EMPLOYERS: JOB SEEKERS ARE CONDUCTING REFERENCE CHECKS ON YOU!
Hiring Managers: You are not the only ones running reference checks.
Professionals across industries are dipping their toes in the job market pond. 65% of job seekers are entertaining multiple offers at one time. In addition, 78% of those offers come in at the high end or above their initial target salary. They are asking for and receiving better benefits, increased base salaries, and other perks.
Just as job seekers develop a high-impact resume and compelling LinkedIn Profile, companies who are looking to reel in A-players must have a highlight reel at the ready. Remember, candidates are running reference checks on your organization long before they visit your jobs page and submit their resumes.
5 Things Your Organization Needs to Pass Reference Checks
Create a well-developed LinkedIn Company Page
TurningPoint found over half of our placements on LinkedIn. Just as recruiters are using LinkedIn to find talent, that talent is leveraging LinkedIn to build their target company list. Therefore, your Company Page must expand and market your employment brand. According to marketing expert, Neil Patel, “…you have to realize that how you choose to develop your brand today will directly impact the type of potential employees who come into your office tomorrow.”
Your best (and cheapest) marketing tool are your own professional connections.
Connect with highly visible thought leaders and experts who will get the word out about your company
Job seekers are conducting their own reference checks by tapping into their network to learn about and land new roles. Therefore, it is in a company’s best interest connect with highly connected, active industry thought leaders and experts. These trusted advisors will be the voice of your company and its employees in the marketplace. Know this, it is their opinions your top talent candidates will go to for insight about your company.
Build a user-friendly and contemporary website
Your website is your most visible marketing platform and one of the first places a candidate will go to learn about your company. There, they will study your mission, your products or services, and your open roles. Your website should highlight your company’s best and most unique features. Most importantly, it must allow for a positive and easy user experience. Your site should be mobile-friendly, free of broken links, and full of impactful images. Additionally, update it with fresh and relevant content, using testimonials and real-world experiences from employees as well as customers. A good website is full of concise, accurate job postings with a quick and easy way to submit a resume.
Develop a strong presence in the marketplace
Candidates begin their research on your website and your LinkedIn company page. However, publishing articles, sharing press releases, staying ‘in the news’, and publicizing successes, discoveries, and awards will keep you at the forefront of your industry. Additionally, this and allows your target audience to learn who you are and why you stand above the competition.
Highlight your company’s strengths
Word of mouth will make or break a company’s reputation. So, create a positive reputation with high-quality job descriptions, real-world interviewing, a strong onboarding program, and competitive compensation rates. Most importantly, demonstrate a positive and innovative corporate culture that encourages professional growth & development. No company is the right fit for every professional. However, policies and procedures which treat current employees with respect go a long way toward ensuring you pass your reference check.
Remember, you’re not the only one conducting interviews, employers. In the current economy, job seekers are in the driver’s seat and they are conducting their own research and reference checks. Typically, they are interviewing current employees, hiring managers, management, and the corporate culture every time they visit your website or Company Page. Make sure they like what they find and you will see Top Talent coming through your doors.
Download your copy of “Employers: Job Seekers are Interviewing You!”
While you’re at it, watch our latest video to learn how to conduct effective reference checks to build a top-notch team!
