In this episode of Who Hired This Person?, host Kaitlyn Randall chats with Nayeli Sevilla, Human Resources Manager at Stonebridge. With experience in hospitality hiring and a business mindset rooted in real-world empathy, Nayeli shares the human side of recruiting—what works, what doesn’t, and how learning from the “nice but wrong” hire helped her develop sharper instincts and better processes. From resume red flags to no-show interviews, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone involved in hiring.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

🔹 HR with Room to Grow

Nayeli joined Stonebridge for the national scale and growth potential—but also discovered a deeply personal hiring culture, where HR leadership stays hands-on and candidates get individualized attention.

🔹 Why She Chose HR Over Operations

Inspired by leaders she admired but unwilling to sacrifice time with her daughter, Nayeli pivoted into HR. It became her way of using business strategy to elevate people—not just processes.

🔹 The Interview That Raised Every Red Flag

Early in her career, Nayeli walked into an interview and was immediately asked about her marital status and children. That experience helped her develop a sharp radar for inappropriate (and illegal) interview tactics—and a firm resolve to protect candidates.

🔹 Funny Doesn’t Always Mean Fit

After hiring a charming, relatable candidate who tugged at everyone’s heartstrings, Nayeli and her team quickly realized he wasn’t professionally aligned with the role. That experience taught her to prioritize facts over feelings and dig deeper into job-relevant skills.

🔹 What Red Flags Really Look Like

Changing answers to repeated questions? That’s a sign something’s off. Nayeli explains how inconsistent answers in interviews are a subtle but reliable red flag.

🔹 Creative Strategies That Actually Work

Nayeli relies on two things: strong resumes and tenure. In the fast-turnover world of hospitality, she looks for candidates with a history of staying power and a polished, formal presence in interviews.

🔹 When Hiring Managers Stall

If polite reminders don’t work, Nayeli shows up at their office. Her approach is clear and direct: “We loved this candidate—are we going to lose them or make the offer?” That urgency often breaks through indecision.

🔹 Details That Make a Lasting Impression

What makes a candidate memorable? Specifics. Nayeli loves when candidates walk her through real-life work scenarios—from wine pairings to five-star service techniques.

🔹 Resume First, Then the Interview

Don’t tell her you have the experience if it’s not on your resume. Nayeli emphasizes how crucial it is for job seekers to document their value clearly—and show up formally prepared.

🔹 Brutally Honest Advice for Job Seekers

Craft a strong, structured resume. Follow up with a thank you note. Even if it’s not her personal dealbreaker, she knows many hiring pros who treat it as one.

🔹 Growth Through Grace

Early in her HR journey, Nayeli had little patience for no-shows. Now, she leads with more empathy and is willing to give people the benefit of the doubt—once.

Key Takeaways:

✅ A strong resume is the starting line—not a bonus.

✅ Interviews should verify facts, not just feel good.

✅ One bad hire can reshape your whole approach—for the better.

✅ HR is at its best when it blends structure with empathy.

✅ Candidates who follow through with professionalism stand out.

Links & Resources:

🔗 Connect with Nayeli Sevilla on LinkedIn: Nayeli Sevilla

🔗 Explore career opportunities at Stonebridge: www.sbcos.com