Introduction
With today’s tight labour market, it’s more important than ever for companies to establish a strong employer brand that appeals to job seekers and stands out from the competition. Developing an online presence that highlights your organisation’s values, culture, and employee experiences is key to recruiting the best candidates.
Optimise Your Careers Website
A dedicated careers site or page on your company website is where prospective employees will head first to learn more about open positions and what it’s like to work at your organisation. Make sure this site:
- Has a modern, user-friendly design that reflects your brand personality and values
- Contains detailed information on employee benefits, company culture, career development opportunities, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and more
- Features employee testimonials and photos/videos showcasing your work environment
- Is mobile-responsive for easy browsing on any device
- Is kept up-to-date with current UK job listings
- Optimising your careers site with relevant, engaging content allows candidates to get a feel for your employer brand.
Be Active on Social Media
Social recruiting is on the rise, with over 75% of UK job seekers using platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in their search process. Establish an active presence on key channels by:
- Posting employee spotlights, company culture content, career advice, open position promotions, and more
- Engaging with followers by responding to comments and messages promptly
- Encouraging employees to share about their positive work experiences
- Promoting your employer value proposition in a way that resonates with your target talent pool
- Using relevant hashtags like #UKjobs to expand reach
- Leveraging social media allows you to attract passive candidates who may not be actively job hunting.
Get Listed on Key Online Directories
Registering your company on major online business and job listing directories makes it easy for candidates to find and research your employer brand. Some top sites include:
Glassdoor – One of the largest global job and employer review sites
Indeed, Monster, TotalJobs – Leading UK job boards
LinkedIn – Create a Company Page to promote open roles
LondonWork – Job portal focused on London opportunities
Job Centre Plus – UK Government’s official job search resource
UK Business Portal – A Small Business Directory for UK companies
Complete and optimise these directory profiles to boost visibility and exposure to prospective hires.
Develop Talent Communities
Building talent communities allows you to tap into pools of qualified, interested candidates in your industry or local area. Some ways to cultivate these groups include:
- Creating talent networks on LinkedIn to engage professionals in specific fields
- Joining relevant UK professional associations and groups to connect with members
- Attending career fairs and networking events to meet talent face-to-face
- Developing university relationships by partnering with campus career centres
- Offering internships, apprenticeships and work experience schemes to students and graduates
- Interacting with these communities over time establishes your brand as an attractive, values-driven employer.
Summary
With competition for top talent ongoing, actively developing your online employer brand is essential for UK companies looking to recruit the best and brightest. By optimising your careers site, engaging on social media, getting listed on key directories, and building talent communities, you can establish a reputation that appeals to your ideal candidates. Taking a multi-pronged approach allows you to share your unique value proposition at every touchpoint.
