Everyone loves free stuff! However, in my mission to live more simply, minimally, and intentionally, I say "no" to much of the free swag that companies give out during the recruiting process. In my opinion, the best kind of recruiting swag is 1) something practical I can use, 2) something delicious I can eat, and/or 3) something that supports a small business.
Reflecting on the recruiting swag that I have happily accepted and been excited to receive, I realized that a company's recruiting swag is a clue to the company's culture. Granted, not all recruiting departments have the budget for elaborate or quirky gifts, but I bet I'd fit in better at a company giving out candy than a company giving out pens. (Don't get me wrong, I love a good pen with smooth ink and a nice grip!) After being burned by workplace culture a few times, working someplace that is a good culture fit is very high on my priority list. I pay attention to any and all cultural clues I am given during all steps of the recruiting and interview process and, whether recruiters realize it or not, swag is a clue that take note of. Here are a few of my favorites.
LogiSolve - Reusable Straws
I picked up these at the 2019 MinneAnalytics Careers in Data Job Fair. The recruiter, who I
really connected with, asked me if I wanted some reusable straws and I obviously did. I have been making a conscious effort to gradually do away with single-use items in my life. If you are looking to do the same, reusable straws are a great way to start! Choosing an ecological and practical swag item is a great reflection of LogiSolve's company values. In a branded linen carrying case, these straws have become my "car straws" that I keep in my console for getting drinks on the go. Every time I hit up Starbucks I say "no straw" and think about Logisolve when I take out my reusable straw. A practical item that someone uses near-daily is a great way to keep your company top-of-mind among job seekers!
Capital One - Small Business Gift Card to NakedBar Soap Company
Capital One offered attendees of Grace Hopper 2020 a $25 gift card to a small business! During the pandemic when so many small businesses are really struggling, I thought it was so thoughtful that Capital One made their recruiting swag an opportunity to pay it forward. This really impressed me, and it resulted in unique swag items. They offered a choice of three small companies and all you had to do was email them which company you'd prefer. I chose NakedBar Soap Company. They have a super-cute website and after placing my order I received a personal email from the owners/founders thanking me for my order. I love old-school, excellent customer service and they are amazing soaps! I was curious to try their African black soap, and I also chose a great-smelling lavender bar and almond salt soap. All three soap bars smell delicious, lather wonderfully, and are lasting a long time. While my first experience with this company was gifted, I will definitely be a repeat customer!
Target - "Coded Bias" Film Screening
I attended a fabulous online Target Lab event focused on technology careers. It featured a keynote speaker, webinars, roundtables, networking, and even a selfie station with Bullseye! After the event, I received via email a survey invitation (which I gave very high scores) and a link to redeem a free ticket to screen "Coded Bias" online. What?! I had been wanting to watch this documentary film ever since I first heard about it! This experiential swag is awesome, especially because it was a carefully chosen film that 99.9% of the Target Lab attendees would be interested in. Excuse the pun, but Target hit a bullseye with this one! For those unfamiliar with the film, it documents the repercussions of MIT researcher Joy Buolamwini's discovery of racial bias in facial recognition algorithms. Stay tuned to my blog for my film review!
Shipt - Sugarfina Bento Box
Unexpected recruiting swag is the best kind of swag! It was such a wonderful surprise to receive this Sugarfina box in the mail! I attended an online Target + Shipt WEST webinar-style event leading up to Grace Hopper 2020. After the event, I submitted my resume to Shipt's recruiting form, which must have been how they got my mailing address. This came as an unexpected total surprise! Shipt is a class act, complete with a handwritten note. I’ll definitely be taking a closer look at their openings because I have a super-positive perception of their company, culture, and recruiting process. They obviously care about the job seekers that took the time to learn more about their company and openings; I imagine this care extends even more to employees. I have a giant sweet tooth and devoured this candy while brushing up on my coding skills, which was a nice study snack. This swag came as a total surprise, right when I needed it.
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Don't underestimate the value of giving recruiting swag and don't be afraid to accept swag! Recruiting swag is an excellent company culture clue and a great pick-me-up for job seekers. Job seeking as a new graduate, making a career pivot, and in a pandemic has been extremely frustrating, challenging, and demoralizing. Swag is a small gesture of acknowledgment and kindness during what can be a difficult and emotional process. I have to be honest and say that I'd much prefer a job to swag any day, haha! But, with clean hands, educated by documentaries, and fueled by delicious gummies, I forge ahead in seeking my next career opportunity!
What is your favorite recruitng swag that you've ever received?
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