Just The Job

I was introduced to the term ‘Destination Employer’ several years ago. The idea that you could run a company that people actively want to work for is probably every employer’s dream – but not something most of us ever manage to achieve. After all, how does an SME hope to compete with the reputation and resources of the FOOTSIE 100 companies and Silicon Valley operations trawling for the same talented individuals? 

But we have soldiered on over the years. Now we offer all the things the big boys boast – flexible working, tailored incentives, family benefits, training and development, career progression…and lots more besides (including the chance to make Radio Advertising work for some of the world’s leading brands). But there’s a cost to all this, and does it really make a difference anyway?

The answer is yes. A big massive kiss-you-on-the-mouth YES!!

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Firstly, when you advertise an opportunity there’s a great response – a real mix of ages, genders, ability, locations and backgrounds – all with great experience or a willingness to learn. Yes, I have to admit there’s still a handful of Yosser Hughes ‘I can do that’ applicants – but at least they made the effort. Going through the applications and CVs started me thinking that there were some very talented people out there…

Then we refined our selection and started to interview.

Wow. To sit and talk to people who have researched your company, questioned your vision, reviewed your work and thought about how they could positively make a difference is utterly inspirational. The energy, the dynamism and the sheer determination of everyone we met will stay with me for a very long time – and as we wait for our successful candidates to confirm their start date, I’m filled with so much excitement for what’s ahead.

I’m not sure we’re quite the Destination Employer I dreamed of yet – but if trying to be one yields these kind of results, it’s probably the best investment I could ever make.

Paul Carter