'12th Fail,' a compelling biographical drama, chronicles the remarkable journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who defied all odds to emerge victorious in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, an accomplishment that stands as a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. The movie not only portrays the challenges faced by candidates but also serves as a source of inspiration, offering valuable insights that can be applied to the world of employer branding.
Here are some lessons we can draw from the movie to maximise our employer branding efforts to attract, filter, and recruit driven talent into our fold.
Presenting Challenges as Opportunities
Much like the grueling process of cracking the UPSC examination, the recruitment journey should be designed to identify individuals with exceptional resolve and determination. Embracing challenges as integral parts of the recruitment process not only sets a high standard but also attracts candidates who are driven to excel. For instance, a leading retail chain created a gamified recruitment process that simulated real-life challenges in a virtual store, ensuring that only the most capable candidates could emerge victorious and secure a job offer.
Emphasising Integrity and Impact
In '12th Fail,' Manoj's father embodies the virtues of honesty and integrity, which hold immense value in the world of IPS officers. Similarly, employer branding should focus on showcasing the positive impact that employees can make within the organisation. Highlighting real-life success stories and the meaningful contributions of employees can reinforce the company's values and attract candidates who align with its vision. For instance, a leading global toy company demonstrated how its core values could shape a candidate's career with them. They used their corporate identity to build out existing employee journeys, inviting candidates to "just imagine if this is what you could create" through playbooks and vodcast series.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
When organisations prioritise diversity and inclusivity in talent acquisition, they recognise that a diverse team brings a wealth of ideas and perspectives. Expanding employment criteria, not limited to exams and interviews, allows talented individuals like Gauri Bhaiya’s character in the movie to access deserving opportunities. For example, a gaming company attracted numerous female game developers by showcasing its diverse team and the roles available in its in-game advertising, resulting in millions of impressions and over 1000 applications.
Fostering Objective Evaluation and Eliminating Biases
To ensure fair hiring practices, organisations can benefit by assembling a panel of evaluators with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This approach leads to a more comprehensive and unbiased evaluation assessment while potentially cutting down on the several rounds of interviews. By integrating such methods, companies can focus on each candidate's potential and suitability using a balanced mix of subjective and objective criteria.
In Conclusion:
'12th Fail' is not just a movie; it's a reflection of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. As we draw parallels between the film's narrative and the world of employer branding, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance, integrity, diversity, and objective evaluation in creating a compelling employer brand that resonates with top talent.
Let's keep drawing inspiration from these narratives and work towards creating employer brands that not only draw in outstanding talent but also foster their growth, driving organisations towards greater success.