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Hiring 2.0: Innovative Ways to Advertise Your Job Openings

Writer's picture: Hearst PittsburghHearst Pittsburgh

Sometimes, when I start writing these posts, I throw a few simple questions into a Google search to get the creative juices flowing. Today, I started with this head-scratcher: Is hiring harder than ever?


.41 seconds and roughly 7,250,000,000 search results later, there was something funny happening on the results page. The first headline from PR Newswire read "New Research Shows That Hiring Is Harder Than Ever: Time to Hire Increasing Significantly for Almost All Roles." Directly below that, a link from Time Magazine read "You're Not Imagining It - Job Hunting Is Getting Worse."


Ok, so... between job hunters and hiring managers, no one is having a good time.


When it comes to attracting talent, we can do better


To attract better applicants and onboard top-top-tier talent, hiring managers need to start thinking like advertisers: target their ideal candidates, develop attention-grabbing content to stand out in a crowded marketplace, and provide great messaging the drives actions - specifically applications.


Don't get us wrong, traditional job postings have their place, but in a world saturated with opportunities, it's time to think outside the box and transform run-of-the-mill job listings into an irresistible invitations.


Attracting exceptional talent requires more than the conventional approach. For the next few minutes, I invite you to think of WTAE Advertising as a translator between the worlds of recruiting and advertising, as we turn job posters into job advertisers. Whether you're a startup striving to make your mark or an established enterprise seeking a fresh influx of brilliant applicants, we have novel ideas to reshape the way you connect with potential candidates.


It's time to infuse your job postings with the same passion and innovation that you pour into your products and services, so that the right candidate isn't just found – they're captivated.


Welcome to a new era of job posting promotion

In this new era, creativity reigns supreme and your company's story takes center stage. Here are 12 creative ways to get the word out on your open positions:


Turn Your Traditional Job Descriptions into Attention-Grabbing Video

Create short, attention-grabbing videos that showcase the company culture, the team, and the role itself. Videos are more engaging than text-based descriptions and can give candidates a better sense of what it's like to work at your company.

Build Connections by Capturing and Sharing Real Employee Testimonials

Feature current employees in videos or written testimonials, sharing their experiences and why they love working at the company. Authentic stories from real people can be powerful in attracting potential candidates.

Go Beyond Geographical Boundaries with a Virtual Career Fair

Host virtual career fairs or webinars where candidates can interact with hiring managers, learn about the company, and ask questions about the role.

Break Up the Monotony with Interactive Job Applications

Develop interactive application forms that go beyond the typical resume and cover letter. Include elements like quizzes, scenarios, or mini-projects related to the role to assess candidates' skills and creativity.

Attract Curious Minds with a Podcast or Webinar Series

Launch a podcast or webinar series where you discuss topics related to the company's industry or share insights from current employees. This can help establish your company as a thought leader and make job seekers more interested in being a part of it.

Organize Social Media Challenges

Organize social media challenges related to the job or industry. For example, if you're hiring for a graphic designer, you could have a design challenge and ask participants to share their creations using a specific hashtag.

Host Live Q&A Sessions Virtually

Conduct live Q&A sessions on social media platforms, where potential candidates can ask questions about the job, company culture, or any other aspects related to the role.

Translate Job Info and Benefits into Easy-to-Read Infographics

Present key information about the job posting in visually appealing infographics that quickly convey essential details in a fun and creative manner.

Make Meaningful Connections Through Influencer Partnerships

Collaborate with influencers or industry experts who can endorse your job postings or give insights into the company's work environment. Their audience might include potential candidates interested in the industry.

Tap Into the Virtual Reality (VR) Experience

For technical or hands-on roles, consider creating a virtual reality experience that showcases the work environment or allows candidates to "try out" some tasks related to the job.

Creative Job Titles

Use catchy and creative job titles that accurately reflect the position while piquing candidates' interest. Avoid generic titles that might get lost among other job listings.

Some final thoughts before you post your next opening

The convergence of technology, social media, and changing candidate expectations has ushered in a new era of hiring—one job seekers and posters alike are struggling to navigate. The demands for creativity, engagement, and a profound connection with potential candidates are higher than ever.

We find ourselves at the intersection of recruiting and advertising, needing to bridge the gap and revolutionize the ways we connect with top-tier talent. Embracing this new mindset means transcending the mundane and delving into the realm of innovative recruitment strategies.

With the ideas outlined above, there's a better hiring experience is on the horizon. It's time to break free from the conventional and embrace the extraordinary. This is your invitation to transform job postings from mere notices into irresistible invitations—a chance to captivate, engage, and inspire.

Creativity is your most potent ally. Your company's story, culture, and values are your most compelling assets. By infusing your recruitment strategies with innovation and passion, you're not just filling positions; you're crafting a narrative of growth and impact, where the right candidates don't just apply—they become an integral part of your vision.

Welcome to a realm where recruitment transcends boundaries, where job postings aren't just listings—they're stories waiting to be told. As you embark on this journey of reinvention, know that we're here, ready to guide you toward the uncharted territories of candidate engagement. This is the moment to seize the opportunity, to rewrite the rules, and to usher in a new era where exceptional talent is not just found—it's captivated.

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