What do you do at MRG?
I’m a Senior Recruitment Manager for the Real Estate sector, managing technical and non-technical roles. My expertise spans sourcing and placing top-tier talent — from experienced senior professionals up to C-level executives. My role is to understand the strategic needs of the business and align them with the right talent to drive long-term success.
What are you most proud about that you have achieved in your career to date?
I’m proud of many moments throughout my career — from closing challenging mandates to achieving targets. The ones that truly stay with me are the stories where I’ve made a real difference in someone’s life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was approached by a recently made redundant candidate actively seeking a new role. With most companies imposing hiring freezes, he struggled to find relevant market opportunities. On top of that, he was under immense pressure trying to manage his finances. I went the extra mile to support him by reaching out to my network, sharing leads, refining his profile, prepping him for interviews, and ultimately helping him secure the right opportunity.
While achieving hiring numbers and KPIs is always fulfilling, the real human impact we make as recruiters truly makes this job meaningful for me.
How did you get into recruitment and why?
I started in the advertising and media industry, where I had the opportunity to work closely with my clients’ HR teams. I found myself interested in the people side of the business — understanding roles, talent dynamics, and how the right hire could transform a team. That curiosity led me to recruitment — a career that combines strategy, empathy, and problem-solving while keeping me learning every day.
What energises you about working in this sector?
Recruitment is a challenging sector, but never a boring one. Whether it’s people, roles, or business needs, everything constantly evolves, offering endless opportunities to learn and grow. Something new is always happening in the market, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that the right placement can change someone’s life while adding value to a company’s success. In recruitment, you’re not just filling roles. You’re building futures.
What’s the biggest thing that’s changed in recruitment since you started?
The biggest shift has been the influence of technology and data in recruitment. From AI-powered tools and automation to advanced talent analytics, how we identify and engage candidates has evolved drastically.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I love to paint occasionally — mostly acrylic on canvas, doodles and textured art. If the piece turns out well (which is not always the case!), I often gift it to friends and family.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Stay humble. Work hard. Be kind.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Resourceful, Approachable, Fun
And finally, who would play you in the movie about your life?
Emma Stone — but if she’s booked, Lily Collin’s on standby. Just in case Emma doesn’t have the dates. But if we’re going Bollywood, Deepika Padukone would be perfect!
Get in touch with Sonal Palkar for an informal chat about how she can help you and your recruitment needs.