Authentic Hiring: Showcase Your Values
Nov 14, 2024In today's competitive job market, attracting the right talent is about authenticity, values, and transparency. Shannon discusses this crucial aspect of hiring in her recent episode, "Authentic Hiring: Showcase Your Values." Let's expand on Shannon's insights to help you authentically attract top talent by showcasing your company's values.
Shannon highlights a significant shift in the job market. Gone are the days when job seekers felt lucky to be considered for a position. Now, companies are competing for the attention of top candidates. This requires a different approach—one where authenticity and demonstrating the company’s values are essential.
A key takeaway is the importance of marketing in recruiting. Just as you market your products to potential customers, you need to market your company to potential employees. This approach ensures that you attract candidates who resonate with your mission and values.
One effective strategy is creating job descriptions that hook candidates from the start. Shannon emphasizes the need for compelling hooks that speak directly to your ideal candidate. For example, in one of her recent job posts, she asked questions like, “Do you love serving clients but want to make a bigger impact?” These questions resonate with candidates' experiences and aspirations, creating an immediate connection.
Authenticity in job descriptions is also crucial. Shannon recalls including the phrase, "Do you like to get shit done?" in a job post. This candid approach immediately filters out candidates who might not fit the culture and attracts those who appreciate straightforwardness. Authenticity isn't just about language; it’s about showcasing who you are as a company. Shannon advises against entirely outsourcing job description writing. While seeking help with crafting compelling copy is fine, ensure your company's voice shines through.
Shannon highlights an initiative at Keep What You Earn Co., where they reimburse employees for buying books from a curated list and discuss these books in a Slack channel. This policy underscores their value of lifelong learning. Such examples make your values tangible and relatable for potential candidates.
In a recent hiring effort, Shannon experienced 280 applications within 24 hours despite the widely discussed accountant shortage. By filtering these applications, she quickly found 12 solid candidates. This success wasn’t just due to the volume of applications but the quality and fit of the candidates. Many cited the authenticity and values showcased in the job description as their primary draw.
The most critical hiring skill today is the ability to communicate your company’s values clearly and authentically. This involves more than just listing your values; it means embodying them in every aspect of your hiring process, from job descriptions to interviews. Clear expectations, transparent policies, and authentic communication can significantly reduce misunderstandings, leading to a more cohesive and satisfied team.
By integrating these strategies, you’ll not only attract top talent but also build a workplace where employees genuinely align with your mission and values. As Shannon puts it, this alignment is the foundation for long-term success and employee satisfaction.
Take a moment to reflect: How are you currently showcasing your company's values in your hiring process? If you're not doing it as effectively as you could be, it's time to make a change. Start now and watch how it transforms your ability to attract and retain top-tier talent.
What you'll hear in this episode:
06:16 Hiring flexible, impact-driven bookkeeper for remote work.
07:58 Flexible, client-focused accounting work for life changes.
12:08 Authenticity matters in crafting job descriptions.
14:11 Articulate expectations and showcase implicit values effectively.
If you like this episode, check out:
Managing the Employee Expectation Gap
Strategies for Managing Remote Teams
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Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ
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The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.