If you’re planning on entering the job market soon or are considering looking for a new job, you’re in luck—new hires are up, layoffs are down, and with 9.9 million job openings in the United States, your chances of finding the perfect job are better than ever.
When it comes to finding employment, there’s more to finding the right fit than reading job descriptions. The company you choose to work for will play a major role in your overall job satisfaction.
A healthy company culture and job satisfaction and retention go hand-in-hand. According to a Glassdoor survey, 92% of people would consider changing jobs if they were offered a role with a company that had an excellent reputation. On the flip side, a bad reputation or culture can send a good worker running; one-third of employees who left a job citied poor culture as the main reason.
So how can a job seeker tell if a company will be a good fit? One of the most important factors all job seekers (and employers) should pay attention to is employer branding.
What Is Employer Branding?
Employer marketing, or branding, refers to the way an organization presents or markets itself to the public. It includes everything from the company’s logo and website design to its social media presence and marketing campaigns.
A strong brand can have a significant impact on a company’s reputation, and it can also influence how job seekers perceive the company as a potential employer.
Just as a company markets its products and services, it also markets itself as an employer—or at least it should. Employers who practice branding best practices and take steps to cultivate a strong brand make their organization stand out from its competitors and attract a higher caliber of candidates. In fact, when looking for a job, 84% of job seekers say a potential employer’s reputation is important.
5 Employer Branding Examples to Look For
As you conduct your job search, be aware of the way the employer presents itself to its applicants, as this can give you an idea of whether the company aligns with your expectations. You’ll find this information on their website, social media channels, and on the employer’s career page.
Some employer branding examples to look for include:
1. Clear mission statement and values
Look for companies that have a clear mission statement and set of values. A company’s mission and values can give job seekers insight into the company’s culture and priorities. Alignment with a company’s values helps you understand why the work you’re doing matters and how it makes a difference.
It can also help you determine whether the role will be a good fit. For example, if a company’s mission is to create innovative solutions to complex problems, job seekers can expect to work in an environment that values creativity and problem-solving.
2. Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion should be high on the list for job seekers. A diverse and inclusive workplace benefits from a wide range of perspectives and experiences, increased creativity, and even contributes to greater financial performance.
Some signs to look for that indicate a company is committed to diversity and inclusion include the company’s hiring practices, diverse executive and management teams, and inclusion initiatives.
3. Opportunities for growth and development
You should also look for companies that offer opportunities to develop your professional skillset and advance in your career. This can include things like training programs, continuing education, mentorship opportunities, and career promotion paths.
A company that invests in its employees’ professional development is more likely to have a motivated and engaged workforce.
4. Positive work-life balance
Most job seekers today want a work-life balance. Look for a company that prioritizes employee well-being can create a supportive and positive work environment. Health and wellness benefits, flexible work arrangements, and time off are all important things to look for to ensure you balance your professional life with your personal life.
5. Strong reputation
Job seekers should look for companies that have a strong reputation in their industry or community. This goes for both employees and customers. Not only will this prove beneficial for your resume, but a company with a positive reputation is more likely to attract top talent and have a loyal customer base.
Research a company’s reputation by reading reviews on job sites, researching the company’s social media presence, and talking to current or former employees. A company that is committed to upholding their reputation will ensure they are putting their best foot forward, whether online or in person.
Evaluating a Company’s Brand
As you move forward in the interview process, be aware of the overall experience the company provides its candidates. Branding is important, but ultimately, companies will show you through their actions that they are committed to a positive working environment.
You can evaluate your candidate experience by asking yourself:
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- Did the company keep me informed during the interview process?
- Were the interviewers respectful of my time?
- Did the recruiter or hiring manager convey the company’s mission or values?
- Does the role align with my interests and career path?
- Does the company prioritize professional development?
- Is company retention high?
Above all, be aware of the overall environment. If employees are welcoming, passionate about the work they do and the service they provide, and you get an overall good “vibe” about the organization and role, chances are good it will be a great fit for you and your career goals.
Why Work for Pierce Washington?
If you’re considering a career move, consider bringing your talents to Pierce Washington. Our mission to successfully deliver complex projects while building ongoing relationships with our clients has enabled us to deliver mission-critical projects to customers around the world.
Our company culture is one we’re proud of, and we work hard to create an environment that enables our employees to learn and grow professionally while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
To learn more or see our current openings, visit our Careers page.