Why work for you?

November 13, 2011 at 8:35 PM

Why work for you?

A lot of companies in the market today are very aware of what they do and what they stand for but they are not really able to stand back and consider themselves from an external parties perspective. With the rise in social media, branding is becoming a buzz word and is becoming increasingly important. I think you would agree that most people would take a call from a headhunter offering a job with Virgin. Apple or Google. Think about what these brands represent. They represent success in their field but they have also positioned themselves to represent other intangible feel good factors if you work there, such as: fun, freedom to think and act and the perception that you will be working with interesting, likeminded people.

Are you properly aware of how you and your company are portrayed in the market place? Do you know if you pay above average or below average salaries? What constraints on recruitment does your geographical base cause? What is the market gossip about your company? How do your website and other forms of social media portray you ? What do ex-employees say about you? What do employees say about you on linked in or facebook? How would you rate yourself in comparison to your key competitors?

The smallest details about the way you handle your recruitment campaign DO count. Do you acknowledge all responses? With an automated reply, or a more personal approach? Do you treat people with courtesy at interview or do you use aggressive techniques? Are you personable, and are you prompt to pay travel expenses? Do all of your management team adopt the same interview techniques and follow up procedures?

If your hiring managers aren’t trained in handling exploratory discussions with top prospects, or aren't very good at selling your company and therefore attracting the best people to work for them, this type of talent-driven strategy will be far less effective. This is the biggest, and weakest, link in the top-talent hiring chain that is frequently ignored or overlooked .