Creative Ways Companies Are Hiring

Candidates have had to adjust to the ever-changing job market, by revamping their resumes; intentionally developing connections on LinkedIn; attending networking events; and adapting to working in the office, then at home, and now a combination of the two. On top of that, employees have higher expectations when it comes to pay, benefits, flexibility, a sense of belonging in the workplace, a positive company culture and more — making the market more competitive for businesses looking to fill positions.?

So how are companies dealing with this challenge? Read on to learn the creative ways in which companies are hiring and attracting candidates.?

Giving candidates a second chance?

Everyone deserves a second chance, right? So why not give candidates a second chance at an interview they may have flubbed? Well that’s exactly what Karat (a startup that conducts first-round engineering interviews on behalf of companies like Amazon and Roblox) does, giving both internal and external job candidates a do-over.

This is a great way to reduce false negatives and give candidates a chance to prove themselves when they initially didn’t make the best first impression. Candidates see the company as having compassion and that the company is invested in their long-term success. On top of that, the success rate of Karat’s clients hiring a candidate who took a redo has increased by over 60% since 2020. Ultimately, this creative solution is a win-win for everyone!

Innovative marketing tactics?

Most people use social media to some extent. That’s why companies are appealing to candidates through social media by implementing entertaining marketing strategies. Take, for instance, Mailchimp who designed an ad referencing Napoleon Dynamite. They used a fun pop culture reference targeting a specific demographic of candidates to stand out from the sea of businesses who are hiring. They still included necessary details like time and location, showing that creativity doesn’t equal chaos.?

Some companies have even turned to TikTok to hire candidates (specifically Gen Z). Companies like Chipotle, Target, and even Shopify used the hashtag #TikTokResumes to try and recruit younger workers and allowed candidates to post their resume on the popular app. These companies could see the creative ways people express themselves on this platform, get a feel for their personality, and gauge how they would be as an employee. Formal resumes and cover letters aren’t the only way to see if a candidate is suitable for a position: for many of these companies, the ability to create a personable and concise TikTok demonstrates a lot of the skills they’re looking for in their new hires.

Paying for their employees’ education?

When individuals are job hunting, they’re looking for a company that aligns with their non-negotiables. It’s a no-brainer then that companies should offer a competitive salary and a solid benefits package, while cultivating a positive culture for their employees. But it’s easy for a company to claim these things on paper. How can companies actually prove they’re going above and beyond to attract top talent?

Some companies (like Home Depot, Starbucks, and UPS) offer tuition reimbursement programs. This means that the employee initially pays for the college degree, graduate program, or continuing education class upfront, and then the employer will reimburse a portion or even the full amount of the money spent. Just like any other benefit, this helps attract and retain quality talent. Employers encouraging and supporting their employees’ education will ultimately strengthen the company because it sharpens the employees’ skills and knowledge. It’s an investment in the company’s human capital.

Companies may have stipulations around their employees qualifying for reimbursement such as maintaining a certain grade or even requiring that the employee remains at the company for a set period of time after they’ve finished the course work. Even without such requirements, this benefit builds good will, both among existing companies and the wider candidate pool.

Hiring candidates + their bestie

I’m sure you’ve heard of companies rewarding employees for successfully referring someone (e.g. individual gets hired and the referee receives a $1,000 bonus). Just take a look at Salesforce, where 52% of new hires come from referrals by employees. But have you ever heard of a company that encourages candidates to apply in pairs?! That’s exactly what a New York media agency does by celebrating friendship and inviting candidates to apply in pairs, or even a team.

This company is taking work culture to the next level by recognizing the importance of connection at work and knowing that having an awesome workplace will motivate their employees to do their best. Plus, it makes starting a new job a heck of a lot easier when you have your BFF by your side.???

Host a happy hour

Employees love socializing and building connections with their colleagues with team bonding events like bowling, escape rooms, and even happy hours. Why not use the same approach to attract top candidates by hosting a hiring happy hour? Give candidates the chance to get to know your team, conduct informational interviews, and help them learn more about your company before they submit their resume.?

?You could even make this a hybrid event by having a physical location and virtual connection — giving candidates a chance to join in who couldn’t make it there in real life (e.g. they had a meeting that ran late or couldn’t afford to commute because they live far away). Most platforms will allow you to create breakout rooms for smaller groups or even one-on-one connections.

?These events will allow candidates to get a feel for the company, see if they’re a good fit and decide whether they want to move forward with the application process. It boosts morale, makes existing employees feel like they have input into the hiring process, and shows candidates the best side of your company.?

Elevate employer brand?

Company culture makes all the difference in whether candidates want to work there yet alone take the time to apply to the company. One creative and strategic way to boost your employer brand is by filming short interviews with employees (make sure to include diverse departments, individuals, and varying seniority levels).

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Not only can these videos be posted to the company’s website, but they can also be used on social media platforms. These testimonials are a great way to back up a company’s reputation and show that they don’t see their employees as just another number.?

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To get the conversation started, employers can ask:

• How would you describe the company and our mission?
• What do you like most about working here?
• What are some exciting projects you’re working on?
• How would you describe your coworkers?
• What does your day-to-day look like??

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Times are ever-changing and while employees have had to adjust, so too do employers. Maintaining top-quality employees has been tough, but so has been attracting skilled candidates. Employees expect flexibility, compensation that allows them to enjoy life (not just barely scraping by), and benefits that support their health — as the bare minimum.?

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To really stand out from their competition, companies should be employing creative tactics to hire and attract the right candidates. Whether it’s giving candidates a second chance, paying for their employees’ education, or hosting a happy hour, these unique strategies should help lure the best candidates!????