Stop looking so hard for the perfect employees

For those of you who do not know, I started my career in a credit union because a credit union helped me immensely as a member.

I wasn’t looking for a new job, nor did I know what the credit union difference truly was.

I just knew that they treated me kindly while I was enduring a rough patch in life.

When an opening occurred at that credit union, I applied simply because they had made a difference in my life.

Recently I was speaking with a few credit union executives about how tough it is to find quality applicants for employment.

I listened to them talk about talent scout companies and even offering a sign-on bonus.

Where are the good folks and how can we draw them in?

What is it going to take? – they said.

I finally had to speak up.

What about the members that you have helped?

The ones that have utilized your services and have successfully set themselves on an easier financial path?

What about that member that you helped get out from behind a payday loan?

These folks are already loyal to you.

They already speak your praises to those around them.

They already are “all in” with what your CU can do for people.

I was that member.

I was the member who needed that CU right then and right there.

I didn’t look perfect on paper.

I didn’t have my T’s crossed and my I’s dotted.

I needed help.

After receiving that help, I became a passionate advocate for that credit union.

I would sing their praises to whomever would listen.

I was already loyal.

So, when I applied it was easy to tell them why.

I hadn’t been looking to change careers, but I felt compelled to be a part of the difference that they had been for me.

Are we overlooking the members on the other side of the desk?

Are we disregarding the fact that the person using our products and services to their maximum benefit, could very well be the most loyal employee that we could ever have?

There was not a single day in my life while I was growing up that I envisioned myself with a CU career.

A teacher? Yes.

A counselor? Sure.

But a credit union professional?

I can almost hear my math teachers laughing at the mere thought.

And yet, here I am.

Why?

Because when you connect with something on a personal level, there is no sale that needs to happen.

I don’t need to “buy in” to what you are providing.

I already know it’s a win.

Take a look at those members that have come to you in need and have successfully navigated your products and services to set themselves on a healthy financial path.

Those are your unicorns.

Those are your magic makers.

You don’t need to search outside of your walls with a talent scout to seek out that perfect applicant.

That person doesn’t exist.

Every single day you have loyal potentials walking in and out of your very credit union.

Anyone can learn the CU difference.

Anyone can learn how to navigate your core.

Anyone can sell the products and services that you have available.

But not everyone has been on the other side experiencing them at a member level.

There’s your answer to “WHERE are the good ones”?

Start there.