Immense hard work, and eternal thirst to learn; these two elements perfectly describe the journey of Bijal Jhaveri from India to Hong Kong. From teaching computer courses in Mumbai to successfully running a recruitment company in Hong Kong, Bijal Jhaveri's career is a journey from ordinary to extra-ordinary.

With over two decades of experience in the recruitment industry, Bijal has made a mark through her company The Career Works. Since the time she overtook the business in 2006, the company has grown to operate in Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and Australia, and envisions to open a branch in the UK. While mostly focused on recruitment for banks and multinational companies, the company has diversified its offerings, providing visa consulting services in Hong Kong. With her diverse skill set and drive for success, Bijal continues to be a trailblazer in the entrepreneurial landscape of Asia's bustling city. Women Entrepreneur Magazine is proud to honour her.

Could you elaborate on The Career Works' expertise as an HR firm?
At Career Works, our focus is on Permanent Recruitment, Contract Recruitment, Managed Services and Payroll, and we pride ourselves on our ability to source the most qualified candidates for our clients. It's important to note that our efforts are a team endeavor. We are responsible for overseeing the recruitment process, training new staff, and ensuring that resumes align with client expectations. Our core business model revolves around contract recruitment, with our clients employing the candidates we present to them. We meticulously manage the entire process, from sourcing to onboarding, and ensure that the candidate is performing optimally. Our comprehensive services include helping create high-quality CVs, payroll management, timesheet management, and billing. Overall, our end-to-end recruitment approach is aimed at providing our clients with exceptional talent and fulfilling their needs to the fullest.

Tell us about the key business challenges and takeaways you have gathered from those hurdles.
In terms of key business challenges, as an SME, one of the main challenges for The Career Works has been managing and expanding the volume of business, especially in a smaller market like Hong Kong when compared to India. However, we have been able to survive and thrive in this vibrant city due to its straightforward and transparent business environment. Another challenge is figuring out how to scale the business effectively, potentially through hiring more staff. Despite these challenges, we have found great success in the recruitment industry in Hong Kong. Overall, the key takeaway for us has been the importance of adapting to the unique business environment of Hong Kong and finding ways to grow and expand while maintaining their high standards of quality and service.

What motivated you to establish The Career Works and what was the inspiration behind its founding?
It all began when I had just become a mother. Seeking part-time employment opportunities, I discovered that the pay was quite low unlike the gig economy of today. It was then that my colleague approached me with a proposal to start a business together. We came across a business center where I rented office space that I have continued to use for the past 20 years. Initially, the plan was to start something part-time, but as time went by, I transitioned to a full-time commitment. As a mother of a one-year-old, I was determined to create something that could accommodate the needs of working parents like myself. This was the driving force behind the creation of Career Works and the innovative phone product that we developed.

What various kinds of responsibilities do you shoulder? What are your current priorities in terms of driving growth for the company?
As the founder and CEO of the firm, there is a multitude of responsibilities that I must shoulder. Above all, it is critical that I am present and available for any needs or issues that may arise within the company. In essence, the company is my baby, and I must be hands-on in every aspect of its operation. Alongside this, I must take charge of the finances and operations, as these are crucial to the success of the business. Timely payment to contractors is essential, in adherence to labor laws and ensure we are fully compliant. This means staying up-to-date with legal requirements and regulations to avoid any mistakes that could cause problems for the company. We have to be diligent and dedicated in all aspects of its operation to ensure its continued growth and success.

"Be positive, work hard, and invest in your professional development - there's no alternative to hard work"

To drive the growth of our company, we have prioritized several key strategies. First, we are actively reaching out to new clients through various channels and sources, and reintroducing ourselves to people who have followed us over the years. Additionally, we recently established our India Company, TCW Consulting LLP, and we are focusing on growing our business in India by reaching out to Indian clients. We have years of experience and a thorough approach to recruitment, and we are committed to providing the same high-quality service to clients in India, whether it be for permanent or contractor positions. We believe these efforts will help us achieve our goal of driving growth and expanding our business.

In your opinion, how has recruitment evolved over the past few years, particularly in India, and what are some of the challenges you face as a recruiter in this post-pandemic world?

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, corporate recruitment has remained a stable business, with the government providing support where necessary. However, the volume of business has decreased post-COVID, which has been a challenge for us. To counter this, we have been expanding our business in Hong Kong, Singapore and India. Recruitment has become increasingly competitive in India, with many players in the same space. However, what sets us apart is our track record of stability. While some firms come with a big name and boom, they may not necessarily have the same level of stability that we offer. Our slow and steady approach may not be as pushy as some others, but we can always offer our clients the assurance of stability.

Throughout your professional journey, what are some of the most significant milestones you have achieved so far? What success mantra helped you achieve these accomplishments?
One of the most significant milestones that I am proud of is forming our Singapore and India companies. In addition, having big investment banks in our clientele has also been a major achievement for us. As for my success mantra, there is no substitute for hard work. I believe that it's essential to be present and dedicated to the work at hand. We cannot rely on others to do the job for us. In addition, maintaining a positive attitude has been instrumental in keeping me motivated and focused on achieving my goals.

Bijal Jhaveri, Founder & CEO, The Career Works
Bijal pursued her education at Mumbai University, where she completed her BA in Economics, followed by an MBA. She has also taken up online courses to stay updated and looks forward to learn more in the future. Her mantra is to work hard, help others, and continuously upgrade her skills