science

In the ever-evolving world of talent acquisition, employer branding reigns supreme. It’s the alchemy of company culture, employee experience, and reputation distilled into a potent elixir that attracts and retains the best minds. But how do we know if this potent brew is actually working? For many, measuring the impact of employer branding remains an elusive quest.
Enter Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global behemoth straddling the realms of pharma, life sciences, and chemical research. With a million products, from electron microscopes to cancer treatments and specialized roles spanning the globe, filling their talent pool is no small feat. Yet, amidst this scientific labyrinth, Thermo Fisher has cracked the code of employer branding measurement, not through guesswork, but through cold, complex data.
Their secret weapon? A multi-pronged approach that delves beyond superficial metrics like website visits and applications. Here, we dissect Thermo Fisher’s strategies, revealing the science behind their employer branding success:
The Triple Helix of Engagement:
Thermo Fisher’s framework is built on three key pillars:

Website: Beyond the Clickbait: They don’t get fooled by vanity metrics. Instead, they dissect their careers site with laser precision. Kenty Brumant, their Senior Manager of Talent Attraction and Employer Brand, advocates for splitting visitors into new and returning. This exposes how effectively they attract fresh talent, while also gauging their site’s ability to retain and engage existing candidates. But Brumant doesn’t stop there. He tracks time spent on non-application pages, understanding that the longer candidates explore, the higher the chance of them signing up for job alerts, applying, or simply absorbing the company’s essence.

Social Media: The Conversation Amplifier: Thermo Fisher leverages the Employer Brand Index (EBI) to gauge public perception. However, they’re not passive listeners. They actively seek out conversations happening across platforms, not just on job boards or the usual social media suspects. A prime example? When recruiting data scientists, they discovered the relevant buzz happening not on LinkedIn, but on Stack Overflow, a programmer’s haven. This led to the creation of a dedicated Thermo Fisher page on the platform, attracting the niche talent they craved.

Internal Advocacy: The Employee Pulse: Thermo Fisher knows their greatest brand ambassadors aren’t external influencers but their own employees. They conduct regular internal surveys not to gather dust but to generate actionable insights and quick wins for each business group. These range from encouraging employee storytelling to soliciting reviews and boosting engagement. But it doesn’t stop there. They partner with HR to track crucial metrics like internal mobility, diversity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. This data adds context to survey results and helps tailor their employer branding efforts for maximum impact.

The External Seal of Approval:
Their data-driven approach isn’t just self-congratulatory. Thermo Fisher’s #7 ranking on the prestigious Fortune 500 Candidate Experience Report speaks volumes. It’s external validation that their meticulous measurement translates to tangible results, attracting top talent and creating a desirable employer brand.
Unveiling the Blueprint:
So, what can we learn from Thermo Fisher’s scientific approach to employer branding?

Go Beyond the Superficial: Don’t get caught up in vanity metrics. Dig deeper into engagement, conversion, and internal feedback to paint a holistic picture.

Embrace the Conversation: Listen actively to what people are saying about you on social media and beyond. Adapt your strategy to meet them where they are, not just on the usual platforms.

Empower Your Employees: They are your biggest advocates. Leverage their insights and enthusiasm to build an authentic brand from within.

Quantify and Validate: Track key metrics and use HR data to add context. External recognition like industry awards serves as valuable validation for your efforts.

Remember, measuring employer branding isn’t about finding a single magic number. It’s about understanding what matters to your audience and using that knowledge to build a strong, authentic brand that resonates with the talent you seek. Thermo Fisher Scientific has shown us that through a data-driven approach, we can not only measure the impact of employer branding, but also harness its power to attract and retain the best minds in the game. Now, it’s your turn to write your own scientific success story.

To follow Kenty Brumant’s work in employer brand, connect with him on LinkedIn. For help gathering data and insights you can act on to improve your own company, get in touch.
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