SourceCon Community,

Is talent attraction the new sourcing? I’m inclined to think so. My latest article argues that rationale. My two cents…

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Talent Attraction is the New Sourcing: How Charities Can Be Used to Attract Passive Candidates

AI tools are all the rage, being able to find proverbial needles in a bit tech haystack. Yet, with all of their prowess, there is one major limitation. They can only find candidates based on available online information. What about the people who are not online or those who are online but are not very active on social media (39.6% of the world)? In those cases, you have to attract people to your company and sell them on your employee value proposition. One way to attract the talent you want to hire is via charitable initiatives. Let me take a moment to quantify that statement with these points from Bonusly. 

• Higher engagement: Deloitte's 2017 Volunteerism Survey found that 70% of employees believe volunteer activities boost employee morale more than company-sponsored happy hours. Additionally, 89% of respondents think companies that sponsor volunteer activities offer a better overall working environment.

• Increased productivity: Research from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that "when employees see the positive impact of their work on others, they are more productive."

• Stronger commitment to company values: Companies like Chobani and Dropbox have found that employee-led volunteer initiatives demonstrate a strong alignment with corporate values. For example, Chobani employees often initiate crisis response efforts, showing their commitment to the company's "giving back" value. 

Once I realized these points, I began to look a bit more closely at platforms that promote volunteerism like Catchafire and Idealist. They both do a good job at aligning job seekers with socially responsible organizations. Here is a quick breakdown. 

Idealist: Connecting Mission-Driven Individuals

Idealist is a platform that connects nonprofits and social good organizations with volunteers and job seekers. It appeals to job seekers for several reasons:

• Mission-Driven Work: Idealist allows individuals to find opportunities that align with their values and desire to make a positive impact.

• Skill Development: Many postings on Idealist involve using and expanding existing skill sets, or even learning new ones.

• Networking: It provides a launching pad to connect with mission-driven organizations, which can potentially lead to full-time roles.

Catchafire: Emphasizing Skill-Based Volunteering

Catchafire focuses on connecting skilled volunteers with nonprofits and social causes worldwide, with a strong emphasis on remote work opportunities. It appeals to job seekers by offering:

• Flexibility & Remote Work: It caters to those seeking flexible work arrangements or remote opportunities to use their skills for social good.

• International Impact: It allows individuals to contribute to causes beyond their geographical location.

• Skill-Based Volunteering: It highlights volunteer needs based on specific skills, enabling individuals to find opportunities that match their expertise.

I think companies can strategically use platforms like Idealist and Catchafire to attract talent in several ways:

1. Showcase Purpose and Values:

   • Volunteer Opportunities: Partner with these platforms to list volunteer opportunities within your company. This allows potential hires to experience your company culture, mission, and social impact firsthand.

   • Cause-Related Events: Promote your participation in volunteer days, fundraising events, or cause-related campaigns to demonstrate your commitment to social good.
     

2. Highlight Skill Development:

   • Project Descriptions: Craft volunteer opportunity descriptions that highlight the skills volunteers will develop, aligning them with relevant job roles within your company.

   • Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs where employees can guide volunteers and showcase their expertise, sparking interest in potential career paths within your company.
     

3. Build Relationships and Networks:

   • Active Engagement: Actively participate in these platforms by responding to inquiries from potential volunteers and showcasing your company culture.

   • Employee Spotlights: Feature employee volunteers and their experiences on your company website or social media to personalize your social impact efforts.
     

4. Attract Diverse Talent:

   • Inclusive Opportunities: Design volunteer opportunities accessible to a wide range of skillsets and backgrounds, broadening your reach to diverse talent pools.

   • Partnerships with Diverse Organizations: Partner with charitable platforms or organizations focused on underrepresented groups in tech to position your company as an inclusive employer.

If this makes sense to you, Idealist and Catchafire are not the only games in town. Other websites like VolunteerMatch, Points of Light, United Nations Volunteers, and HelpSquad also connect volunteers with social good organizations. These platforms are part of a broader trend where the rise of the purpose economy, demand for remote work, and focus on skill-based volunteering are reshaping how people approach their careers. And such being the case, shouldn't sourcers jump on this bandwagon as well? I think so. What do you think? Inquiring minds would like to know. And by inquiring minds, I mean me. Please reply with your thoughts or post a response on social media and tag @sourcecon. 

May the source be with you. 

Jim Stroud
Your SourceCon Editor 

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