Then vs. Now: Why Employer Branding is Critical in Today’s Talent Market
Recruitment has changed dramatically over the years. Gone are the days when employers held all the cards, choosing from a pool of candidates with little insight into the company’s culture or practices.
Today, the tables have turned. Candidates are doing their homework, and a company’s employer brand—its reputation as a workplace—has become a critical factor in attracting top-tier talent.
Here’s how the recruitment process evolved from the “then” to the “now” and how you can adapt to stay competitive:
Evolution of Job Candidate Behavior
Then: Candidates were simply looking for a job
In the past, candidates relied on the news and word-of-mouth to form an impression. This was when recruitment was a one-sided conversation, and candidates competed for a job that pays the bills.
Now: Candidates aim for the best employers
The digital age has transformed the job search process, giving candidates the power of choice with many options if they only know where to look. The competition has now evolved into companies battling for the best talent, and your edge lies in strengthening your employer branding.
Employer Branding
Then: Employer branding was an afterthought
Employer branding was an optional nice-to-have, often lumped with marketing or HR initiatives. Companies focused on hiring based on resumes and interviews, with little thought about how they were perceived as an employer.
Now: Employer branding is a strategic priority
Today, a strong employer brand is a competitive advantage. In fact, LinkedIn says mentioning AI can boost candidate engagement by up to 17%. If you have an AI strategy, we suggest adding a tidbit of info to attract talent that will most likely support it.
Need some further reading on this topic? Try: Strengthen Your Employer Brand
Social Media
Then: Social media was just for fun
Social media was once viewed as a platform for personal engagements—a place to share moments with friends and family.
Now: Social media is an employer branding tool
Candidates now look at a company’s social media presence to evaluate its culture and values. In particular, regular posts about team activities, achievements, and community involvement paint a picture of what it’s like to work there. So, use this as an advantage to strategically amplify your employer brand and attract like-minded candidates.
Job Posts
Then: Job postings were transactional
Job postings previously listed responsibilities, requirements, and a sentence or two about the company. That's it.
Now: Job postings reflect company culture
Modern job postings go beyond the traditional job description—they invite you to join the team. Learn to use the flexibility of digital job posts to highlight your culture, growth opportunities, values, and employee compensation to resonate with candidates on a deeper level.
How Elite Talent Recruit Supports Your Employer Brand
At Elite Talent Recruit, we understand that a strong employer brand is critical for attracting and retaining top-tier talent. We work closely with clients to highlight what makes their company unique and appealing to candidates to ensure we find the best fit for the role.
Your reputation matters; we’re here to help you build and maintain a brand that attracts the best talent. Talk to us today!
