How To Use Storytelling For Talent Acquisition

Sure, storytelling is used in film and tv to create great entertainment, but it’s increasingly being used in corporate contexts. Just as storytelling is used in marketing to attract buyers, so too can it be used to draw top talent your company. While many roles have similar responsibilities, pay packages and quirky open planned spaces, each company has its own story. Telling that story differentiates your role from the rest.

What it’s Not

You probably think that you’re already telling the story of your company by discussing the values or ethos of the business. But have you ever noticed how many other companies list respect and innovation among their values? Company values do not equate to your company story, and they’re usually overused cliches. Fortunately, you don’t have to write as well as Stephen Spielberg to tell a good company story. All you need to do is focus on what makes your company unique.

Consider the Company

The first step to telling your company story is sitting down and considering each individual part of the whole and getting a feel for each one. Here is a list of all the aspects you should consider and some questions you can ask.

The team- Why would someone enjoy working with this team? What is the social atmosphere like at this place?

Growth – How does the company facilitate professional development for its employees?

Processes –  How would someone get their job done at the company? What sort of steps would they need to take, who would they need to engage with?

Environment – What are the benefits of the location,and how does the internal space affect the work done?

Values – Dig a little deeper than the cliches on your company’s site.  When it comes to communicating values, the company’s actions speak louder than words.

Bragging Rights – What single perk would an employee brag about to their friends?

Next, Differentiate…

Now that you’ve got a holistic feel for the company and all its parts, it’s time to pick out a few of the best points you’ve come up with. These will become your “point of difference”, setting you apart from competitors.

Give a Thought to Audience

Telling your company’s story to all and sundry will make for a confusing plot. It’s time to hone in on your target audience and write for that dream candidate. One strategy is to put yourself in your candidate’s shoes and share a story that would resonate with them. You could also draw from the experiences of those existing employees with whom your desired candidate would share a lot in common. In this way, you’d be writing an engaging and concise company story that most appeals to your candidate.

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