What makes a strong employer brand?

When people think of Employer Branding, they often jump straight to recruitment efforts and the reputation of your management team. However, the foundation of a robust employer brand lies within the company itself!

So, we have put together a list of three core components that shape a strong employer brand in the article below for you to implement – it’s the best way to attract and retain top talent.

Company Culture and Values

The core values of your business serve as the DNA of your organisation. It shapes everything from internal interactions to strategic decisions. When these are communicated externally through social media and website updates, they act as a magnet to attract like-minded people who resonate with your company’s ethos.

And a strong culture goes even deeper. Your culture defines how employees feel, interact, and collaborate daily. It’s the “personality” of the company, reflected in the way your teams communicate. Creating a culture that genuinely supports and empowers its employees becomes one of the most attractive assets to potential hires.

But the key to all of this is… consistency! Candidates and employees should feel your values are authentic and consistently practiced at all levels. Misalignment between your culture and day-to-day practices leads to mistrust – the last thing you want!

Employee Value Proposition (EVP)

Your EVP outlines what employees can expect in return for their contributions. It’s a promise that shows how you value and support your employees, which leads to loyalty and satisfaction amongst your team.

By aligning your EVP with what employees truly value, you will increase the likelihood of attracting and retaining talent that matches your vision and mission.

As your employee’s needs evolve, so should your EVP. Today, factors like remote working, flexible schedules, and mental health support are becoming critical. If you start adapting your EVP to these evolving preferences, it shows a commitment to understanding and meeting your teams’ real-life needs – making you far more appealing as an employer.

Candidate Experience

Your candidate experience is often the first real encounter with your company’s culture. The tone of communication, transparency in the interview process, and the respect shown to candidates all set the stage for how the company is perceived. A respectful and engaging experience (even if the candidate doesn’t get the job) can leave a lasting positive impression.

Today’s candidates appreciate transparency – 58% of candidates have turned down an offer because of poor candidate experience. Clear communication at each stage of the hiring journey, including updates on timelines and interview expectations, shows respect for the candidate’s time and efforts. This reflects positively on your employer brand, even if the candidate isn’t hired.

Remember, to build a strong employer brand, you need to start from the inside. When employees feel respected and valued, they naturally become ambassadors for the brand, which will help you attract people who are not only skilled but are deeply aligned with your mission and values. It’s a win, win!

We support our clients with building a strong employer brand every day, so if you’re looking for further advice on how to organically attract and retain the best team – get in touch!