Effective Employee Referrals? Really?!

They say the way to get places these days is by knowing people. They also say that conversation is better by the water cooler than through emails. This could very well prove to be true, especially in the business world. So who exactly are they and how do they know so much?
Employee referrals are possibly more effective than we are led to believe. CareerXroads now brings forth evidence that hires from employee referrals are under-counted. Over the years we have all accepted that the average number of hires from employee referrals was somewhere in the ballpark of SHRM's 24% (for non-exempt positions) to about a third.

“Referrals permeate the recruiting process more than we think,” says recruiting consultant Gerry Crispin, a CareerXroads, principal.

Big or small, two-thirds of the respondents offer a bonus for every referral hire. Most common (44%) is $500 for a non-exempt hire. One-in-five will pay $1,000 and a few more (28%) will pay that for difficult to fill non-exempt positions.

Interesting concept that's widely happening at many companies. Hmmm, do you know anyone that you would like to refer to your current company? Their just might be a bonus in it for you.


via: http://www.ere.net/2012/01/31/employee-referrals-may-be-even-more-effective-than-we-think/

VIDEO - The Big Ad Gig

The Big Ad Gig is offering five 30-day entry level positions to creatives that create the best videos integrating supplied "abstract nuggets" found online at their website.
http://www.thebigadgig.com/  

PRINT - The Nation's Stations, Abu Dhabi & Dubai

via: http://adsoftheworld.com/files/Recruitment%20Ad.jpg
Click to view full size.

PRINT - KWP! Freelance Studio Assistant

via: http://www.adrants.com/2007/08/kwp-outset-ad-jobs-aint-glamorous.php

PRINT - Targeted Amsterdam Recruitment

Stumbled across this placement for Euro RSCG. (It was originally in Dutch and has been translated which is why it looks Photoshopped.) via: http://adland.tv/ooh/euro-rscg-amsterdam-recruitment-very-targeted-poaching-poster

How are you approaching experienced professionals in your field? Where do you draw the line when you start to specifically target other company's employees? What do you consider outside the boundaries of your company's image?

Would you be bold enough to offer free lunch across the street of a competitor if people would just come talk to you? Or setting up billboards along routes to competitors listing your unique selling points that place your above the competitors and how you can improve the lives of the employees?

VIDEO GAMES - Masseffect2.com.au

Upon the release of Mass Effect 2, these two recruitment styled advertisements were posted on job boards.

TWITTER - New Ad/Promoted Tweet Approach Available

Twitter has created a new way to promote your business/advertise on their network. They are called "Promoted Tweets." When you are logged into your account and run a search from your homepage, the first tweet that appears will be the Promoted Tweet. The slight twist on this advertising, is that the Promoted Tweet must have been a tweet previously posted. They are also labeled with a yellow "Promoted by ___" box. The goal behind these is not just to gain exposure with your brand name but to also get the people searching for your topic to share information you are providing, like the ability to retweet your post and gain exposure. It will be interesting to see the response from the Twitter community now that this has happened.

via:

http://www.adrants.com/2010/04/in-stream-ads-come-to-twitter.php

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS34862040020100414?feedType=RSS&feedName=wiredStartUps

ADVERTISING - Clunker lesson

As soon as I heard the Cash for Clunkers program was put on hold, advertising cost immediately came to mind. Not only did the government run out of money for clunkers, but car dealers invested in advertising on TV, radio, newspaper and direct mailers through November. Not to mention the upset customers who are now unable to participate in the promotion. Talk about advertising dollars up in smoke. This is an interesting article about the discontinued Cash for Clunkers program: Hot Air - Cash for Clunkers.

COMMERCIAL - WebVet, Little Dog. Big Surprise.

Have a great weekend!

PRINT - When advertising tried harder...

I came across this on Copyranter's Blog. This was a neat and simple message that made an impact on the car's sales.

COMMERCIAL - Evian Live Young - Baby Roller

If only I had moves like these on rollerskates. Evian as the fountain of youth? Enjoy. :)

NON-TRADITIONAL: Disturbing Billboard Bleeds When It Rains

If drivers in Papakura, New Zealand weren't getting the message before, they are now. According to Gizmodo, since the billboards have gone up, not one fatal accident in the area has occurred. Gizmodo: Disturbing Billboard Bleeds When It Rains

ALTERNATIVE PRINT - More examples of speaking directly to your target

These are some good examples of recruitment ads that relate directly to the position they are looking fill. Click the images for full view.

VIDEO - T-Mobile Public Advertising - London

Just for fun! T-Mobile: Life's for sharing.

PRINT - Publicis Graphics Recruitment

These are some alternative print ads for Publicis Graphics. I believe I found them via adsoftheworld.com.

NON-TRADITIONAL - Great Illustrated College Recruitment for RIM by Matt Vincent

This is a great example of using illustration for a college recruitment campaign.

Stumbled across it today white hunting around for fun recruitment ideas.

The designs are nice and light but active and engaging enough to draw the eye.

Art by Matt Vincent.

NON-TRADITIONAL - Revita Beauty Centre

Clever play on Shiatsu massage technique. I wonder if anybody has ever tripped at the bottom of an escalator checking out this spa ad? Even if it takes a few snagged shoes, the message should get across in the 2 seconds passing.

via: AdGoodness

NON-TRADITIONAL - IMPACT/BBDO Copy Writer Ad

This was a copy writer ad for IMPACT/BBDO in Abu Dhabi.
If anything, this would at least catch some attention... Although it makes me wonder how potential candidates would then look at the agency. Either way it is one of those that catches my eye and makes me laugh a little

UPDATE: EVENT PROMO - Starbucks Free Java Violates Election Law, State Says

Don't sweat it! Every customer is now entitled to receive a free cup of joe in celebration of election day. According to Washington state officials, Starbucks will be violating election laws if they choose to follow through with an election day "voters only" promotion. Federal law prohibits any gift to those who vote; there is no difference between a free cup of coffee and a bribe to vote. Ben & Jerry's has also avoided the election conflict by offering a free scoop of ice-cream to anyone for three hours in the evening who comes into their stores. This is a great little reminder for companies and their advertising agencies to look into and follow the laws before approaching a new campaign idea. Don't forget your free cup of joe!

Read more.
Election Day Violation

EVENT PROMO - If you vote, Starbucks buys your coffee

Now is a great time for businesses to take advantage of the hottest topic in America, the Presidential Election. Tomorrow, Starbucks is celebrating the importance of voting by rewarding voters with a free cup of coffee. This approach will appeal to those non-traditional Starbucks consumers by drawing them into the store, while increasing the chances of add-on sales. This allows customers to become more aware of the food and drink items available. Consumers appreciate generosity and will in turn; reward Starbucks by returning as a paying customer.