These days, hiring employees has become so automated that often times humans are not involved until many steps into the process. Companies use automation software to pick out keywords from resumes or rely on recruiters who are very far away to recruit people.

Hiring the right people remains one of the biggest concerns for leaders. But how can anyone find the right person when relying on criteria such as keywords and algorithms? This may save time in the short term but it is highly unlikely to result in the right person being hired for a particular job.

We are continuously working to find the best employees at Jaipur Rugs. One of the most important things that a company can do is build a base with passionate and dedicated people who align with your organization’s goals. This would seem almost impossible to do without a human touch.

Having particular skills and experience is, of course, important. However, attitude and passion are much better indicators of the worthiness of a potential employee. When interviewing potential workers, I focus less on the work and experience of the person and more on the willingness of the person to learn. Skills can always be taught but passion is something that is ingrained within someone.

So, if I meet someone who has little experience but is passionate, a hard worker and has a hunger to learn, I am more likely to hire this person because I know they will try hard and bring a certain approach to work that will inspire others.

I also believe in giving people options when working at Jaipur Rugs. In other words, if someone is hired to do a particular job and is unhappy in the position, I want them to feel comfortable enough to speak to a manager about shifting priorities. When you are passionate about your work, nothing can stop you from succeeding and going above and beyond.

We have had several situations at Jaipur Rugs in which people were hired for one job and shifted their position entirely. The results were amazing because people discovered the talents and skills they did not know they had. In fact, a few of these people have gone on to head departments. Giving people a chance to explore and understand what their forte is, results in the best employees because they feel valued and trusted.

Fresh from college with a background in finance, Swati Ponnala began her career at Jaipur Rugs with the goal of using her expertise in that field. However, a few months later Swati was at the grassroots teaching artisans and running educational programs.

“I stumbled upon my passion for teaching, to be able to make someone learn something, and it all just started coming naturally further on,” says Swati, who currently heads the Leadership and Training department for Jaipur Rugs.

Swati has had a crucial role over the years in bringing voices from grassroots to the head office. Important initiatives such as Bunkar Sakhi, the Weaver Engagement Program, and Grassroots Leadership have all been implemented through her work.

Several of our current rug designers started at the grassroots weaving rugs but had no previous design experience at all. Once given the opportunity to explore the design aspect of rug creation, they thrived and some of their designs have even won international awards. Like in the picture above, Bimla Devi flew to Frankfurt, Germany to receive the German Design Award 2018 for her rug, ‘Kamal’. 

At Jaipur Rugs, everyone gets the opportunity to explore and understand where their true passion lies and if their vision and purpose align with that of the organization. It is because of these initiatives that we have some of the most passionate and dedicated employees around.