While Safari’s mission is very business focused vs. candidate focused, we still strongly believe in creating a candidate focused hiring practice.  One of the clearest ways that we implement a candidate focused hiring practice is in our ad.  We draft an ad that focuses on why the candidate would want the position rather than what the employer needs. 

I started thinking about this concept after reading an article on Ladies Who Launch by Stacie Krajchir about the risks of hiring:

“The good news is, I think I have finally found the formula for getting the best, most qualified applicants to our door: the kick-ass ad postings I place on Craigslist (Craig should actually offer me stock because I bought whatever house he lives in with all my support). I will admit they are pretty intense and unforgiving and demanding: Please do not apply for this position if you currently work as a bank teller, but really want to get into PR … we are seeking experienced publicists only. I also state: Please copy and paste your resume. Do not send an attachment, any e-mails with attachments will be deleted and will not be read.”

Maybe it is the Midwestern in me, or maybe it is my high S coming out, however I’m a fan of the thought that you will get more flies with honey than vinegar.  Our ads receive 34% more views and 84% more applicants than average ads, so we are doing something right!

That said, Stacie has clearly found something that works for her.  Maybe if you aren’t the kind of person who reads this and says, ‘You think I’m not good enough for you?  I’ll show you!’  then you aren’t going to last more than 3 months with Stacie.

What about your business?  Are there phrases that you use in advertising or when speaking to candidates to help them self select out?