Recruitment giveaway ideas potential hires will love

By Carrie Kramer

South of the border last year, staffing and recruiting were predicted to be in the top four investments for HR departments opens in new window. In fact, Loblaw, one of Canada’s largest private employers, focused on recruitment as a large part of its $2 billion investment in growth last year with plans to hire more than 6,000 Canadians opens in new window. Recruitment these days is no easy task; 77% of employers around the world are having a hard time filling vacancies. Creating an experience that resonates with potential candidates helps your brand stand head and shoulders above the competition. Recruitment giveaway ideas can assist in creating the total package.

Stand out at career fairs

Deck out your booth in all things tech using interactive screens to showcase your organization’s achievements and culture. Give a USB drive to prospective new hires who inquire or submit an application or resume. Pre-load the drives with an engaging presentation about a day in the life of a team member within a specific role.

Increase engagement with a trivia contest about your organization or industry. Reward winners with a useful prize, like a cooler imprinted with a QR code that provides more information about your company.

Create an interactive puzzle or riddle that challenges participants’ problem-solving skills. Offer a recruitment promotional item, like a blossom kit or garden tools, to everyone who completes the challenge. Invite them to share a photo and tag your organization when their first plant sprouts. This will help you stay top of mind for weeks after the initial interaction.

Provide on-site experience

Host an experience day, similar to a job shadow, to immerse potential new hires in your organization’s culture and work environment. Kick it off with a session where participants tackle real-world problems relevant to your organization or industry—for instance, a supply chain issue or customer service challenge. Reward candidates for their participation with a tablet padfolio or utility tool tote. Tuck an RFID smartphone wallet inside, and boost the exclusivity factor by adding something only promising recruits get access to, like a special onboarding preview.

Give attendees a lunch box packed with a healthy afternoon meal as a practical recruitment giveaway idea recipients are sure to remember. Ask employees to join candidates for lunch, contributing to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Generate social media buzz

Encourage team members to share workplace photos and experiences on social media. Incentivize participation by gifting a lapel pin to those who get the most likes or shares.

Launch a social media campaign encouraging employees to post about the best part of their jobs using a specific hashtag. Participants who post get entered into a prize draw for a recruitment promo item, like a fleece hoodie or a cold weather accessory set. Invite them to share a pic of their new merch on social media to spread the word even further.

Or host a series of live Q&A sessions on social media to discuss different roles and opportunities at your organization. Ramp up the excitement by introducing a mystery challenge. Throughout the session, drop clues that lead to the answer. Participants who crack the code receive a laptop tote.

Reach students

Educate students about your industry while encouraging them to apply for a position with your organization. Sponsor a workshop series at local trade schools and universities that focuses on different aspects of your organization or industry. Offer attendees virtual reality glasses that provide a company tour, additional learning resources and job opening information.

Announce a scholarship contest where students submit projects or ideas related to your trade. Winners receive a scholarship and “bag of opportunities.” Fill it with resources that offer insights into career development plus an invitation to an exclusive webinar led by an industry expert.

Organize casual meet-and-greets for networking. This informal approach helps potential candidates feel relaxed and comfortable. Serve snacks and coffee in branded mugs that they can take home after the event. Hand each attendee a “coffee talk” card, inviting them to a one-on-one virtual coffee session with a senior employee who can answer any questions they may have.

Standout strategies attract top talent

These recruitment giveaway ideas can help potential hires engage with your brand and remember your organization. Don’t forget, in the quest for top talent, it’s not just about the job—it’s also about the experience.

Carrie Kramer

Carrie Kramer is a merchandising category manager with more than 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry and has been part of 4imprint’s merchandising team for nearly two years. She brings extensive expertise in merchandising, product sourcing, and building strong vendor relationships. Working closely with product development partners—and always thinking creatively—Carrie continually seeks out the best promotional products to strengthen her category offerings. Her expertise and creative approach help ensure 4imprint remains at the forefront of wellness-related promotional trends.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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