Can You Recruit Like Willy Wonka?

Originally posted on July 18, 2013 on Recruiter.com

Recruit Like Willy Wonka

There are only so many “How Recruiting is Like Dating” posts one HR professional can stand, so here’s a new take. Willy Wonka was the best recruiter of all time! He scouted around the world to find the child best suited for the position of CEO of the Wonka Chocolate Factory. And find him he did! Mr. Wonka leads us through the toughest recruiting escapade of his life. A lot of hard work, dedication and thought went into finding Charlie, and here’s how Wonka did it.

Find the Most Passionate

A kid had to want that golden ticket pretty bad to be the one to snag it, they had to be passionate about candy. By creating buzz around the opportunity, Wonka found a way to generate interest while screening. He ended up with the children who loved candy the most.

Targeted job ads, thoughtful marketing and good networking practices are those golden tickets. This is how we find the right people for the right position.

Treat Your Candidates Well

Although Wonka was dealing with a pack of bratty rule breakers, he remained a calm and respectful tour guide through the factory. Not everyone is easy to work with, but the all too common, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” attitude that recruiters can have doesn’t help.

Candidate experience is vital and Mr. Wonka knew that. 83% of candidates share their experience via social media and only 5% of candidates are rating their experience as excellent. That comes out to a lot of negative chatter, and in turn a lot of damaged employer brands. Being timely with responses, treating candidates like individuals and bringing courtesy back into the process will all create a positive candidate experience. Read more…

photo credit: Micky** via photopin cc

Maren Hogan

Maren Hogan is CEO of Red Branch and general Bad@$$

Maren Hogan is a seasoned marketer and community builder in the HR and Recruiting industry. Maren started Red Branch Media and, before she hired all the smiling faces you see below, she ran it on her own. In marketing for over 15 years, she has deep experience in strategic campaigns and a long-term, results-based operational approach.