You need to read this article in ERE about the absolute insanity of recruiting people with a set of promises that you know full well your organization cannot deliver. It’s the equivalent of lying while dating and we know how well that turns out. It’s a short read, but really puts a nice framing on the importance of integrity and focusing on the things that matter: nurturing a healthy, productive culture. Top questions to ask:

 

  • “Whether you truly deliver the work experience your recruiting campaign promises.
  • Whether you really know what kind of work experience you deliver.
  • Whether you truly understand the key components of an inspiring, commitment-generating work experience … and how to deliver them.
  • Whether your managers know how to manage in ways that inspire loyalty, passion, and pride.
  • How much you are investing in telling the world you are a great place to work, and how much you are investing in actually being a great place to work.
  • If you are doing the things Todd described in the comment here that are the things that make a workplace a good workplace: appreciation, interesting work, the chance to make a difference, opportunities for new skills, work/life balance, recognition, flexibility, health and retirement benefits, nice co-workers, smart co-workers, good managers but not micromanagers, training, a good location, money, promotions, and raises.”

When Adaptive Talent is retained for a search we are completely honest about a company’s culture and competitive situation. We do this because it’s the right thing to do and our integrity underlies the employer and candidate experience. Every employer is evolving and has strengths and opportunities so don’t cover it up and instead be blunt and frame the opportunity for someone to contribute. Some people love different phases of company growth and size, or certain types of initiatives so it’s incredibly important to speak with candour.

 

Photo credit: Varvara Grabova

Adaptive Talent is a talent consultancy designed to help organizations achieve amazing results and ongoing adaptability. Founded in 2008 and based in Vancouver, Canada we offer retained search, assessments, total rewards consulting, training, leadership coaching and development programs, and culture & organizational development consulting.