Key Takeaways
- Employer branding helps companies hire better in IT. It makes your company stand out in the UK tech market, where good pay and benefits are no longer enough.
- A strong employer brand builds trust. It shows who you are, what you believe in, and why people enjoy working with you.
- Old hiring methods don’t work alone anymore. Don’t just post job ads! Share your company’s story, values, and work culture to attract skilled tech people.
- Building your brand takes teamwork and effort. Keep your message clear everywhere, show your culture online, and let your employees share their experiences.
- Fortray supports companies in building strong brands. We use our IT hiring expertise to help you attract, connect with, and keep the best tech talent.
The UK’s tech industry is growing fast with many new startups and digital changes happening everywhere. But still, about 60% of UK companies find it hard to hire the best tech talent. Why? Even though they offer good pay, flexible work, and nice benefits, many businesses still struggle to attract top tech talent.
The answer often comes down to employer branding. It is the invisible force that shapes how candidates see your company. In today’s crowded tech market, simply posting a job is not enough. Tech professionals want to work for organisations they can connect with. Without a strong employer brand, even the best offers can get ignored.
In this blog, we will explore what employer branding really means in the tech market, why it’s become the secret weapon in modern hiring, and how you can start building yours today. We will also share and show how Fortray can help you strengthen your employer brand IT hiring strategy.
What is Employer Branding?
You might have heard the term “employer branding,” but what does it mean? Think of employer branding as your company’s personality in the eyes of job seekers and employees. Some people refer to employer branding as a simple logo, a website, or job ads. But that’s not it. Employer branding is more like a feeling people get when they hear your company’s name.
In today’s competitive tech world, where skilled professionals can choose their next move, employer branding is your reputation as an employer. It is the story you tell and the one your employees share about what it’s like to work at your company.
To clarify, employer branding addresses the key questions that every candidate secretly asks before applying. Candidates are curious about the company culture, the value they will bring after joining, and the support they can expect from the company. They also wonder if the company prioritises innovation and work-life balance. A strong employer brand paints a clear and positive picture of your workplace. This picture gives candidates the highlights what makes your organisation special.
Want to know why great candidates walk away? Check out why tech candidates reject job offers.
Employer Branding vs Traditional Hiring Approaches
If we talk about the past, for many UK companies, the hiring process hasn’t changed much over the years. You post a job ad, call a few recruiters, wait for referrals, and hope for the best. These traditional methods still play an important role, but in today’s fast-moving tech market, they are not enough. Why is that? It is because these methods were more focused on filling vacancies. Building relationships was not supposed to be prioritised. They connect companies with candidates, but not with the right candidates.
But in contrast, if we talk about today, especially about the tech industry, candidates are not greedy about paychecks only. They are keen to have purpose, flexibility, growth, and a culture they can believe in. That’s where employer branding comes in. A well-defined employer brand doesn’t just tell candidates what the job is. It shows them why it matters and why your company is worth joining.
However, instead of blending in with hundreds of job listings, employer branding helps your company stand out. It tells your story, showcases your people, and gives a glimpse of life inside your organisation. So, while a job description might grab someone’s attention for a moment, it’s your employer brand that keeps them interested.
What are the Key Elements of a Strong Employer Branding
Building a good employer brand takes planning and effort. Companies that easily attract top tech talent usually have a clear and strong image. Here are the main elements of a strong employer brand:
Know Your Values
Think about what makes your company special, i.e. innovation, teamwork, learning, or employee happiness. Share these values openly so people understand what your company stands for.
Show Your Culture
Let people see what it’s like to work with you. Share photos, videos, and stories about your team, your workspace, and your daily wins on your website and social media profiles. This helps candidates picture themselves working there.
Stay Consistent Everywhere
Make sure your message about your company’s mission, values, and culture stays the same across your website, social pages, job posts, and interviews. If the message keeps changing, people may feel unsure or lose interest.
Involve Your Team
Your employees are your best ambassadors. Encourage them to share their real experiences on LinkedIn or at events. Hearing from current employees makes your company feel more genuine and trustworthy.
Stay Active Online
Be present on platforms where IT professionals are, i.e. LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and GitHub. Share useful posts, company updates, and respond to reviews. It helps people see your company as open, active, and reliable.
When people notice that your company offers not just a job but a friendly culture and chances to grow, they will be more excited to join and stay for the long run.
How Fortray Can Help You Build a Winning Employer Brand
Attracting top tech talent is getting harder every day. Why is that? As discussed, the competition is extremely strong, and to attract skilled people, companies need more than just job ads and good salaries. This is where Fortray can really help.
We work with companies to build a strong employer brand that helps them stand out. We start by learning about your values, culture, and what makes your workplace special. Then, we help you share your story to attract the right tech talent.
Our goal is to help you hire the best people and build a great reputation in the IT industry. A strong brand not only brings better candidates but also helps you keep them longer, saving time and costs.
If you want to explore more about our approaches, explore our IT recruitment and talent solutions for businesses to enhance your overall hiring strategy.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Employer branding is about how IT professionals see your company as a place to work. It includes your company’s image, work culture, employee stories, and what makes you different from other tech employers.
The UK tech market is very competitive. Skilled IT professionals have many choices. A strong employer brand helps your company stand out and shows why people should choose to work with you.
Start by being clear about your company’s values and work culture. Share real employee stories, keep your message the same everywhere, and stay active on sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor. Encourage your employees to talk about their positive experiences, too.
Regular recruitment focuses on filling open jobs quickly. Employer branding focuses on creating long-term interest by showing what it’s like to work at your company.
Yes. When your company has a strong employer brand, more people want to apply on their own. This means you spend less money on job ads and hiring agencies while still attracting top talent.
