How Company Culture and First Impressions Shape Talent Acquisition
The Guardian Herd Dog’s Choice
Imagine a rancher in search of the perfect guardian herd dogs. She hires a breeder to bring a few young pups by the ranch to evaluate a good fit. But really, the dogs are the ones evaluating and reacting to their sense of the place. The dog approaches the farm slowly, scanning the fields, checking the barn, and sensing whether this ranch is one it wants to call home. Will the rancher treat the animals well? Is the environment healthy and welcoming? The best guardian herd dog won’t settle for just any farm—it wants the right farm, one that aligns with its instincts and values.
In the modern workforce, top talent behaves in much the same way. Candidates today are no longer simply looking for a job that pays the bills. They are searching for a company that aligns with their values, offers a supportive culture, and treats employees with respect. Just like the discerning guardian herd dog, the best candidates want to work for companies where they feel they belong. If they sense neglect or poor treatment during the recruitment process, they move on.
For multifamily housing management companies, this means creating a candidate experience that reflects the culture and values they hope to embody.
Multifamily’s New Problem: Candidates are Now Interviewing Companies
In today’s competitive job market, top-tier talent has the upper hand. As we move into the year's second half, one trend is becoming clear: candidates are being extra selective about the companies they choose to work for.
Why? Because company culture has become one of the most important factors in their decision-making process. Candidates pay close attention to how companies treat their employees, and they use the interview process to gauge what kind of experience they might have as future employees.
First Impressions Matter More Than Ever
For many companies, the recruitment process is a candidate's first real interaction with the organization. From that first email or phone call, the company is showcasing its culture, whether intentionally or not. The tone of the communication, the professionalism of the interviewer, the responsiveness of follow-up—all of these things give candidates a sense of what it’s like to work there.
And the stakes are high. Research shows that 75% of job seekers wouldn’t accept a job offer from a company with a poor employer brand, even if they were unemployed. Additionally, 85% of candidates say that company culture is a crucial factor in their job search. These statistics reveal a significant shift in candidate priorities, especially among top-tier talent. Salary alone no longer seals the deal; it’s the entire experience.
The Heavy Cost of Ignoring The Culture Trend
Ignoring these shifts in candidate expectations can have dire consequences. Companies that fail to prioritize culture and respect during the hiring process risk the following:
Loss of Top Talent: High-performing candidates will go elsewhere, where they feel respected and valued. This loss can be particularly painful in industries like multifamily housing management, where operational efficiency and customer satisfaction depend on having the right team in place.
Higher Turnover Rates: Candidates who join a company based solely on salary or job duties without a strong cultural alignment are more likely to leave, increasing the cost of turnover and disrupting team cohesion.
Damaged Employer Brand: In an age of transparency and social media, a poor candidate experience can quickly tarnish a company’s reputation. Negative reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn can dissuade future applicants and even harm customer relationships.
In the multifamily housing industry, where the ability to manage complex properties relies heavily on well-rounded teams and strong leadership, attracting and retaining top talent is essential. Companies that don’t adapt their hiring processes to meet candidate expectations will inevitably fall behind.
Here’s the Rub: It’s Not Just About the Paycheck
Many companies still believe that offering a competitive salary package is enough to attract top talent. They assume candidates are primarily concerned with compensation, benefits, and job security. This misconception has been around for decades, but it no longer holds true in today’s talent landscape.
The New Reality
Candidates today are interviewing companies just as much as companies are interviewing them. While compensation is important, it’s far from the only deciding factor. Top talent is looking for a company culture that aligns with their values and offers them a sense of purpose and belonging. They want to work for companies that respect them, invest in their growth, and foster a positive work environment.
Here’s where we might still have it wrong: companies think the recruitment process is just a formality—a necessary step to filling a vacancy. But in reality, every interaction during that process is a chance to communicate what the company stands for. And if that communication feels cold, rushed, or impersonal, candidates see it as a red flag.
How to Align Your Hiring Process with Today’s Talent Expectations
To close this gap, multifamily housing management companies must rethink their approach to hiring. Recruitment isn’t just about filling open roles; it’s about building a strong employer brand and creating an environment where top talent wants to work. Here are some key strategies to help multifamily companies align their hiring process with the expectations of today’s candidates:
Prioritize Personal Connection
The recruitment process should feel personal and thoughtful, from the first contact to the final offer. Instead of sending candidates a generic email or having them answer pre-recorded video questions, start with a friendly, personalized phone call. Show genuine interest in their career goals and how they might fit into your company’s culture.
Respect Their Time and Efforts
Ghosting candidates or leaving them in the dark after an interview reflects poorly on a company’s values. Candidates notice when they aren’t treated with respect during the process, and they often assume that poor communication indicates how the company treats employees. Ensure that all candidates, whether they move forward or not, receive timely feedback and clear next steps.
Showcase Your Company Culture
During interviews, highlight your company’s values, mission, and work environment. Candidates want to know they’re joining a team where they’ll feel supported and valued. Share examples of how your company fosters a positive culture, whether through employee development programs, open communication channels, or team-building initiatives.
Streamline the Process, But Don’t Rush It
While candidates appreciate an efficient hiring process, speed shouldn’t come at the expense of quality. A well-paced interview process that includes multiple touchpoints—such as one-on-one interviews with key team members—allows candidates to get a true sense of the company. Rushing through interviews or pushing candidates to make quick decisions can turn them off.
Leverage Peoplezest’s Expertise
As an external executive recruiting agency specializing in the multifamily industry, Peoplezest understands the complexities of finding top talent. We don’t just match candidates with companies; we help create a recruitment process that reflects your company’s culture and values. Whether you need help optimizing your hiring process or ensuring cultural alignment, Peoplezest can help you attract the right talent who will thrive in your organization.
Take the Next Step
Is your company ready to attract and retain top talent in the multifamily housing industry? Start by rethinking your recruitment process. Whether it’s improving communication, showcasing your culture, or delivering a more respectful candidate experience, there are practical steps you can take to stand out as an employer of choice.
If you’re looking for a partner to help you make those changes, contact Peoplezest. Our team of executive recruitment experts will guide you through finding the best talent and creating an environment that keeps them engaged and loyal.
Why Culture Matters More Than Ever
A 2023 survey from Glassdoor revealed that employers with a strong employer brand receive 50% more qualified applicants and see up to a 28% reduction in turnover. Peoplezest’s clients have experienced similar success by focusing on cultural alignment and delivering a recruitment process that puts candidates first.
Top talent is no longer making decisions based purely on salary. Candidates are becoming more selective, and the recruitment process is often their first real glimpse into a company’s culture. The way companies treat candidates during hiring reflects how they treat their employees, and companies that ignore this are at risk of losing out on the best talent in the industry.
Creating a respectful, transparent, and personalized hiring process is essential for any company looking to attract top-tier candidates. By focusing on culture from the first touchpoint, companies can build stronger, more cohesive teams—and improve their overall brand in the process.