How Employee Testimonials Give You a Recruiting Advantage

employee storytellingemployee testimonials

Oct 3

How many times have you scrolled past a “We’re hiring” post this week? Probably more than a few. If you need to hire, you’re likely spreading the word everywhere. But if you’re leading with “We’re hiring,” your message is blending in with all the others. To stand out and be memorable with candidates and your referral community, you need a different approach. And that’s where employee testimonials come in.

When you lead your recruiting message with employee stories, you create a competitive advantage. Testimonials set you apart from other companies hiring for the same roles. You’ll also learn what your employees truly value—which is crucial for crafting messages that address questions, overcome objections, and inspire candidates to take action. All while backing up your claim that you’re a great employer.

Why Doesn’t “We’re Hiring” Work Like It Used To?

The way people approach job searches has changed, and that means recruiting strategies need to adapt. While some companies are getting applicants, they’re often not attracting the right ones. A simple “We’re hiring” message might bring in candidates, but it likely won’t grab the attention of top talent—especially if they aren’t actively looking for a new job when your position opens up.

These high-quality candidates aren’t just scrolling through job posts. Instead, they’re researching companies in the same way they would research important purchases. They’re visiting your website, exploring social media, and reading employee reviews. They want a real sense of what it’s like to work at your company before they even consider applying. A standard “We’re hiring” post doesn’t give them the insight they need to make that decision.

Let Your Employees Do the Talking Instead

There’s a lot that might need updating in your recruiting process to align with how candidates behave today. But the most impactful first step you can take is to gather and use employee testimonials in your messaging. Here’s why:

1. Credibility

Your employees are three times more believable than your company’s voice when it comes to your reputation as an employer. You might say, “We value work-life balance,” but an employee testimonial tells a real-life story of how that plays out.

2. Communicate Employer Value

People don’t just change jobs for a paycheck. They’re looking for a better future, whether that’s through professional development, work-life balance, or a collaborative work environment. Testimonials help paint a picture of the value you offer beyond wages and benefits.

3. Answer Questions

Job seekers have questions they want answered before they apply. Employee testimonials give candidates a glimpse of how they’ll be treated and what they can expect from your company in different situations.

4. Overcome Misconceptions and Objections

Testimonials can reveal something new about your company that candidates didn’t know—or had wrong. Misconceptions about the roles you offer, the people who work there, or your company culture could be keeping great candidates from applying.

5. Personalize Your Company

Employee testimonials bring names and faces to your company, making it more relatable and approachable. Showing real people in your recruitment marketing will help build relationships with candidates as they engage with your content.

6. You Become More Memorable

Testimonials act like a tag in the minds of your candidates and referral network, making you memorable. Whether it’s the story or the employee’s photo, you have a better chance of sparking emotion with testimonials than with a generic “We’re hiring” message. And emotion is key to driving action.

Stimulate Action with a Good Employer Reputation

As you weave employee testimonials into your recruiting messages, you’re doing more than just listing benefits—you’re actively managing your employer reputation. In today’s job market, candidates behave like consumers, researching and evaluating companies before they make a move. Your reputation plays a major role in whether they choose to take the next step in your hiring process.

Remember how candidates explore job opportunities? They’re seeking confidence in their decision, and employee testimonials provide the insight they need. By sharing real experiences from your team, you show candidates how your company delivers on its promises. The outcome? More qualified applicants who resonate with your values and culture are likely to apply because they’ve seen proof of what it’s like to work with you.

Instead of passively scrolling through job posts, candidates will notice your company as a standout option. Even those not actively searching for a job may be inspired to consider your opportunity because of the relatable experiences you’ve shared. Employee testimonials build trust and create an emotional connection that can convert interest into action.

Need a Competitive Edge in Recruiting?

I can help you gather employee testimonials that highlight the real experiences of your team. I’ll talk directly with your employees to learn their stories and turn them into powerful messages for your recruiting efforts. Whether you need to stand out or attract more qualified candidates, employee testimonials can help you connect with the right talent.

If you'd prefer to take this on internally, I can also teach you how to interview employees and create testimonials that resonate with candidates. Ready to enhance your recruiting strategy? Get in touch to schedule a meeting.

Lori Creighton

I work with small businesses to improve their recruiting outcomes by creating an 'always on' employer brand. By shifting from job-specific promotions to a value-driven message based on employee experiences, a brand narrative is crafted that resonates with what employees value most in their workplace. Eager to share what I’ve learned, I offer my insights and strategies to marketing peers through resources and courses, designed to enhance their employer branding efforts and integrate recruitment marketing into their skill set.