Authenticity as the key to recruiting success

In today's working world, companies face the challenging task of presenting themselves as attractive employers in order to attract and retain qualified professionals. But what truly makes a company attractive to potential applicants?

The answer to successful recruiting and employer branding does not lie in glossy brochures or the listing of generic benefits, but rather in the authenticity and transparency with which companies present their work culture and conditions.

A competition for talent

The job market has changed. With the retirement of the baby boomer generation and the arrival of birth-weak cohorts, as well as the lack of qualified immigration in countries like Austria and Germany, companies are facing an ever-growing challenge: How do you attract and retain qualified professionals?

Sugar-coating brings no success

Many companies try to attract talent by offering benefits and creating an appealing employer brand. Yet these benefits are often perceived as matters of course.

"Benefits such as punctual salary payments and reliable teammates should be taken for granted and not highlighted separately.”

Furthermore, polishing up company values often leads to a discrepancy between promised and lived values, which undermines the credibility of the company.

Proposed solutions: Authenticity and transparency

To be successful in the modern working world, companies must act honestly and transparently. Here are three approaches that can make the difference and that applicants are guaranteed not to find boring:

• 1. Realistic representation of the workplace:
  
  Companies should not shy away from showing the real working conditions. Authenticity creates trust and resonance with potential applicants.

"If a workplace is dirty, then it is simply dirty, and should be communicated accordingly”.‍

• 2. Accurate and detailed job descriptions:
  
  Vague job descriptions help no one. Applicants are looking for concrete information about the everyday working life and the requirements of the job. A precise presentation helps applicants make an informed decision and increases the quality of applications.
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• 3. Open communication about salary and benefits:
  
  Transparency regarding remuneration and additional benefits is crucial for an honest relationship between employers and potential employees. Clear information about the salary and benefits helps to avoid misunderstandings and shows applicants that they are valued.

"Salary is decisive for the decision to switch – it is a hygiene factor and is part of transparency.”

Conclusion

Companies that are prepared to present themselves authentically and provide a realistic insight into everyday work will be more successful in recruiting in the long term. It is about creating a culture of openness in which employees feel valued and can identify with the company values.

Authenticity is not just a trend – it is the key to success in the modern working world.