Employer Brand Basics

How do you make an employer brand credible (not cringe)?

Short Answer

Be specific, show proof, and avoid inflated claims—let real examples do the persuasion.

Long Answer

Credibility comes from specificity + evidence. Replace vague claims (“innovative,” “people-first,” “great culture”) with concrete truths: what you build, how decisions get made, what excellence looks like, what growth paths are real, and what support exists. Then back it up: metrics, artifacts, stories, examples of work, leadership behaviors, employee quotes with context, and consistent interview experiences. Also: include tradeoffs. A brand that admits who won’t like the environment is more believable—and helps self-selection. Finally, operationalize it. If recruiters and hiring managers can’t repeat the message consistently, candidates won’t trust it.

James Ellis presenting to audience

An employer brand that drives obvious value in 3-4 weeks?

When you take a fresh approach to employer branding, more as a business driver than an application generator, as a way to make your differentiated value shine rather than as a bumper sticker, amazing things can happen.

Want to see how a company between 200-2000 employees can attract the best talent away from anyone?