The tight labour market poses a challenge to recruiters. They are being forced to reinvent themselves to attract talent. How do they go about this? And why is VodafoneZiggo an interesting employer in this day and age? Marco Leijenhorst, Manager of Recruitment & Employer Branding, talks about his innovative view on recruitment.

At VodafoneZiggo, we get out teeth into challenges. And we enjoy doing that. It’s no coincidence that our pay-off (of our employer brand) is 'Enjoy the Challenge'. We therefore look for people who seize challenges, want to make an impact and who spot opportunities. But also people who are willing to help us realise our ambitions. This is not an easy job, but it is a very enjoyable one. For us recruiters, too, there are always challenges ahead, such as staying in touch with our target groups, and demonstrating that we are a relevant employer.

A matter of texting
With more jobs than people, the tight labour market is forcing us to explore new avenues. Or rather: to build them ourselves. A good example is the crystal-clear career website we have set up. It makes applying for a job unprecedentedly easy and, above all, accessible. We use lots of videos and texts to inform candidates in detail about what we have to offer. And once the ideal vacancy has been found, candidates can apply ultrafast – simply via WhatsApp. This works great and resonates well with the audience. About twenty percent of candidates are already applying for jobs by texting. And in order to be able to continuously improve the candidate experience, we ask each applicant for feedback.

Potential is the key
In addition to how we look, what we look for has also changed. We no longer target candidates who tick all the boxes in terms of the required skills and experience. Although they are, of course, always welcome. What we mainly look at now, however, is if there is the right potential. So, less focus on CVs, and more on motivation, ambition and willingness to learn. The latter in particular is important, because we want you to continue developing when you come to work for us. Businesslike and personal.

Learning without limits
Our platform Unlimited Learning offers every opportunity for this. Just as you can always find the music you want on Spotify, the platform offers an almost unlimited range of courses and training programmes. Together, we consider what development would be optimal for a candidate and map out their career step by step. Looking at potential, identifying opportunities and developing talents – that combination will transform our profession. A wonderful combination of Recruitment and Talent Development.

The only way is up
We see that being able to develop yourself without any limitations is a huge plus for many applicants. For some people, that alone is a convincing enough reason to apply for a job. However, VodafoneZiggo does of course have a lot more to offer. Like a good salary and great fringe benefits. For example, you can opt to work very flexibly and receive an NS Business Card with which you can travel seven days a week, both privately and to our beautiful offices, which are all within walking distance of train stations. Working at VodafoneZiggo means working in an open and positive working environment, with colleagues who support you and help you move forward. The staff of our Culture Crew know that better than anyone. They ensure there is connection and define the company culture as follows:

Team up – one plus one is three; together you are stronger

Step up – do not just accept the status quo, but surpass it

Open up – dare to say what you think and what you feel

Up, up, up. An upward trajectory, therefore. One that we would like to continue with our future employees. That is a challenge, but as you have probably realised by now: that’s precisely what we enjoy.

Marco Leijenhorst, Manager of Recruitment & Employer Branding at VodafoneZiggo

Learn more about working at VodafoneZiggo