, integrating automation is crucial. To guide its implementation, understand your hiring goals and identify AI opportunities in your talent acquisition process for increased efficiency. Invest in user-friendly AI tools that enhance candidate engagement and prioritize data privacy. Continuously evaluate AI performance, gather feedback, and emphasize the human touch to build meaningful connections and a strong company culture. As we embrace automation, let's stay strategic and mindful of candidates and culture.