MightyRecruiterThe Importance of Emphasizing Your Company Brand in an Interview
Some of the biggest names in business not only are known for their service and quality of product but their ability to treat their employees well with a plethora of benefits that extend beyond a 401K and dental plan. Google, Apple, and Toms are among the big household names that have a brand that reaches their customers and employees. Every decision that is made is made with the brand in mind, even in the interview room. Naturally then, the interview and company brand should go hand in hand, too.
Why a Brand Is Not Just for Customers
For a very long time, conducting business, creating a product or providing a service, or making a profit had almost nothing to do with the employees behind the scenes. Customer service brought about the saying that the customer is always right. However, for those seeking top-notch employees, your brand is just as important for drawing candidates as it is for collecting customers.
One of the newest and best ways to attract the most qualified people in your industry is to make them believe in you, your business, and their future with your business. Creating a brand that fits them into the big picture, too, gives the impression that there is success, growth, and support in their potential future with you. This is not only a good way to get the attention of those already seeking employment, but it also can pull desirable people who have a job in the industry. When you open the interview and company brand to both customers and employees, it’s a win-win situation for you.
How to Define Your Company’s Brand
A brand is successful when it is carried word of mouth. The impression people have of your company will come from networking groups, whether that be close confidantes, Twitter feed, or Facebook friends. Before that step can be taken, you need to define your company’s brand. Follow these three steps to determine what your company’s image will be:
1.Assess your business honestly: Take a look at how your business treats its employees. Consider how flexible your hours are, where creative license plays a part in daily duties, and any additional benefits of working for you. Does your current plan play into a great employee experience Determine where changes should be made, what your strengths are, and how you can mold an impression out of it all.
2.Determine your message: In order to build an honest brand, you need to have a message to build upon. This should reflect your mission and any values.
3.Stick to an action plan: Once you’ve determined what kind of personality your company has or will have, it needs to be broadcasted. One way to do that is by mixing the interview and company brand from the start.
How You Can Mix the Interview and Company Brand
Often, an interview is useful for you to discover the right candidate and for a candidate to determine if you are worth working for. Because of this, use the interview and company brand to woo the most qualified people:
-Discuss your company perks. You may not have the budget of Google, but that doesn’t mean you have no perks to offer. A casual dress code, personalized working space, freebies, and autonomy are commonly good selling points. For those with a larger budget and workspace, a game room, coffee shop, or paid holidays are things to consider.
-Be up front about your hour requirements. Flexibility is a huge draw for many millennials, whether that means working from home, on weekends or during evening hours, or alone. Personalizing and supporting the unique ways your employees work is important in today’s job market.
-Give a great but honest impression of the workspace. These impressions gleaned from the interview and company brand are just the things to attract the right kind of candidates. Collaboration, freedom, and support are great things to sell to interviewees if you can.
Whatever you choose to offer candidates, follow up by asking what kind of extras are important. This can help you adjust your current plan as you go along or make it work for the right person.
Get Candidates to See Success in Your Branding
Applicants, especially those who are being competed over by you and your competitors, are not just interested in a great paycheck. They want and expect a bright future wherever they go. Follow these tips or read more articles from Mighty Recruiter to get your company on track with A-list candidates.