Imagine a construction crew gearing up for a new project. Before the first shovel breaks ground, the company has meticulously planned every detail, from the type of materials to the design blueprints. Why? Because a solid plan ensures that every piece fits together seamlessly, creating a durable and impressive structure.
Similarly, when building the right team for your business, focusing on your employer brand, values, and vision is just as critical. It’s the blueprint for attracting and retaining the talent that will help your company thrive.
Does Employer Branding Really Matter?
Imagine your company as a person. How would it dress? What kind of personality would it have? Your employer brand is basically the way your company presents itself to the world. It’s the mix of your company’s values, vision, and culture that shapes how people perceive you – prospective clients and job seekers.
Your brand is so much more than your logo or company colors. It’s the message you put out to the world, from who you are to where you’re going.
Why should you care about this?
Well, when your employer brand is clear and consistent, it’s like turning on a neon sign that says, “Hey, this is who we are, and this is who we’re looking for!”
A strong employer brand attracts candidates who not only have the right skills but also resonate with your company’s culture. This means you’re more likely to find people who fit in well and are motivated to work hard and contribute to your goals.
Values and Vision: The Backbone of Your Brand
Now, let’s talk about values and vision. Your company’s values are the core principles that guide your team’s behaviors and decisions. They’re the “how” behind the “what” you do.
At Core Matters, one of our values is “Always Improve.” We constantly challenge the status quo and never settle for mediocrity. Our team is always looking for new ways to learn, grow, and serve our clients better. If someone “stuck in their ways” came to our career page, it’s highly unlikely that they’d waste their time applying. They’re just not the right fit for our team.
Sharing your values attracts the right people – both customers and job seekers. It also scares off the wrong people, saving you time, money, and headaches.
Your vision, on the other hand, is a long-term goal. It’s where you see your company going. When you share your vision with the world, again, you attract the right people who will align with your future growth.
For example, Core Matters exists to inspire business leaders to challenge the status quo and create opportunities to focus on what matters most. Our vision is to create positive work environments for 500,000 employees by helping small to medium sized business owners hire and retain the right people. Everything we do, from social media posts to process development, is with this vision in mind.
When you’re clear about your values and vision, it’s easier to communicate what your company stands for. This clarity helps attract candidates who share your values and are excited about your vision. It’s like finding a new friend who loves the same things you do – it makes for a more enjoyable and fulfilling relationship.
Why Consistency and Accuracy are Key
Have you ever interviewed someone who makes grand promises? You know the one… They tell you they’re always on time. They’re the hardest worker you’ll ever hire and you’ll never have to worry about them. Then, after a few weeks on the job, you realize they’re none of those things.
As frustrating as that is, unfortunately, employers do this bait and switch all the time. They tell candidates they’re flexible and offer great career opportunities and training. Then after a few weeks on the job, new hires realize the employer just said what they needed to in order to make a hire. This same scenario happens when an employer’s values and vision are misaligned with reality.
One of the biggest mistakes companies make is having an inconsistent message across different platforms. If your website says one thing, but your job ads say something else, it creates confusion and distrust.
Additionally, you don’t want aspirational core values. Imagine if you consistently share that your company has a core value of integrity. Your marketing and job ads highlight your commitment to transparency and always doing the right thing.
A new hire joins you, with this value in mind. A few days in, they notice that behind the scenes, the behaviors of the team don’t align with the proclaimed value. The company cuts corners to save costs and makes misleading promises to clients about timelines.
As the new hire uncovers the reality of the company culture and the true values – money over everything – they feel betrayed and start looking for a new job. Now you’ve wasted time and money on someone who was never the right fit, all because your values weren’t accurate.
Consistency and accuracy in your employer brand across your website, social media, job boards, and any other touchpoints is crucial. It ensures everyone gets the same message and knows exactly what to expect.
The Big Picture: Building a Strong Team
So, why is all this important? When you share a consistent and accurate employer brand, values, and vision, you will attract the right people. These are individuals who align with your company’s culture and are motivated by your vision. This alignment helps build a team that’s not only skilled but also passionate and committed.
In the end, hiring the right people helps develop a company culture that reflects your core values. And a strong, value-driven culture makes for a more engaged, productive, and happy team.
So, if you’re looking to create a thriving workplace and attract top talent, remember: a clear and consistent employer brand, grounded in your values and vision, is your secret weapon. It’s not just about filling positions—it’s about building a team that’s truly aligned with your company’s future.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about creating a compelling employer brand. We’re here to help you shine and attract the right talent for your team!