Valentine Malevu, the head of human resources at RMB Private Bank, speaks to Margaret Harris

How do you attract top talent?

We have been fortunate to have a brand that is well respected by the market, so top talent is attracted to our brand and what it stands for - innovation and traditional values. We find our own employees are the best marketers and refer previous colleagues and friends to us.

What do you look for when recruiting employees?

Other than the technical competencies related to the specific role, we look for individuals who will fit in with the culture of our brand, which is non-hierarchical, upholds integrity and is innovative.

What special skills should the candidates have?

Our business is not just about providing investment and wealth management solutions; it is about the relationships that we establish, the professionalism we extend to our clients, and to the high value we add to the lives of our clients. So the special skill would be the professionalism and the people-centric aspect of the individual.

How vital are 'softer skills'?

Our clients are high-net-worth people who are investing their lifetime wealth with us, so they need to be able to trust us (hence the value of integrity). Our clients have made it in life and generally feel that they do not need us as much as we need their business. Therefore, an employee with high emotional intelligence, customer focus and relationship management skill is an ideal for us.

Is there room for graduates who lack experience?

Absolutely. With the war for talent and the scarcity of specialised skill, it makes sense to "grow our own timber". While this may only reap returns in the long term, we believe it is a big contribution to the economy of the country and we develop young individuals who can only take our business to greater heights.

How did you find yourself in HR and what do you enjoy about it?

I did not "find myself" in HR. I am in HR by design. Many years ago when I was in university and had an opportunity to choose between industrial psychology and clinical psychology, I knew that dealing with people in the workplace would be far more fulfilling for me. My HR career started more than eight years ago at a small, now big, recruitment agency, as a recruitment specialist. I have been fascinated by the many facets of HR ever since.