In our social-media-driven society, your company’s reputation can be damaged with one mouse click. This is especially concerning in today’s low unemployment market where virtually everyone that wants a job can find one. In an environment where it’s even harder than usual to find good talent, a bad company reputation will make it more difficult to attract quality candidates.
Good News Travels, But Bad News Travels Fast
HR Daily Advisor quotes a survey showing:
- 86% of American women will not seek employment with a company that they perceive to have a bad reputation.
- 67% of men say the same thing.
The workers surveyed defined a bad reputation to include:
- 33% said companies that were in the media with criminal or unethical behavior.
- 30% said companies that failed to recall dangerous products.
- 21% said companies perceived or reported as being discriminatory.
- 15% said companies that damaged the environment or had some sort of environmental scandal.
Glassdoor says 84% of employees would leave their current job if they were offered another job at a company with a better reputation. Now that we understand reputation matters, how can companies create a better reputation to attract more job candidates?
Creating a Positive Employer Reputation
One way to improve your company’s reputation is to improve the candidate hiring process. Too often, resumes are submitted into the corporate void, and not responded to if at all. Making sure your application process is streamlined and user-friendly is important. Respond promptly to applicants and help them understand the hiring process by using automation in your applicant tracking systems. Candidates want to be kept well informed about the hiring process. Treat each candidate with respect and end by thanking them for applying.
IBM recently published a white paper on “The Far-reaching Impact of Candidate Experience.” They found that:
- Candidates who are happy with their pre-employment experience are more likely to accept the job. In a competitive job market, a positive application process could tip the scales in your favor and land you better candidates.
- Bad news about the candidate experience spreads quickly and affects the overall corporate reputation. This bad news is shared both with family and friends and on social media.
- The experience of candidates could even negatively impact sales. If a candidate has a bad experience, how likely will they be to support your brand by buying your products?
Actively work on your corporate culture by soliciting and listening to employee feedback. Implement changes based on their suggestions and share good news on corporate initiatives within the company.
Another way to improve your company’s reputation is to use social media to your advantage. Job hunters look at a company’s social media presence, and it is sometimes the first impression of a company. Use social media to build and promote company culture and values. Also monitor online reviews from candidates and employees on sites like Glassdoor. Always respond to negative comments or reviews professionally and in a positive way.
Blackstone Talent Group can help you improve your company’s reputation by streamlining your hiring process. Contact us today.