What kind of companies are attracting the best candidates? THESE 7!

This question revealed a lot about the founder who asked it.

It showed they have a growth mindset.

It showed they have little to no arrogance.

It shows they want to be the best they can be.

It showed they are focused on the right things.

And being focused on the right thing by asking great questions is why this founder will win in their mission to build the best team they can.

Here's how I answered it to them (and it's exactly how I would answer you if you had asked me).

1. Clear Expectations:

Companies that are transparent about role expectations, challenges, and how the role might evolve are more likely to retain employees longer.

"It's about setting super clear expectations. Here's where we're trying to go. Here's the outcomes that we're looking to achieve. Here's what's already in place. Here's what's missing. Here's what we don't know and are trying to figure out. AND Here is why we need you."

2. Growth Opportunities:

Candidates are attracted to companies that clearly communicate potential for personal and professional growth.

"Talking about the growth that they can have as an individual... some of the opportunities for learning and development. To become more, to grow and increase your value to the market. AND get closer to your own goals"

3. Culture of Learning and Development:

Offering learning opportunities and a chance to work with prestigious brands or influential industry figures is highly appealing.

"Working with these big brands, with these customer personas, with our network of mentors, all that sort of stuff is going to make them go, wow, I could learn that skill set here and learn through osmosis from these people".

4. Supportive Environment:

A workplace where employees can make mistakes, ask questions, and receive support ensures a positive atmosphere that attracts quality candidates.

"They want to know that there's a culture where they can afford to make some mistakes. They can ask some questions if they don't know the answer and it won't be seen as a weakness. Fail fast, fail often - AND think like a scientist"

5. Transparency and Trust (not seduction based on hopes and dreams"

Cultivating a culture that values honesty about the company’s direction, the roles, and the challenges helps in building trust and loyalty.

"We just need to be super honest with people... It's about setting super clear expectations around where you really are. Your strengths, your weaknesses, where the product is now, and where it's going. The timelines in your mind and the metrics that drive those timelines. It's very easy to win a deal if you lie (or avoid the ugly truth about how good it will be), but you ask CS if that's a good client. The same is true in recruitment."

6. Reward Them Well, and Incentivise The Right Behaviours.

Providing good incentives and giving employees a stake in the company’s success makes them feel valued and part of the team.

"Giving them skin in the game and longer-term upside for their effort and commitment. Those are the sorts of things that people want to feel that they're going to have in a new organisation that is small and on a fast upward trajectory"

7. Social Compatibility:

Considering factors like whether you would enjoy spending extended time with the candidate outside of work can indicate cultural fit and long-term compatibility.

"My old CEO used to say the ski trip test. If I went on a ski trip with this person, would I, you know, be happy for the whole week to be on a ski trip?"

I wrote about the topic of Candidates being customers in one of the first editions of Growth Magnet, missed it? Get it here

I've Got a Helping Hand for You (so you won't get your fingers burnt!)

If you’re thinking about working with a talent partner for your growth goals in the next 6-12 months, don't do it before you read this free report.

It will save you from a heap of wasted time and money - I guarantee it.

Learn the 7 red flags and exact questions to ask before you engage them here.

Thanks for reading & Stay magnetic

I'm Richard Washington, Founder of Tick Talent and it's my pleasure to share some of my best insights with you.

P.S. Want to learn from the unfiltered career stories of the best leaders in the tech world?? Check out our Podcast, What Makes You Tick on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.? The latest episode is with the incredible EMEA Customer Success Director and Startup Mentor Marco Carrubba , who’s worked for Microsoft, VMware and Vodafone to name a few ... it’s one not to miss!