Unlocking Potential: Talent Discovery and Induction at University of Melbourne
From the Nominator
How do we attract talent from non-traditional backgrounds to advancement and make our workplace an employer of choice in this competitive environment? Then, how do we ensure they have the skills and knowledge to excel and harmonize with our culture? Our solution was to attract and retain diverse talent by showcasing the University of Melbourne's values, culture, and commitment to hiring candidates from various backgrounds with diverse career experience and transferable skills. We adopted a holistic approach, focusing on every stage of the talent journey—from a candidate’s first interaction with the university via a candidate pack and complementary microsite, to their onboarding through the induction process. Launched in early 2024, the candidate pack, with a complementary careers microsite, features refreshed visuals, language, and imagery to attract talent from non-traditional backgrounds without previous advancement experience. Since its launch, 33 new staff members have joined our team, with 12 candidates directly citing it as their motivation to apply. Candidates praised the clear representation of organizational values, diversity and inclusion elements, and the inviting tone set by hiring managers. Our microsite enhances the candidate pack by showcasing stories from non-traditional hires. This strategy encourages applicants to apply and highlights the meaningful work in advancement. Additionally, we built a comprehensive, user-friendly induction SharePoint site. This site aimed to streamline onboarding, provide consistent training, and contribute to an engaged, informed workforce. After three months, new starters provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, appreciating the clarity, ease of use, and value in understanding philanthropy and advancement.
From the Judges
An innovative approach to the recruitment of advancement professionals and one that provides an avenue for individuals from more diverse backgrounds to enter the field. Additionally, materials were well designed and the nominator provided measurable results throughout.