In my years in HR, I’ve learned that attracting top talent isn’t just about offering the best salary or the coolest perks (though those certainly help!).
Today’s candidates, especially the high-caliber ones, are looking for something more. They want to understand your company culture, get a feel for the people they’ll be working with, and see if they truly fit in.
And guess what can give them a surprisingly powerful glimpse into all of that? Authentic employee headshots!
We’ve talked about how headshots shape your brand and boost internal engagement, but let’s shift our focus to how they can become a major magnet for attracting the very best talent to your organization.
Forget those generic stock photos on your careers page, it’s time to let your real employees tell your story.
Beyond the Job Description: A Glimpse into Your Company Culture
Think about it from a candidate’s perspective. They’re scrolling through job boards, reading countless descriptions, and trying to get a sense of what it would actually be like to work at your company.
A well-crafted job description can tell them about the responsibilities and requirements, but it often falls short of conveying the personality and culture of your workplace.
This is where authentic employee headshots come in. By showcasing the real faces of your team, you’re giving potential candidates a genuine peek behind the curtain.
They can see the diversity of your workforce, get a sense of the energy and approachability of your employees, and start to envision themselves as part of that team.
Your Careers Page: The Perfect Place to Put Faces Forward
Your careers page is often the first impression many potential candidates have of your company. Instead of relying solely on text and stock imagery, why not make it come alive with photos of your actual employees?
Showcase a Variety of Roles: Feature headshots of individuals in different departments and at various levels within the organization. This demonstrates the range of opportunities available and helps candidates see where they might fit in.
Highlight Teamwork: Include photos of teams working together (where appropriate) alongside individual headshots to illustrate your collaborative culture.
Make it Personal: Instead of just names and titles, consider adding a short, engaging quote from each employee about what they enjoy about working at your company. This adds a layer of authenticity and relatability.
Social Media: Making Your Company Feel Approachable and Human
Social media is a powerful tool for employer branding, and headshots can be your secret weapon here.
“Meet the Team” Features: Regularly feature individual employees with their headshots and a brief bio or fun fact on your company’s social media channels. This humanizes your brand and makes your company feel more approachable.
Celebrating Milestones and Achievements: When announcing company successes, promotions, or employee milestones, always include a photo of the individual or team involved.
Behind-the-Scenes Content: Even casual behind-the-scenes glimpses of your team at work, accompanied by headshots, can give potential candidates a real feel for the day-to-day atmosphere.
Recruitment Materials: Adding a Personal Touch
Don’t underestimate the power of including headshots in your more traditional recruitment materials as well:
Company Brochures and Presentations: Instead of generic images, use photos of your actual employees to showcase your team and culture.
Job Descriptions: In some cases, especially for roles that involve a lot of collaboration, including a photo of the hiring manager or a few team members can make the opportunity feel more real and inviting.
Recruitment Event Materials: When attending career fairs or hosting recruitment events, use materials that feature the friendly faces of your current employees.
The Importance of Authenticity: It’s What Candidates Crave
The key to effectively using headshots for employer branding is authenticity. Candidates are savvy, and they can spot a staged or inauthentic image a mile away.
Make sure the headshots you use genuinely reflect the diversity and personality of your workforce. Encourage employees to bring their own style (within reasonable company guidelines, of course!) to their photos to showcase their individuality.
Practical Tips for Your Recruitment-Focused Headshot Strategy:
Invest in Professional Photography: High-quality photos make a much better impression than blurry or poorly lit snapshots.
Offer Variety: Capture a range of shots, individual headshots, team photos, and even some candid shots of employees interacting (with their permission, of course!).
Get Employee Buy-In: Explain to your employees why you’re using their photos for recruitment purposes and get their enthusiastic consent.
Keep Them Updated: Regularly refresh your headshots to ensure they accurately reflect your current team.
Seeing the Bigger Picture: Let Your Employees’ Faces Tell Your Story
In the competitive landscape of talent acquisition, your employees are your most valuable asset and your most compelling storytellers.
By strategically using their authentic headshots in your recruitment and employer branding efforts, you can give potential candidates a genuine glimpse into your company culture, showcase the amazing people they could be working with, and ultimately attract the top talent you’re looking for.
So, let your employees’ faces shine and tell the incredible story of your company!
Corporate Portrait
Think school picture day meets the business world.
Corporate Portrait brings professional headshot photography directly to your business in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding Nebraska communities. Starting at $30 per employee with full ownership rights included. Because getting great headshots shouldn’t be complicated.