Recruiting great sales people can be really tough, and there are loads of strategies you can employ to attract the best people to your business.
Today we're going to dive deeper in one of those, and that's the role of employer branding in attracting great sales staff.
We'll uncover the secrets behind successful employer branding and how it can help you build a winning sales team.
Understanding Employer Branding
Before we delve deeper, it's important to understand exactly what we're talking about and that we're on the same page.
Employer branding refers to the perception and reputation of a company as an employer.
It encompasses everything from the company's values and culture to its working environment and employee benefits.
In the context of recruitment, employer branding influences how candidates view and perceive a company.
For example, let's take a look at a well-known tech company with a stellar employer brand, Google.
Google's employer branding initiatives showcase their unique company culture, employee perks, and commitment to innovation.
Candidates are often drawn to Google because they perceive it as an exciting and supportive workplace, which helps the company attract top talent.
Their brand is so strong that they probably have to do little proactive recruitment, and have a whole bunch of people speculatively sending their CVs to them.
Obviously getting to Google's size and attraction power is out of reach for the vast majority of companies, but it illustrates the point well about the potential power of a strong employer brand.
Benefits Of Strong Employer Branding In Sales Recruitment
Now, let's explore the benefits that strong employer branding brings to sales recruitment.
1. Attracting top sales talent:
The sales job market is highly competitive, with talented professionals in high demand.
A strong employer brand helps your company stand out from the competition, making it more attractive to top sales performers.
When candidates perceive your company as a great place to work, they're more likely to consider joining your team.
Imagine you're a recruiter looking to hire a sales representative.
You have two companies to choose from:
Company A, with a strong employer brand that emphasises a supportive and collaborative sales environment, and Company B, which lacks a defined employer brand.
Chances are, top sales talent will gravitate towards Company A due to its positive reputation.
2. Increasing candidate pool quality:
It's not just about attracting candidates; it's about attracting the right candidates.
A strong employer brand helps attract individuals who possess the skills and experience required for sales success.
Moreover, candidates who align with your company's culture and values are more likely to be engaged and productive, leading to long-term success.
Consider a scenario where your company's employer brand emphasises a dynamic and results-oriented sales culture.
As a result, candidates who are highly motivated and thrive in fast-paced environments are more likely to be attracted to your organisation.
This helps you build a high-performing sales team tailored to your specific needs.
3. Enhancing employee retention:
Employee turnover can be costly, especially in sales roles where relationships with clients take time to develop.
A positive employer brand contributes to higher employee satisfaction, leading to increased retention rates.
When employees feel valued and connected to the company, they're more likely to stay long-term, contributing to stable sales growth.
Think about a sales team where employees have a strong sense of belonging and are genuinely passionate about the company's mission.
This positive environment nurtures loyalty and reduces turnover, enabling the team to build long-term relationships with clients and achieve sustainable sales success.
Strategies for Building and Promoting Employer Branding
Now that we understand the benefits, let's explore strategies to build and promote your employer brand.
1. Develop a compelling employee value proposition (EVP):
Your EVP represents the unique value that employees gain by working for your company.
Craft a compelling EVP that highlights the opportunities, rewards, and growth prospects available in your sales roles.
For example, if your company offers extensive sales training programs or a performance-based commission structure, make sure to emphasise these in your employer branding materials.
2. Leverage digital platforms and social media:
In today's digital age, online presence is crucial for effective employer branding.
Utilise social media platforms to showcase your company culture, employee testimonials, and success stories.
Engage with your audience by sharing valuable content, participating in industry discussions, and actively responding to candidate inquiries.
By maintaining a strong online presence, you can reach a wider audience and build your employer brand.
3. Encourage employee advocacy:
Empower your employees to become advocates for your company.
Encourage them to share their positive experiences on social media or provide testimonials for your career website.
Employee advocacy enhances your employer brand's authenticity, as candidates are more likely to trust the opinions and experiences of current employees.
Case Studies: Real-life Examples of Successful Employer Branding in Sales Recruitment
Let's take a look at a couple of companies that have excelled in employer branding within the sales industry.
Salesforce:
Salesforce, a global leader in CRM solutions, has established a strong employer brand known for its inclusive culture, employee development programs, and emphasis on work-life balance.
They actively share employee success stories on social media, showcasing their commitment to their sales team's growth and well-being.
HubSpot:
HubSpot, a leading inbound marketing and sales software provider, has built an employer brand centered around transparency, autonomy, and continuous learning.
They offer employees numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth and provide platforms for employees to share their expertise through blogging and public speaking.
Conclusion
Recruiters, remember that employer branding is not just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool in your recruitment arsenal.
By investing in your employer brand, you can attract top sales talent, increase the quality of your candidate pool, and enhance employee retention.
Craft a compelling employee value proposition, leverage digital platforms, and encourage employee advocacy to build and promote your employer brand effectively.
With a strong employer brand, you'll be well-equipped to create a winning sales team that drives long-term success.
So, embrace the power of employer branding in sales recruitment and unlock the potential of attracting and retaining the best sales talent in the market.
