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The Culture+ Blog

Insights to help you create a compelling and connected culture

How to persuade superstars to join your firm when they have 4 other solid offers

This is how to make your firm and your position the default choice for someone with 4 other solid job offers.

First, a little context.

In April we saw the highest “quits” since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began recording that data – about 20 years.

Guess what?

The “quits” volume – the number of people voluntarily leaving their jobs – is now in it’s third record month.

What does that mean?

Opportunity abounds. There are now more than 10 million open jobs right now. Which is funny because in July of 2021 there were only 9.2 million officially unemployed… In essence, there are more open jobs than unemployed people to take them.

The proverbial table has forever turned. Employers who are used to stacks of super candidates, are now finding themselves scrambling. Superstar candidates have their pick of firms. This will be the condition for the foreseeable future.

OK. Back to the idea about making your firm and your open position the default choice…

First, you must have the foundation poured before any interviews. Clear job description, competitive pay, good benefits. Those are table stakes. You have some perks? Fine. Mention them but know they won’t tip the scales.

Next, you must be crystal clear in your communication AS IF YOU ARE THE INTERVIEWEE (because now you are). There are three questions you need to hit out of the ballpark. Ready?

Candidate:

“Tell me a little about yourself?”

You:

Succinct and precise information about your structure, history, mission, core values, who you serve, and why any of it matters. Get emotional about this. Share a touching story of success.

Candidate:

“Why should I choose you?”

You:

Detailed and clear description of the job and how it supports the mission. Detailed and clear description of project types. Detailed and clear description of growth opportunities and professional enrichment opportunities (mentoring). Clear and persuasive detailing of any other aspect of what you do and why it’s better here than at your competitors.

Candidate:

“What’s it like to work here?”

You:

Precise and detailed description of culture – the Total Workplace Experience you offer.

Not good enough anymore to fumble through any of this during an interview. Remember, they have 4 other offers. The communication must be sharp, clear, true, shared among interviewers, and rehearsed. Like you are interviewing for a project. With that level of communication, your offer will stick right at the top of the list.

The stakes are high. Without enough good people you will have to pass on great projects. That will cost you money and create stress. There is an unprecedented infrastructure package in the works. Getting your people figured out is essential.

(BTW – I can help you do all of this. Get in touch.)

by Jonathan

Jonathan Wilson is the CEO of Sandcastle, a leadership training and development consultancy. He frequently speaks and writes about building high performance teams. Jonathan regularly presents his latest findings and insights to business and government leaders at local, state, and national association events (both in-person and virtual). His first book, Future Leader: Rebooting Leadership to Win the Millennial and Tech Future is available now.

Published on: August 10, 2021

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