Feel like you’ve tried and given everything? And yet, you’re still struggling to find exceptional candidates who can take your organization to the next level. Well, there’s a secret weapon that can transform your candidate search. It’s called marketing!
Organizations need to think like marketers to attract suitable candidates. Gone are the days when a generic job posting would do the trick. To stand out from the crowd, you need to employ an effective marketing plan to elevate your candidate search.
In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that to help you attract and secure the crème de la crème of job seekers.
How Marketing Mojo Makes Candidates Flock to Your Doorstep
Let’s face it; Long gone are the days of creating job postings and waiting for the perfect candidate to find you on any search engine. Don’t forget job seekers have options too. They can choose from various organizations, each vying for their attention.
It’s not just about the job anymore; it’s also about the overall experience and the company’s culture. And in today’s fiercely competitive job market, you need to step up your game and level up your career sites—that’s where marketing comes in!
Candidate Quest: Unleash the Marketing Magic and Discover Your Dream Candidate!
You can’t afford to rely solely on traditional recruitment marketing strategy. It’s time to embrace new recruitment marketing strategies and watch the perfect candidates flock to your organization, ready to take your business to new heights.
1. Design a compelling website.
First impressions matter. So why settle for a bland and uninspiring website? Your website should be a captivating gateway that entices talented individuals to explore further. Start by creating a user-friendly layout that makes navigation a breeze. Think of it as a treasure map that leads candidates to the pot of gold.
And let’s not forget about aesthetics! A visually stunning design with an intuitive user interface (UI) is an excellent addition to the user experience. If they’re hunting for gold on your website, they need to walk on an enchanting path that says, “There’s gold here!”
Oh, and don’t be shy about sprinkling in some branding elements that resonate with your target candidate persona. After all, you want to make a lasting impression, right?
2. Craft a compelling brand message.
Branding isn’t just for products; it’s also crucial for attracting candidates. Inadequate branding can kill a candidate’s interest. You want your potential candidates to admire even your organization’s name. How do you accomplish that?
Well, it starts with developing a unique voice and tone that reflects your company culture. Are you a fun-loving, innovative bunch? Let that personality shine through in your messaging!
Consistency is key, too. Align your branding elements and voice across all platforms, from your website to your social media channels. Remember, you’re not just advertising a job; you’re selling a lifestyle, a mission, and a chance for growth. Make your employer branding irresistible!
3. Play around with colors and visuals.
Colors, oh, colors! They’re more than just pretty pigments. They have the power to evoke emotions and influence perceptions. But choose wisely!
Does your organization exude trustworthiness? Blues and greens might be your go-to.
Are you in the creative industry? Splash some vibrant hues and eye-catching visuals on your website.
You can use industry color combinations like green and yellow for plants, dark or metallic for IT, or use the Pantone color or the year if you’re in fashion.
It’s all about creating a visual feast that leaves a lasting imprint on your candidates’ minds. Trust us; they won’t forget you.
4. Leverage digital marketing tactics.
Now that you have a compelling website and a strong employer brand, it’s time to leverage digital marketing tactics to reach and engage candidates. It’s up to you to utilize these tactics according to your needs.
Content Marketing
It’s your ticket to wooing candidates with valuable, engaging content. From insightful blog posts to captivating case studies, you can showcase your expertise and provide value.
Show them you’re not just looking for another cog in the machine; you’re searching for a partner in success. Offer a glimpse into your company’s culture, share success stories, and provide guidance that proves you’re invested in their professional growth. Content is king, and you’re about to be crowned the ruler of candidate attraction!
Social Media Marketing
Admit it; we’re glued to our screens. So, why not meet your candidates where they spend their virtual hangout time? Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are goldmines for candidate sourcing and engagement.
Get savvy with your social media game by posting job openings, sharing company updates, and engaging in meaningful conversations. And don’t forget the power of targeted ads to reach the talent pools you desire. With social media marketing, you’ll have candidates lining up to join your team.
Email Marketing
Ah, the good ol’ email. It’s not just for spamming anymore! In fact, it can be a powerful tool for building relationships with potential candidates. Personalization is the name of the game here, whether it’s a nifty email signature or addressing email receivers by their first name.
Segment your email lists and craft tailored messages that resonate with each candidate’s unique aspirations and skills. Whether you’re nurturing passive candidates or following up with promising leads, an email can be the golden key to unlocking their interest.
Remember, a little personal touch can go a long way in improving the candidate experience.
5. Take inspiration from success stories.
Let’s take a peek at some real-life companies that have mastered the art of marketing their way to candidate success.
Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino
Starbucks nailed its marketing goals with its Unicorn Frappuccino campaign!¹ They hopped on the unicorn bandwagon and turned National Unicorn Day into a frenzy of excitement. Talk about riding the wave of obsession and capturing everyone’s attention! But it wasn’t just the unicorn hype that made this marketing magic work.
The drink itself took Instagram by storm. With its eye-catching colors and downright beautiful appearance, the Unicorn Frappuccino became an instant hit. It was like a fairy tale in a cup, begging to be shared and sipped.
Spotify Wrapped
This campaign hit all the right notes, captivating music lovers worldwide. It’s now a holiday tradition that harmonizes technology, music, and culture. What started as a simple data share has blossomed into a full-blown phenomenon, with users jazzed up to flaunt their personalized music stats on social media.
The secret sauce to their success? Personalization and creative self-expression. They groove to the beat by keeping the familiar elements, like top songs and minutes spent listening, while adding fresh features that fit with the times. Blending craziness with calculations created a visually stunning and culturally on-point experience.²
Spotify’s ability to make it feel intimate also deserves a standing ovation. They keep things lively by incorporating flavors from popular platforms like TikTok and getting artists in on the fun.
With multiple ways to connect fans, artists, and fellow music enthusiasts, they get continuous user engagement. It’s a shining example of how loyalty can develop into a marketing masterpiece.
LEVEL UP YOUR RECRUITMENT GAME WITH PORTFOLIO CREATIVE
Are you tired of struggling to find the ideal candidate? Unlock the power of marketing with Portfolio Creative. We’re here to help you find the perfect match for your organization and make your candidate search a bliss.
Don’t waste another minute of candidate sourcing. It’s time to take your hiring to the next level. Get in touch with us today, and let’s embark on this epic talent acquisition journey together!
References
1. Harrison, Kate. “5 Marketing Tactics From Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino Launch You Can Copy”, Forbes, Apr. 23, 2017, https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateharrison/2017/04/23/5-marketing-tactics-from-starbucks-unicorn-frappuccino-launch-you-can-copy/?sh=25092f776e35
2. Shalvoy, Jessica. “Spotify Unwrapped: Inside the Company’s Biggest Marketing Campaign”, Variety, Dec. 21, 2021, https://variety.com/2021/music/news/spotify-wrapped-marketing-shares-1235139981/