How to craft a compelling Employer Value Proposition for your startup
21 February 2024
In today’s competitive job market, startups face the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent. One powerful tool is a clearly defined Employer Value Proposition (EVP). This represents who you are as a company, how you operate and the unique benefits and rewards you offer to employees in exchange for their skills, contribution and commitment to the company.
Why does your startup need an Employer Value Proposition?
In recent years there has been a widespread shift in what candidates expect from a job, so it’s essential to develop your employer brand and address these evolving motivations. Want to attract top tier talent that aligns with your company’s mission and values? Think about what you as an employer have to offer the highest quality applicants, but use specific examples to make sure it reflects the internal reality of your business.
What are your key differentiators?
Understanding what makes your startup unique is the first step in defining your EVP. Start by reflecting on your company culture, benefits, culture and vision. Ask your employees to contribute too. What sets your startup apart from others in your industry? Is it your innovative product, flexible work environment or commitment to employee learning and development?
There’s a range of factors you could highlight, including:
– Compensation and benefits — Do you pay employees at a higher rate than the competition? Do you offer enhanced parental leave?
– Working environment — Is it flexible? Do you have a supportive work-life balance? Do you have a stylish, centrally located office?
– Career progression — What are the promotion prospects?
– Company culture — What are your values? Do you have any initiatives worth highlighting, such as paid volunteering days?
Identifying these key differentiators will help you define what makes your business special and result in an EVP that resonates with potential candidates.
Consider the needs and aspirations of your target talent audience
Did you know that 77% of workers think a company’s values and purpose are important when selecting an employer? Consider what your desired candidates are looking for in an employer and then tailor your EVP to address these elements — this will attract talent this is not only qualified, but also passionate about achieving your company’s mission.
Get your Employer Value Proposition out there
Crafting a compelling EVP is just the beginning. Its purpose is to represent your company to prospective hires, so effectively communicating your EVP across various channels is essential to attract and retain top talent, from job postings to social media to your career pages.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to include the EVP on all internal communications, such as employee handbooks and onboarding materials, to ensure the message is consistent both internally and externally.
When to review your Employer Value Proposition
As your company changes over time, so should your EVP. It’s a good idea to review and refine your EVP at least one a year, based on employee feedback and market trends, to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. To do this, start by asking yourself the below questions:
– Does your company still offer all the employee benefits that are listed?
– Is the way your company currently operates still working for you?
– Has the mission of the company or its values evolved?
– Has the stage of your company changed? You may not want to hire the same kind of people as you did when the company was earlier stage.
“Working with Scene immediately felt different to other recruitment agencies — I could tell they were invested in the success of BKwai from the moment we first spoke. They came to meet me and the team to understand our mission, culture and platform, as well as to provide us with advice based on their experience working with companies of a similar size and stage. Scene has helped us to recruit people who seamlessly fit into the team, are passionate about our mission, and are making a significant impact on developing our analytics platform as we grow.”
How Scene can help
At Scene, we understand that a strong, clearly defined Employer Value Proposition is a powerful tool for attracting top talent. Our expert team specialises in helping startups and scaleups define their EVP and develop a comprehensive talent strategy tailored to their specific needs and goals.
By understanding your unique strengths, aligning with candidate desires and effectively communicating your value proposition, you can create a compelling employer brand that sets you apart in the crowded job market. With Scene’s expertise and support, we can help accelerate your journey towards building a high-performing and motivated team that that drives sustainable growth and success.
What are you waiting for? Get in touch!