When the Guitar strummed Employer Branding insights …
My friend, Gwen is a gifted guitarist. Little did I know that her music would one day teach me ‘Employer Branding’ lessons.
Last week, I was enjoying her gig at a cozy local cafe. As she strummed her guitar, I noticed how effortlessly people from all walks of life, each with their own taste in music, came to appreciate her artistry. It seemed like magic, and I asked her later, “how do you do it?”.
With a knowing smile, Gwen set her guitar aside. “You see,” she said, “playing the guitar is not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about creating a connection with the audience. It’s about making them feel something, stirring their emotions, and leaving them with a lasting impression.”
As she spoke, it struck me that what Gwen was describing sounded a lot like Employer Branding.
- Just as she used her guitar to connect with diverse listeners, companies use their brand to connect with a diverse pool of talent. And just as Gwen aimed to evoke emotions and create a memorable experience, companies strive to attract, engage, and retain employees by offering something unique.
- Gwen continued, “Consistency is key. When I’m on stage, my audience knows what to expect. They recognize my style, my sound, and my passion. It’s this consistency that keeps them coming back for more.”
That’s when the Employer Branding connection became even clearer. A strong employer brand, I was reminded, is built on consistency in values, culture, and messaging. It’s about creating an identity that candidates recognise and are drawn to.
Like Gwen’s music, a consistent employer brand attracts candidates who resonate with your organization’s mission and values.
But there was one more lesson from Gwen’s guitar that hit home.
“Authenticity,” she said, “is the soul of music. When I play from the heart, it shows, and that’s what moves people. I can’t pretend to be someone I’m not; I have to be true to myself.”
In the realm of Employer Branding, authenticity is equally vital.
Candidates are drawn to companies that genuinely embody their stated values and culture. Pretending to be something you’re not might attract applicants initially, but it won’t lead to long-term engagement or retention.
As I left that cafe that evening, I couldn’t help but appreciate the unexpected lesson in Employer Branding that my friend had reminded me of. Just like a skilled guitarist, companies must also strum the right notes in Employer Branding by creating connections, maintaining consistency, and, above all, staying authentic.
After all, the best brands, like the best music, resonate with our hearts and leave us wanting more.
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Jayanth Jagadeesh, CEO – PeopleX