🏆 #Merky FC TA & Recruitment Innovations

Last week the #Merky FC HQ was launched in Croydon.

A physical representation of some of the work that’s been done already and a symbol of inspiration for young people for the future.

It’s a world-class facility with a full-size football pitch, recording studio and gaming centre.

Above all, it’s a safe place for young people.

When you factor in that 2023 saw record levels of knife crime in London it’s clear to see why it’s so important we provide youth with support and opportunities.

I couldn’t be happier about what he and Adidas have created here.

What is #Merky FC?

Back in 2022 DIVERSE joined Adidas and Stormzy to launch #Merky FC a careers programme for young individuals in the UK from black heritage backgrounds to help combat the lack of representation in the industry off the pitch.

We provide them with careers education through events, courses and workshops in a virtual community.

Next we help organisations like Manchester United, Arsenal, IMG Sky Sports, EA and IMG to attract and hire them for their roles.

The program has attracted thousands of young people and helped employers hire top black talent.

Let's compare this new approach with normal recruitment practices that often fail to support black talent:

#Merky FC TA & Recruitment Innovations

Influencer Recruitment Marketing
Using the combined reach of the brands involved through paid advertisements, organic social and of course, Stormzy to connect to candidates who typically aren’t reached through standard recruitment marketing
🎯 Result: Getting in front of passionate underrepresented talent

Unique Job Descriptions
Creating a program specifically for black heritage individuals, and including job descriptions that educate on what the role means, encourages candidates rather than puts them off and includes short videos sharing insights about the company and role

💡 Result: They feel seen, wanted and inspired - now that they better understand the role, they’re more likely to be successful

(It’s rare to have candidates rave about job descriptions - they’re still talking about them till this day)

Candidate Support
The program includes application advice for each employer, online events to hear from current industry professionals and ask questions as well as courses and guides to help them with applications and interviews

📚 Result: Higher application success rates

Careers Community
Creating a community of black young professionals interested in a particular career sector they can network with each other, give us feedback and benefit from all the resources we’ve created.

🤝🏿 Result: This pool of candidates can be continually supported, engaged with and advertised to, increasing employer affinity and success rates

Interviews
Including a recruitment team that reflects underrepresented candidates and involving a range of interviewers who each provide separate written feedback to reduce possible bias.

💎 Result: Candidates feel inspired that they can be successful too

Read more about the career programme here.

Until next time, happy talent attracting.

Tobi,

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