Building Your Reputation as an Employer: What Really Works in 2025
Let's be honest - in today's Building Services market, good senior management and engineers/technicians have their pick of employers. The days of posting a job ad and watching applications flood in are long gone. To attract the best talent in 2025, you need to stand out from the crowd - and that's where employer branding comes in.
Why Should You Care About Employer Branding?
Simply put, your employer brand is your reputation as a place to work. It's what your current employees tell their mates down the pub, and what potential candidates hear through the industry grapevine. In Building Services, where everyone seems to know everyone, this matters more than ever.
Getting Your Message Right
Before you start posting company culture photos on LinkedIn, you need to nail down what makes your company different. We're not talking about generic statements like "we value our people" - every company claims that. What really makes you special?
Consider:
Remember: In Building Services, actions speak louder than words. Engineers talk to each other - they know which companies actually deliver on their promises.
Your Current Team: Your Best Brand Ambassadors
Your existing employees are your most powerful marketing tool. Happy engineers tell other engineers about good opportunities. But here's the catch - they'll only do this if they genuinely believe in your company.
Make it authentic:
Pro tip: Don't try to script what employees say about you. Authentic stories, even if not perfect, are more credible than polished corporate speak.
Professional Development: More Than Just a Promise
In 2025, skilled professionals want to know they're not going to stagnate. But they've heard all the usual promises before. Show them the real opportunities:
Real example: One of our clients created a "Skills Passport" system, tracking each engineer's training and certifications, making career progression visible and achievable.
Culture: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Everyone claims to have a "great culture," but what does that actually mean? Focus on the tangible aspects:
Be specific about what makes your workplace different. No more vague promises - give real examples.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Social Media: Keep It Real
Yes, you need to be on social media in 2025, but don't fall into the trap of posting just for the sake of it. Share content that actually matters:
Do:
Don't:
Diversity and Sustainability: Walk the Talk
These aren't just buzzwords anymore. In 2025, candidates want to see real commitment to:
But remember: Don't claim credentials you haven't earned. Start small, be honest about where you are, and show how you're improving.
Getting Feedback and Using It
Your reputation as an employer isn't just what you say about yourself - it's what others say about you. Pay attention to:
Most importantly, act on what you hear. Nothing builds credibility like showing you listen and respond to feedback.
Making It Work in Practice
Building a strong employer brand doesn't happen overnight, but here's where to start:
Need Help Getting Started?
At Cento, we work with companies across Building Services every day. We know what makes candidates tick and what they're really looking for in an employer.
Want to discuss how to strengthen your employer brand? Let's have a practical conversation about what works in our industry. No management speak, just straight-talking advice about making your company more attractive to top talent.
Contact us at admin@centogroup.com or call 01509 615290 to start building your employer brand strategy.
Remember: The best employer brands aren't built on fancy marketing - they're built on genuine good practice and real employee experiences. Start there, and the rest will follow.