4 Ideas Friday

To attract top talent, organizations need to look for unique ways to differentiate their brand from other companies. Experts say employers can set themselves apart by offering job candidates a clear picture of the company's culture and purpose.

How can you make a distinction between your brand and others to attract top talent? Check out these ideas, plus recruiting swag, to help you draw in the best candidates.

Participate in on-campus career fairs
According to AfterCollege’s 2016 Student Insight Survey, career fairs are among the top three most popular ways for new grads to find career opportunities (behind job boards and employer websites). When selecting recruiting swag, pick items that will resonate with your audience. For example, the tech-friendly PopSockets® Phone Stand and Cell Phone Power Bank make great promotional giveaways for on-campus job fairs because they are innovative and useful. Adding a bit of whimsy and fun when selecting promotional giveaways can also be a great way to show them that your organization is a place where people want to work. A Happy Hub Guy is the perfect mix of function and fun!

Encourage employees to attend conferences and join professional organizations
Research shows that professional networks lead to more job and business opportunities, broader and deeper knowledge, improved capacity to innovate, faster advancement, and greater status and authority. Building and nurturing professional relationships also improves quality of work and increases job satisfaction.

By encouraging current team members to actively participate in professional conferences and networking events, potential candidates will see how your organization supports its employees. It also allows employees to expand their personal networks. Outfit your staff with a variety of branded apparel items, like this stylish Featherweight V-Neck Long Cardigan or this Eddie Bauer® Soft Shell Jacket, and encourage them to wear branded items when representing your organization. Make sure they have a place to stow all their conference and networking materials while displaying your brand with this stylish yet functional Side Swipe Messenger Bag.

Host your own networking event
According to LinkedIn®, 80 percent of professionals consider networking to be important to career success, and 70 percent of people in 2016 were hired by a company where they had a connection. Hosting your own networking event is a great opportunity to invite potential candidates, current employees, past coworkers and guests to get to know your organization. It can be an excellent way to showcase your facility, your company culture and the opportunities available within your organization.

Show your guests the love with a swag bag that represents your organization and grabs the attention of new recruits. Fill this Promotional Drawstring Sportpack with the Epiphany Stylus Pen, fun Bic® Sticky Notes and other recruiting swag as a thank you to attendees.

Recruit from within your organization
Providing both promotional and lateral opportunities for current employees positively impacts morale and helps your current team members feel you appreciate their talents, capabilities and accomplishments. Reward employees with promotional giveaways any time they make a move. This Stretch Notebook Flag & Pen Set is perfect for jotting notes while learning the ropes. And the Zapata Bistro Ceramic Mug or Revolution Tumbler with Straw will help them settle into their new position while building team spirit.

Use recruiting swag to highlight your brand
Recruiting swag grabs the attention of potential new employees and helps tell a story of what it is like to work for your organization.