Imagine you’re on a job hunt. You come across two companies: one where the message feels warm and real, and another that sounds bland and rehearsed. Which one would you choose? In today’s tech market, where everyone wants the best talent, your Employer Value Proposition (EVP) can be that deciding factor.
Your EVP isn’t just a catchy slogan you slap on your website—it’s a promise. It tells your team what they can expect and why your company is the best place to grow. When crafted with care, it shows the world what makes your workplace unique.
Why Your EVP Really Counts
Think about the last time you chose one brand over another. Chances are, it wasn’t just because of the product; it was because you felt a connection. That’s what a strong EVP does. It builds trust by showing that you care about your people and understand what matters most to them. In tech, where skilled professionals have plenty of options, a clear EVP can make your company memorable.
A friend once told me, “I joined them because their promise of personal growth sounded genuine. It wasn’t just about the paycheck—It was about the flexibility they offered professionally and personally” That’s the kind of impact a well-crafted EVP can have.
Getting to Know Your People
The first step is simple: talk to your employees. Sit down over coffee, send out a quick survey, or just chat casually. Ask them, “What do you love about working here?” Their answers might reveal something unexpected—a passion for flexible hours, excitement over cool projects, or appreciation for a supportive environment.
These honest conversations can uncover the little details that make your company special. Write down those details. They’re not just perks; they’re the essence of your promise to your team.
What Makes You Different?
Once you have the feedback, ask yourself what sets you apart. Are you always on the cutting edge of technology? Do you offer perks that truly make a difference, like growth budgets, mentorship programs, or even something as simple as catered lunches? These unique aspects are the building blocks of your EVP.
For example, one client told us, “We didn’t need any flashy marketing—our team’s genuine passion for our mission spoke for itself, and we built buzz around our brand by organizing a niche hackathon.” That kind of authenticity is what you want to capture.
Keep It Simple
Now comes the writing part. Instead of using fancy words that sound like a textbook, write as if you’re talking to a friend. Instead of saying, “We provide synergistic, holistic career development,” try something like, “We help you grow with real training, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities.” Short, clear sentences make your message easier to understand and much more relatable.
One memorable EVP we encountered simply said, “Work here and be your best self.” It’s direct and honest. You want your EVP to feel like a promise from a friend, not a corporate pitch.
Curious about how AI, hybrid work, and skill-based hiring will shape tomorrow’s talent market? Discover the details in ‘The Future of Tech Hiring’.
Sharing Your EVP
After you’ve written your EVP, share it everywhere. Make sure your careers page on your website isn’t buried under a bunch of text. Use real photos of your team, short videos, or even quotes from employees that capture the vibe of your company.
On social media, share behind-the-scenes moments—snapshots from team lunches, project highlights, or even a casual chat between colleagues. Real stories can really make your EVP come alive.
Every job posting is another chance to echo your EVP. Don’t just list the job duties; mention what makes your workplace a great place to work. It might be as simple as, “We offer flexible hours and a supportive team where your ideas matter.”
Evolving with the Times
The tech world is always changing, and so should your EVP. In 2025, many companies offer flexible work options, remote or hybrid models, and focus on skills rather than just degrees. Your EVP should mirror these trends. If your team enjoys flexible hours or remote work, let that shine through. Being upfront about your approach shows that you’re in tune with the modern world of work.
It’s also important to revisit your EVP regularly. The needs of your team can change, and so can the market. Take time once or twice a year to get feedback and tweak your message if needed. A good EVP is always a work in progress.
Real Stories to Inspire
Let’s take a look at a few real-life examples that have worked wonders for other companies:
- Shopify
Shopify stands out by focusing on personal growth. They offer perks like self-directed learning, growth budgets, and fully catered meals. Their simple message—“We started as a few people, obsessed with personal growth. Today, that same pursuit drives thousands”—feels real and relatable. - Unilever
Unilever’s promise is about making a difference. Their EVP tells employees, “Bring your purpose to life through the work that you do, creating a better business and a better world.” This isn’t just empty talk—it’s a commitment to building leaders and making an impact, something their customers and team members already know and appreciate. - HubSpot
HubSpot emphasizes work-life balance and treats employees as whole people. Their promise to “help you be the best you can be” is supported by benefits like unlimited vacation, fully remote work, and even sabbaticals. This shows that they truly care about the well-being of their team.
These examples show that a strong EVP isn’t about flashy perks or buzzwords—it’s about a promise that connects with people on a personal level.
A Promise That Lasts
At the end of the day, your EVP is a promise to your team. It tells them, “We care about you, and we’re here to help you succeed.” When potential hires see that promise, they’re not just looking for a job; they’re looking for a place where they can grow, make an impact, and feel valued.
We’ve learned from our own experience working with customers that the right message doesn’t need to be over-polished. Sometimes, a simple and honest promise speaks louder than anything else. Our clients have said, “Once we saw a promise that truly matched our values, we didn’t need any convincing.” That’s the kind of genuine impact you want your EVP to have.
Your EVP is the heartbeat of your employer brand. It’s a promise that builds trust and creates a positive experience for everyone who steps through your door. In a world where every company is fighting for top tech talent, having a clear and honest EVP sets you apart.
Take the time to talk with your team, gather real feedback, and craft a message that truly reflects your company’s unique culture. Keep it simple, honest, and flexible enough to evolve with the times. When you do, you’re not just attracting top talent—you’re building a community where people are excited to work, grow, and contribute every day.
Invest in your EVP now. It’s a promise that will pay off in every new hire and every day at work.
Our 2 cents
We’ve seen this happen countless times. A large customer went public and wanted to build a strategic engineering team in Europe. Of the 29 people they hired through us, there were 7 candidates they particularly wanted who ultimately rejected the offer. As usual, we asked for their reasons, which ranged from negative reviews to frustration with a lengthy hiring process.
We always investigate our customers thoroughly before pitching jobs. In this case, we agreed that the culture wasn’t especially appealing—it felt rather sterile—though they did have a very interesting product.
Contact us today or check out our services to see how we can help.