To attract high calibre employees, it is essential to understand the attributes that motivate and inspire them to invest their talent in a company.
By proactively promoting your company’s unique values, culture and opportunities, prospective employees can gain an insight what it’s like to work for you, and determine whether the company is a good fit for them.
Although people are attracted to a company for different reasons, here are some of the common attributes top performers look for in a new employer:
Value alignment
Top performers will choose to work for a company if there is a strong alignment between their personal values and the corporate values. Be sure to clearly promote the values on which your company is built, such as customer service, creativity and innovation, social improvement or market leaders. Does your culture reward teamwork or competitiveness? Individuality or conformity? Promoting the company values will help to attract like-minded individuals and increases the likelihood of finding the right match.
A compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP)
Top performers want to know what sets your company apart. What does it stand for? What kind of culture is promoted? How is achievement recognised and rewarded? What challenges are available to high achievers? What else does it have to offer? Examples include career development opportunities, competitive pay, work/life balance initiatives and company stability. Aim to promote these attributes through your website, public relations, advertising and word of mouth, so that prospective talent can see the value in joining your company.
Positive reputation
The most popular companies to work for have strong brand recognition and a reputation for excellence in the market. The most discerning professionals also use their networks to gain insight into the internal reputation of the workplace, or the ‘real picture’ of what it’s like to work there. Are your employees brand ambassadors or critics? Working to engage and motivate your existing employees is critical in the attraction of quality talent, as they are your most powerful source of advertising and testimonials.
Development opportunities
For high achieving professionals, the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally is crucial for job satisfaction. They want to invest their talent in a company that can help progress their career and expand their existing skillsets. Do you offer ongoing training and development? Clear pathways for growth and promotion? Challenging and rewarding projects? Cultivating an environment of continual learning and progression will help to engage existing employees and enhance your reputation as an attractive employer.
Summary
It's not just enough to attract top performers; you need to ensure that even high-performing employees fit well in to the company culture. Be proactive about promoting your company's values and unique offerings to high achievers and you will be more likely to attract employees whose values align. Your current employees are the largest reputation tool the company has, so ensure that existing employees are satisfied with the company and they are more likely to paint a positive picture.
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