8 Unusual Ways Companies Found Their Dream Team

Now that the festive cheer of Christmas is behind us, and we're gearing up to bid farewell to the year, it's the perfect moment to shift our focus from contemplating the number of mince pies devoured and the impending new workout routines (kudos if you can sustain it beyond the first two weeks of January). Here's an article with some of the most genius recruitment campaigns out there. 

Lord Kitchener's Iconic Pointing Finger

Lord Kitchener's iconic pointed finger, a famed image from World War I, became a cornerstone in the army's recruitment drive. This propaganda masterpiece, urging citizens to enlist, was part of a poster campaign that brought in a whopping 1 million new recruits. In September 1914, the month this powerful image debuted, it led to the highest influx of new recruits throughout the entire war. Kitchener's finger not only signaled a call to duty but also highlighted the power of visual communication, etching a single gesture in history that united a nation in times of need.

Google's Billboard Brain Teaser

Remember that time Google turned a highway into a giant math test? Yep, they put up a billboard that was basically the SATs on steroids. Solve the puzzle, and you're one step closer to joining the ranks of the tech elite. But honestly, how many times do you need to drive by just to memorize the task???

Heineken's The Candidate Campaign

Heineken took interviews to the extreme with "The Candidate." Picture this: unexpected challenges, surprise tasks, and a simulated job interview that felt more like a game show. Can you handle the pressure? If yes, welcome to the world of Heineken.

GCHQ's Cyber Treasure Hunt

If you’re hiring for a unique position, you probably need a unique approach. GCHQ launched an online ‘treasure hunt’ to find the next generation of brilliant minds who will help protect Britain against cyber attacks.

The complicated puzzle was aimed primarily at candidates interested in problem-solving and computer technology and was only solved by 1% of the 400,000 people who attempted it. The campaign was a resounding success, and GCHQ has since claimed that they were delighted with the hidden talent that it exposed!

Berrge Tattoo Artistic QR Challenge

Berrge Tattoo, a tattoo artist shop, took creativity to the next level in their quest for a new artist. They printed their job ads on paper that replicated the texture and pattern of skin, complete with slightly lighter spots that hinted at a QR code. Phones alone couldn't decipher the QR code, but the aspiring artist, armed with a pen, could fill in the blanks, making it functional. This ingenious self-filtering test gauged one of the most crucial requirements for a tattoo artist: a steady hand with ink.

IKEA's Furniture Assembly Job Interview

IKEA, the master of flat-packed furniture, thought, "Why not make job interviews a little more... literal?" Applicants had to assemble IKEA furniture as part of the interview process. Pro tip: If you can put together a Billy bookshelf blindfolded, you're hired.

McDonald’s We Hire Individuals

Upon first glance at this McDonald's advertisement in Sweden, one might initially perceive it as overtly racist and offensive. It undeniably grabs your attention! However, fear not; McDonald's hasn't gone completely off the rails with this recruitment approach. While the bold text may suggest a discriminatory stance — "We don’t hire Turks, Greeks, Poles, Indians, Ethiopians, Vietnamese, Chinese, or Peruvians" — the fine print swiftly clarifies, "Nor Swedes, South Koreans, or Norwegians. We hire individuals.

Volkswagen’s Inside Job

In the pursuit of skilled mechanics, Volkswagen took a creative approach by dispatching damaged vehicles to repair shops across France. Tucked beneath each car was a job advert, subtly extending an invitation to potential talent. This inventive strategy not only drew in a pool of proficient workers but also positioned Volkswagen as a trailblazer in the realm of recruitment.

So, there you have it, the coolest, quirkiest, and downright craziest recruitment campaigns that dared to break the mold. Who said finding a job had to be boring? These companies shook things up, proving that a little creativity can go a long way in the wild world of hiring. So, job seekers, get ready, the hiring game just got a whole lot more interesting. If you need any help with job searching, feel free to reach out. Good luck out there!