Let's face it - attracting top talent is a tough game. With so many companies competing for the same pool of candidates, it can feel like an uphill battle to attract the best talent in the market. But here's a secret weapon that can give you the edge you need to win the talent war - your employer brand. Your employer brand is the unique essence of your company - the culture, values, and personality that make you stand out from the crowd. It's what makes talented candidates eager to work with you and sets you apart from the competition. And the best part? You needn't be a bigwig like Google or Apple to create a killer employer brand. In this blog, we'll share data-driven insights and expert advice to help you build a magnetic employer brand, attracting top talent to your doorstep.
To start, let's define what an employer brand is. Simply put, it's the reputation of your company as an employer. It's the image you project to potential candidates and employees based on factors like your company culture, values, and employee experience. A strong employer brand not only helps you attract top talent but also helps retain your best employees. In today's job market, where job seekers have endless options, a powerful employer brand is crucial to standing out from the competition.
Not Just Word of Mouth
But don't just take our word for it - the data speaks for itself. According to a survey by LinkedIn, 75% of job seekers research a company's reputation before applying for a job. Companies with strong employer brands experience 28% less turnover than those with weaker ones. And a study by Glassdoor found that a strong employer brand can lead to a 50% increase in qualified applicants. These numbers show just how impactful a strong employer brand can be on your ability to attract top talent.
So, how can you create a strong employer brand? Here are some tips to get you started:
Define your company culture and values:
It all begins with your company culture and values. As per Apple CEO Tim Cook, "Your brand is what other people say about you when you're not in the room." So, ensuring that your company culture and values align with your brand message is important. Define your company's core values and ensure that they are reflected in everything you do, from job postings to employee training programs. By aligning your company culture with your brand message, you can attract like-minded talent passionate about your mission.
Expert tip: Create a culture code that outlines your core values, behaviours, and expectations. Share it with your team and potential candidates so they know what your company stands for.
Showcase your company culture:
But it's not enough to just define your company culture and values. You need to showcase them to potential candidates. This could include creating videos highlighting your workplace, sharing employee testimonials on social media, or even hosting virtual events that give candidates a sense of your company culture. LinkedIn says job postings with videos get 5 times more engagement than those without. Encourage your employees to share their experiences on social media and create a virtual tour of your office space.
Expert tip: Partner with influencers or industry leaders who align with your company values to reach a wider audience and enhance your employer brand.
Prioritize the candidate's experience:
The candidate's experience is an important factor in your employer brand. According to Talent Board, 60% of job seekers have had a negative candidate experience, which can damage their brand reputation. Ensure that your hiring process is smooth and efficient. A smooth and efficient hiring process that treats candidates with respect can go a long way in building a positive employer brand.
Expert tip: Use an applicant tracking system to streamline the hiring process and provide candidates with timely updates and feedback.
Leverage social media:
Social media is a powerful tool for building your employer's brand. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to showcase your company culture, share employee stories, and highlight job openings.
Expert tip: Encourage your employees to share content on social media and create an employee advocacy program to amplify your brand message.
Focus on diversity and inclusion:
A diverse and equitable workplace is not only the right thing to do but also a key component of a strong employer brand. According to a survey by Glassdoor, 67% of job seekers consider a company's diversity and inclusion policies before applying for a job. Ensure that your hiring practices are inclusive and that you are actively working to create a diverse and welcoming workplace.
Expert tip: Create a diversity and inclusion task force with employees from different backgrounds and levels to foster a more inclusive culture. To know more read our blog ‘The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Startup Hiring’.
Bottom Line
Building a killer employer brand is not rocket science but requires some intentional effort and creativity. From defining your company culture and values to showcasing them through social media and prioritizing the candidate experience, you can implement plenty of strategies to create a strong employer brand. Remember, a strong employer brand isn't just about attracting top talent, and it's also about retaining your best employees and creating a workplace culture that people want to be a part of. So, get creative, be authentic, and watch your employer brand take your company to the next level!