There was a time when ambitious employment candidates would try to study up on the company they were applying to by requesting company literature — annual reports, sales material, marketing brochures — or by visiting a library to conduct various forms of research.
The Internet has rendered this form of old-school sleuthing virtually obsolete. Just as you and the hiring managers you’re supporting are now able to find out more about candidates who may be applying, job seekers can uncover in-depth information about your company.
Although the savvy ones review a variety of sources — articles, discussion groups, industry analyst reports — your website is a great place to communicate your unique culture and most appealing characteristics.
Well executed, your website can give job seekers a glimpse into the employee experience — what it’s like to work in your company. Today, even the smallest of companies have websites describing what they do and, often, the advantages of working for them.
Your website gives you an opportunity to explain why your company is an employer of choice. If properly outfitted, your website also can receive applications directly from interested job seekers and potentially use this information to create employee profiles that will be used later as new hires join your organization. The implications of these changes for HR professionals are twofold:
With information now so much more accessible than ever, you want to make sure (to the extent that you can) that your company’s website accurately showcases your firm’s strengths and range of capabilities. After all, you want the best people to be drawn to your company. A website that’s outdated, difficult to navigate, or lacking relevant information can reduce your chances of attracting top-notch candidates.
Because of all the available information about companies, don’t be surprised at how well prepared candidates are today when you get to the interview process. You’ll also need to be prepared and raise your expectations for the discussion. The topics you cover can relate more specifically to business priorities and issues affecting your industry and company.