Unconventional hiring strategies to hire rare talent

As a startup business owner cum recruiter, I've learned that the hiring process can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to finding rare talent. Sometimes, conventional recruiting methods just don't cut it. That's why I've started exploring unconventional and creative approaches that might just do the trick.?

In this article, I'll be sharing some examples of crazy and creative approaches that have worked for me and others in hiring rare talent for startups.

First on the list is the famous "billboard" strategy, which was used by the online shoe retailer Zappos. In 2009, the company took over a billboard in downtown Las Vegas with the message "Looking for a Change? Join Zappos." The company received thousands of resumes from people who saw the billboard and were intrigued by the opportunity to work at a startup that values creativity and innovation.

Another example is a strategy that I like to call "the treasure hunt." This strategy involves hiding clues about a job opening in various places online and offline, such as social media posts, flyers, and even graffiti. When someone finds all the clues and solves the puzzle, they are directed to a job application page. This approach was used by the digital marketing agency R/GA to recruit a senior strategist. The campaign generated a lot of buzz and attracted over 1,000 applicants.

A third example is the "out of the box" interview approach. Instead of the usual interview questions, some startups are opting for more unconventional interview methods, such as escape rooms or improv games. This approach can help companies identify candidates who are able to think on their feet and adapt to unexpected situations. The media company Refinery29 used this approach to hire a social media editor, and it proved to be a successful way to identify top talent.

While these approaches may seem crazy, they are based on sound principles. According to a study by LinkedIn, 70% of professionals are not actively looking for a job but are open to new opportunities. That means that sometimes, it takes a creative approach to catch their attention and convince them to consider a new job opportunity.

Another reason why creative approaches can be effective is that they help companies stand out in a crowded market. The competition for top talent is fierce, especially in the startup world, where many companies are vying for the same pool of candidates. Creative approaches can help companies differentiate themselves and create a strong employer brand that attracts top talent.

It's important to note that not all creative approaches will work for every company or every job opening. It's important to consider the specific needs of the company and the role when deciding on a recruiting strategy. Additionally, creative approaches should not be used in place of more traditional recruiting methods but rather as a complement to them.

In conclusion, recruiting rare talent for startups can be challenging, but thinking outside the box can lead to great results. Whether it's a billboard, a treasure hunt, or an escape room interview, a creative approach can catch the attention of top talent and help companies stand out in a crowded market. As long as companies remain true to their values and consider the specific needs of each role, a creative approach can be a successful way to attract rare talent to a startup.