How to Improve Your Startup's Employer Brand in Under 1 Hour

n today's competitive job market, your employer brand can make all the difference in attracting top talent. Yet, many startups and businesses overlook one crucial aspect that can make or break their careers page: imagery.

Stock photos may seem like an easy solution, but they can actually harm your brand. Here’s why, and how you can quickly improve your employer brand by swapping out those generic images.

Why Stock Photos Are Hurting Your Employer Brand

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but when it comes to stock photos, the message is often the same: boring, impersonal, and uninspired. Sure, the people in these images are smiling and the lighting is perfect, but that’s the problem—they look too polished, too generic.

Every startup is vying to stand out, and yet many fall into the trap of using the same stock images found by typing "startup" or "collaboration" into platforms like Unsplash or Shutterstock. The result? Your careers page ends up looking like everyone else's.

When potential candidates visit your website, they want to see authenticity. They’re not just looking for a job; they’re looking for a company culture they can relate to, a team they can envision working with, and an environment where they can see themselves thrive. Stock photos simply can’t convey that.

The Power of Authentic Imagery

If you want to capture the essence of your company culture, start by showcasing your real team. Authentic, candid photos help tell your unique story, and they can be a game-changer when it comes to building your employer brand. Here are a few simple and effective ways to do it:

1. Capture Your Team in Action
   • If your team works in an office or hybrid setup, take a few moments to snap some candid photos of people at work. It doesn’t have to be a professional photoshoot—authenticity is key. Grab your phone, take a few shots of team members collaborating, sharing a laugh, or deep in focus.
   • These candid moments can give candidates a glimpse into your day-to-day operations, helping them connect with the people behind the brand.
2. Showcase Remote Team Moments
   • Remote work is more common than ever, and if your team is remote, you might wonder how to make your employer brand shine. Start by capturing those virtual team moments. Use screenshots from Zoom meetings or remote team catch-ups (with everyone’s permission, of course).
   • Additionally, make the most of any in-person get-togethers or company retreats. Even if these are rare, they provide excellent opportunities to showcase the culture that thrives beyond the screen.
3. Highlight Everyone, Not Just the Leaders
   • When adding photos to your careers page, don’t make the mistake of only featuring the senior leadership team (SLT), board members, or advisors. While it’s great to see the faces behind the company’s strategic direction, candidates are also interested in meeting the people they’ll be working alongside day-to-day.
   • Include photos of everyone, from entry-level employees to team leads, across all departments. This shows that your company values every member of the team, not just those at the top.

Quick Tips to Get Started

• Use Natural Light: For candid photos, natural light is your best friend. It brightens up the images and makes them more inviting.
• Capture Diversity: Make sure your photos reflect the diversity of your team. Candidates are looking for inclusive workplaces, and diverse imagery helps convey that message.
• Avoid Posing Too Much: Let your team be themselves. The goal is to show genuine interactions, so avoid overly staged shots that feel unnatural.
• Keep Updating: Your team and your company are constantly evolving. Make sure your photos reflect that by periodically updating them.

Final Thoughts

Improving your employer brand doesn’t have to be a time-consuming, resource-heavy task. In under an hour, you can create a more authentic and engaging careers page simply by swapping out those stock photos for real, candid shots of your team. Authentic imagery will set your company apart, giving candidates a true sense of what it’s like to be a part of your organization.

So, ditch the stock photos, pull out your phone, and start snapping!

‍