In today’s world, finding and keeping top talent is one of the biggest challenges for companies. At audacia, we know the importance of having the right people on your team. Without them, even the best ideas can fall flat. This blog post will show you how to use purposeful and honest messaging to draw the best candidates to your company.
We’ll take lessons from Elon Musk, one of the most talked-about leaders today, and even a story from history. By the end, you’ll know how to craft messages that inspire and connect with the talent you need.
The Power of Honest Recruitment
Let’s start with a lesson from Elon Musk. When he was part of the early days in building OpenAI, he emphasised that talent was the most important factor in their success. In one email, Musk said:
“Our most important consideration is recruitment of the best people. The output of any company is the vector sum of the people within it. If we are able to attract the most talented people over time and our direction is correctly aligned, then OpenAI will prevail.”
In simpler terms: great people build great companies.
But attracting these “great people” isn’t about offering the highest salary or the cushiest perks. It’s about creating a mission that speaks to the best minds in your industry. For Musk, that meant being honest about challenges and appealing to those who thrive on purpose.
What Musk Said About Messaging
Messaging plays a huge role in attracting talent. Musk highlighted this in another email, where he reviewed a press release meant to announce OpenAI. He pointed out that the opening summary is the most important part because that’s what most people (and the media) will read.
He said:
“The whole point of this release is to attract top talent.”
That’s a lesson for all of us. Your messaging—whether it’s in a job ad, an email, or a company announcement—should focus on drawing the people you need. Musk’s suggested text for the press release is an excellent example:
“The outcome of this venture is uncertain and the pay is low compared to what others will offer, but we believe the goal and the structure are right. We hope this is what matters most to the best in the field.”
Elon musk
This type of message does two important things:
- It’s honest. It doesn’t hide the risks or challenges.
- It’s inspiring. It appeals to people who care more about purpose than pay.
What We Can Learn from Shackleton
If Musk’s approach feels bold, he isn’t the first to think this way. Over 100 years ago, explorer Ernest Shackleton reportedly placed this ad while recruiting for a dangerous South Pole expedition:
“Men wanted for hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful, honour and recognition in case of success.”
Shackleton
This message isn’t about comfort—it’s about adventure, challenge, and purpose. It’s the kind of ad that speaks to people who want more than a paycheck. It worked for Shackleton, and it can work for us, too.
Why Honest Messaging Works
So why does honesty attract top talent? It boils down to three reasons:
- It Builds Trust:
When you’re upfront about challenges, people trust you more. They know you’re not sugar-coating things or trying to sell them on something fake. - It Appeals to Intrinsic Motivation:
Some people want to solve big problems or tackle ambitious goals. When your message speaks to their internal drive, it resonates deeply. - It Filters the Right People:
Not everyone is up for a challenge, and that’s okay. Honest messaging helps you attract the people who are.
How to Craft Purposeful Messaging
Now let’s get practical. Here are some tips to help you create messages that inspire and attract top talent:
1. Start with Your Mission
People are drawn to purpose. Make sure your message clearly explains what your company is trying to achieve and why it matters. For example:
- “At packagingcompany, we’re on a mission to revolutionise sustainable packaging. Our goal is to reduce waste and make eco-friendly solutions accessible to everyone.”
2. Be Honest About Challenges
Don’t hide the hard parts. Be upfront about what makes the work tough. This shows you respect your audience and sets realistic expectations.
- “This role requires solving complex technical problems in a fast-paced environment. The work is challenging, but the impact on the planet will be enormous.”
3. Focus on the Bigger Picture
Talented people want to know how their work will make a difference. Connect the role to the bigger picture:
- “Your designs could help reduce global waste by 30% within the next five years.”
4. Use Simple, Clear Language
Avoid jargon or buzzwords. Write in a way that anyone can understand. For example:
- Instead of: “Join a fast-paced, dynamic team leveraging cutting-edge technology.”
- Try: “Join a team working to solve real-world problems with advanced technology.”
5. End with a Challenge
Inspire your audience to rise to the occasion. For example:
- “If you’re ready to tackle one of the world’s biggest problems, we’d love to hear from you.”
Examples of Purposeful Messaging in Action
Let’s look at a sample job posting:
Before (Generic Job Ad):
“Looking for a motivated individual to join our fast-growing team. Great pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.”
After (Purposeful Messaging):
“We’re looking for bold thinkers ready to tackle the global waste crisis. The work will be challenging, and the pay may not compete with top firms, but the impact you’ll have on the planet will last for generations. If this inspires you, we’d love to talk.”
The second message feels more meaningful, doesn’t it?
The Role of Leaders in Messaging
Finally, it’s worth noting that leaders play a key role in setting the tone for messaging. Musk’s attention to detail in press releases shows how much he values the power of words. As a leader, you need to be involved in shaping your company’s message, ensuring it reflects your vision and values.
Key Takeaways
If you want to attract top talent, your messaging matters. Here’s what to remember:
- Be Honest: Acknowledge the challenges and risks upfront.
- Focus on Purpose: Highlight the bigger mission behind your work.
- Write for Your Audience: Keep it clear, simple, and inspiring.
- Lead with Vision: As a leader, take responsibility for the message your company sends.
By following these steps, you’ll not only attract the right people—you’ll also build a stronger, more purpose-driven company.
At audacia, we believe that great messaging isn’t just about communication—it’s about connection. When you speak honestly and purposefully, you inspire the kind of people who will help you achieve incredible things.
Whether you’re writing a job posting, a press release, or an email, remember: the right words can attract the right people. All it takes is a little courage, clarity, and a big vision.
Are you ready to rethink your messaging? Let’s start crafting a message that brings the best to your team.
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