Recruitment is akin to dating. Prior to Ongig, I held a fantastic position as CEO of a dating consultancy. We assisted millions of single men (and a few single women) in becoming more accomplished at dating.
Here are several ways I discovered that recruitment resembles dating:
“Be authentic; everyone else is already claimed”
Oscar Wilde is renowned for that quotation.
Dating Insight: There’s a perfect match for everyone
Recruitment Insight: There’s an exceptional candidate for every position and a remarkable company for each applicant. Don’t imitate your competition. Concentrate on how you can impress your best candidates by being genuine.
You’re Most Alluring When Engaged in What You Love Most
Dating Insight: I had a friend (let’s refer to her as Karen) who remained single for quite some time. Her friend requested that I speak to her…offering some dating suggestions. Here’s how it unfolded:
Me to Karen: “When are you at your absolute happiest?”.
Karen: “When I’m skiing.”
Me: “Who do you ski with?”
Karen: “My parents.”
Me: “Have you ever thought about acquiring a ski house with your friends…one that can accommodate some guests?”
Karen: “Fantastic idea.”
A year later: Karen becomes engaged to a ski house guest.
Recruitment Insight: Determine when you and your organization are engaged in activities you cherish most…or excel at. For instance, do you host any events (including an annual one) that you’re proud of…where there’s tremendous energy? If so, you might invite your prime candidate prospects to that occasion.
Where or when do your hiring managers perform best? How can you showcase that to the candidate?
Playing Hard to Get (Scarcity)
Dating Insight: Playing hard to get is a tried-and-true method to attract a companion.
Recruitment Insight: Scarcity applies to recruitment as well. For instance, if you’re seeking to recruit top talent, you can impose a deadline for them to respond or a timeline by which you’ll fill the position. That might prompt them to act or not act (both are useful feedback for you). Consider what is rare about your positions (e.g., the sole lead role on a team that you’re hiring for this year?).
Avoid Being Dull
Dating Insight: We found that being dull was arguably the top reason men struggled to attract women.
Recruitment Insight: Be a pioneer (not a follower). Ensure your career site and job postings stand out against your competitors. Gift your top candidate a book. Engage in something not dull.
Social Validation
Dating Insight: Meeting through a mutual acquaintance frequently has a high success rate. If a trusted friend who knows you and another individual believes you two will connect, that meeting is likely a terrific idea. If you meet someone at a group function, you and that individual automatically share a connection (someone else at the event). We’ve heard numerous tales of marriages resulting from that kind of introduction.
Recruitment Insight: Employee referrals almost always produce higher quality candidates than other methods. Reward referrals generously. Additionally, consider incorporating third-party reviews to ALL of your career/job pages. Between Glassdoor, Comparably, and various employer rating platforms, you’re bound to demonstrate that you are an outstanding workplace by some standard.
Make “the Request”
Dating Insight: You encounter someone intriguing…ask for their email or phone number…or connect with them through social media right then!
Recruitment Insight: If you’ve identified a hot candidate, seek a referral. If you believe that an executive reaching out to that candidate will aid in securing them, request that executive’s assistance. Ask, ask, ask! If you don’t inquire, you’ll never discover what outcomes you might have attained.
Recruitment is akin to dating.
Why did I pen this?
Ongig’s mission is to transform your job listings to attract the finest and most diverse talent. Our job description software employs principles like those mentioned above to draw in top-tier talent. Contact me for a demonstration by clicking the demo request button above. You see, I just made “the request.”