The Human Touch in Talent Acquisition: How Hospitality Creates Transformative Matches
- tinareen
- May 28, 2024
- 2 min read
That's the story that hooked me on Will Guidara's TED Talk about "unreasonable hospitality. For those unfamiliar, Guidara, a renowned restaurateur, describes a moment when he served a ridiculously cheap hot dog to out-of-town customers craving a taste of the city. This seemingly small gesture sparked a big shift in his philosophy – hospitality isn't just about the service or the food, it's about creating unforgettable, genuine connections.
This resonated deeply with my world in talent acquisition. Early on, it definitely felt like filling roles was the primary goal. But through countless interactions with fantastic hiring managers and passionate candidates, I realized the true magic lies in crafting transformative matches.
What's a Transformative Match, You Ask?
Imagine an ideal fit. Not just skills aligning with a job description, but a candidate who ignites a spark within the team and a company culture that feels like a second home. It's about career growth for the candidate and a significant contribution to the company's goals.
Think of it like this:
For Hiring Managers: A candidate with unique skills that fuel innovation.
For Candidates: A position that ignites their passion and offers opportunities to learn and grow.
For Recruiter (me): An ideal cultural fit that fosters collaboration and success.
So, how do we translate "hot dog hospitality" to recruiting? It's not about handing out free lunches (although, who wouldn't love that?). It's about the small touches that create big impacts:
Going the extra mile: Dedicating time to understand a hiring manager's needs and a candidate's aspirations.
Personalization is key: Tailoring the experience to each individual, not just sending generic emails.
The power of small gestures: A quick follow-up call, offering relevant resources, or a genuine "thank you" for their time can go a long way.
By embracing unreasonable hospitality, we move from filling roles to shaping careers. We create win-win situations that leave a lasting impact on both companies and individuals. Humility and active listening allow me to truly understand needs and goals, leading to successful connections. Now, that's a successful recipe for a ‘Transformative Match’!
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