Why you should not join us — A Transparent and Authentic way of Branding

Recruiters and hiring managers don’t often openly discuss why candidates should not join them. It’s typically all about showcasing the positives and creating a favorable image. However, the real goal of employer branding is to establish trust with candidates both before and after they join your team. Nobody wants to end up with a mismatch between expectations and reality.

I was impressed when I came across a job description by Kartik, CEO of SpringWorks, that candidly laid out reasons why one should or should not join. This upfront approach mirrors the transparency seen in companies like Netflix regarding their work culture. Many other successful companies also follow this practice.

Employer branding is not about creating a fairy tale, but more like the TV show “The Office” — you either fit in or you don’t. By being transparent, you not only save time for your recruitment team and managers but also avoid hiring the wrong candidates. This approach builds trust and confidence.

It may seem bold, but wouldn’t you want to hear both sides before making a decision about joining a company?