The Art of Attraction: 3 Ways to Embrace Creativity in Recruitment

You’re creative, you really are. Creativity isn’t reserved for painters or musicians alone. It doesn’t even require talent. Just like learning to play the piano or throw a curveball, creativity is a skill that anyone can develop. It’s simply about finding your voice and doing things that improve upon what you’re already doing. Creativity plays an integral role in recruitment. Here are three ways to tap into your creative side:  

#1 – Practice the power of storytelling.

Since the dawn of humanity, storytelling has been central to culture. Our ancestors gathered around campfires, weaving tales without scripts, screens or props. Because you can’t just hard-pitch opportunities these days, storytelling is a powerful tool for recruitment. Humans are wired to consume and communicate via stories, and storytelling can create a candidate experience that converts. It can also help your team shine. Why would someone want to work for your company? You have a story. Tell it.

“It doesn’t matter what you know, what you have or what you need if you can’t convey it to anyone else. When you tell your organization’s story, you set the scene for candidates to ‘see’ their place in it — and your conversations are suddenly more relatable.”
– James Whittaker, author and host of the Win the Day podcast.

#2 – Craft creative job descriptions that focus on the candidate.  

Potential candidates want to visualize a career with your organization, so you need to set the scene by writing job descriptions focused on them. Exclude jargon. Skip anything generic or vague. Instead, focus on what makes your organization and opportunity unique. Start with the standout stuff like a sign-on bonus and anything that sells balance and quality of life. Are you offering flexible hours or remote work opportunities? Do you have a unique strategy for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB)?

A creative, well-written job description will attract the talent you want and discourage those you don’t. Describing what candidates can learn, do and become if they come to work for you will help them understand why they want to work for you.

#3 – Attract candidates who enhance your company culture.

Still trying to attract candidates who are a “cultural fit?” Some critics say that is like hiring people you’d like to have a beer with. This can lead to a homogenous culture that lacks diversity. In truth, you want to attract people who are a “culture add” — those who add to or enhance the culture you’re building. That takes creativity.

Your company culture is the “X factor” that sets you apart. So, what is it about your organization and job that makes it attractive? What’s in it for the candidate? Your culture, like your employee value proposition (EVP), is felt every single day. Your culture is synergistic. By using creative ways to attract people with unique interests, values, communication styles, etc. — those who enhance and elevate your culture — the quality of your talent will get better and better. You’re likely to keep employees longer, too.

Embracing creativity in recruitment isn’t just a strategy; it’s a necessity. So, tap into your creative side. The compelling stories you tell — and the unique culture you cultivate — will resonate with candidates, making your organization a place where they can envision their future.

We’re passionate about helping our clients recruit and retain top talent, and it all starts with a conversation. Let’s talk.