The Blueprint to Becoming a Talent Magnet

We kicked off day one of our live, virtual event, Hacking Hiring: Employer Branding and the Gen Z Effect, by diving into the essential tools and strategies HR professionals and companies need to engage and recruit Gen Z talent. Talivity brought together an incredible lineup of practitioners, founders, consultants and employer brand experts to explore the mindset shift required to build an employer brand that truly resonates with the next generation of candidates.

A powerful theme emerged from our discussions: in today’s digital age, employer brand and consumer brand are more intertwined than ever. For Gen Z, a company’s reputation as an employer is just as crucial as the products or services it offers–making authenticity and alignment key to attracting top talent. Hacking Hiring provided a clear roadmap for companies looking to attract and retain this generation, reinforcing that winning them over requires more than just competitive salaries–it demands authenticity, purpose, and a willingness to engage on their terms. 

Meet the Speakers

• Katie Fortunato – President and Co-founder of Talivity
• Brandon Linn – Founder, Figure 8 Branding
• Ashley Cheretes – Director, Generative AI, Prudential
• Jason Jones – Global Employer Brand Lead, Klaviyo
• Vivek Pandit – Co-Founder & CIO, PeduL

A Quote to Remember

“Your candidates are your customers, and your customers are your candidates.”
— Ashley Cheretes, Director of Generative AI at Prudential

Watch the Full Discussion Here

Key Takeaways

1. Authenticity is Non-Negotiable

Gen Z has a sharp radar for inauthenticity. They value transparency, honesty, and alignment between a company’s stated values and lived culture. To earn their trust, you must:

• Showcase real employee stories instead of polished corporate messaging.
• Be upfront about company challenges and areas for growth.
• Create open forums where employees can share candid experiences.

2. Meet Gen Z Where They Are: TikTok & Instagram

For Gen Z, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube isn’t just for entertainment—it’s where they discover, research, and engage with brands. Companies should:

• Leverage short-form video content to showcase workplace culture.
• Host Instagram takeovers by Gen Z employees.
• Create interactive content like Q&A sessions, day-in-the-life videos, and behind-the-scenes clips.

3. Purpose Over Paycheck

While compensation matters, Gen Z is driven by meaningful work, career growth, and alignment with values such as DEI, sustainability, and social responsibility. To attract them:

• Highlight your company’s mission and real-world impact
• Share real stories of employees making a difference
• Invest in professional development and mentorship opportunities.

4. Understanding the Cost of Misalignment

Mismatched expectations lead to costly turnover. Brandon Linn, Founder of Figure 8 Branding, highlighted the risk of “new hire churn,” when employer branding doesn’t match reality. When new hires feel misled, disengagement spikes, leading to higher churn and wasted resources. 

5. Flexibility & Feedback Matter

Gen Z expects flexibility and continuous feedback, not rigid structures. Employers should:

• Offer hybrid and remote work options where possible.
• Provide frequent, real-time feedback instead of annual performance reviews.
• Create mentorship programs that emphasize two-way learning.

6. Influencer Marketing & Employee Advocacy

Gen Z is skeptical of corporate messaging but trusts peer recommendations and influencers. To build credibility:

• Encourage employees to share their work experiences on social media.
• Partner with industry influencers who align with your brand values.
• Leverage user-generated content to showcase authentic employee voices.

7. Design Thinking for Gen Z Engagement

Instead of assuming what Gen Z wants, involve them in shaping the employer brand experience. Companies should:

• Gather direct input from Gen Z employees through surveys and focus groups.
• Let Gen Z employees take the lead on social media initiatives.
• Co-create projects where they have real ownership and impact.

Recommended Tools

For companies looking to elevate their employer branding and Gen Z recruiting efforts, check out: 

• Radancy
• Havas People
• Symphony Talent
• Universum

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

A huge thank you to Recruitics, Jamyr, and SteppingStone for supporting Hacking Hiring: Employer Branding and the Gen Z Effect and helping us bring these essential conversations to life.

Lauren Miley

---

Lauren is a content marketer with a passion for bringing brands to life through storytelling and community building. As the Community Marketing Manager at Talivity, she specializes in social media, event marketing, and thought leadership content, helping HR and talent acquisition professionals stay informed and inspired.