Don’t Fight Over the Final Balloon: What Can Early Career Recruitment Learn From Kids Parties?!

Do you remember going to birthday parties when you were younger?

Not the fancy kind, I'm talking the classic village hall, cold party food, cheesy songs and running around in circles aimlessly until it's time to play musical chairs.

Those were the days. The best bit about the parties was the guarantee of a slice of birthday cake and a party bag. If you were really lucky, a balloon too.

See, the balloons were hard to come by. At the beginning of the party there are loads of balloons, you could take your pick. But by the end of the party, there were only a few and everybody wanted one.

This is exactly what it feels like when companies focus all their recruitment efforts on

It’s a mad scramble, with everyone vying for the same talent. But what if I told you there’s a way to skip the final balloon brawl entirely?

Early Career Recruitment: Starting 5 Years Too Late

When it comes to recruitment, most companies follow the same approach - Lining up at university job fairs, glossy brochures in hand, hoping to woo the best and brightest. Posting opportunities in student forums and offering internships to current students.

It’s a well-trodden path, but is it the best one?

For years, we’ve been laser-focused on fresh graduates.

The problem?

By the time we get to them, we’re just another face in the crowd, competing with every other company out there. These young, talented, ambitious students are the last balloon and companies are in a sea of people, all wanting that balloon at the end of the party.

Why wait until they’re about to graduate?

Why not start planting the seeds of interest much earlier?

Imagine engaging with young talent five years before they even think about entering the job market. When you’re not just another option. You're a fresh, new & exciting idea for their future.

The Power of Familiarity and Fondness

There's probably a brand you love, be it clothing, technology or food. You know you love it now, but do you remember the first time you heard of it? Maybe through a cool event or a fun school project?

That brand stuck with you, right?

That’s the power of familiarity and fondness. Obscurity is a huge challenge when it comes to recruiting young talent. Vague familiarity is okay but comes with misconceptions. However, familiarity and fondness are game changers. Earn it and build it, because it’s absolutely worth it!

So, how do we make this happen?

Let’s get creative!

You need to add depth and longevity to your recruitment campaign, here are some ideas on how to do that:

? Experience Days: Let them walk a day in your shoes.

? Work Experience: Give them a taste of the real world.

? Challenge Days: Make problem-solving fun and engaging.

? Tours: Show them the magic behind the scenes.

? Documentaries and Social Media: Share your story in a way that resonates with them.

By the time they’re ready to choose a career, your company isn’t just a name on a list—it’s a part of their story.

But please don’t forget, if you engage in these types of strategies, you need to bring you’re a-game. If you produce below-par events, you will be further away then ever before in getting the top talent.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what about the ROI? It’s not instant!” And you’re right.

The party has just started and now you've got to carry this balloon around, it would be much easier to take it at the end, so you can enjoy it at home, all to yourself.

Building relationships and brand loyalty takes time. You create these positive and actually useful & insightful events & programmes and you do not pitch. Instead, think of it as investing in the future. You’re not just filling positions; you’re building a pipeline of passionate, engaged future employees.

In a nutshell, if you want to build awareness, familiarity, and fondness, you’ve got to start early. The earlier you begin, the better your chances of standing out. The more balloons you have to choose from.

So, rewind the clock five years and let your creativity flow!

Do you have a brand you're attached to because of an early interaction?