Learn How the Stifterverband Uses Alumni Networks as a Recruiting Channel

Did you know that alumni networks are used as a recruiting channel and can be a way to deal with the shortage of skilled workers? We are delighted that we had the opportunity to sit down with Marion Langenbach, Head of Personnel Selection and Development at the Stifterverband für Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V., where exactly this approach has proven its worth.

The Stifterverband für Deutsche Wissenschaft e.V. is an institution with a long tradition and almost 100 years of history that goes back to the Weimar Republic and is today at the centre of a complex network of business, science, politics and civil society. Find out more about the daily challenges in recruiting, how Talention is used and about the alumni networks in this article.

Marion Langenbach, Head of Personnel Selection and Development

(Copyright: David Ausserhofer/Stifterverband)

Talention: "Hello Mrs. Langenbach. Why don't you start by telling us about the Stifterverband and your role there?"

The Stifterverband is a joint initiative of companies and foundations that provides advice in the fields of education, science and innovation, as well as networks and sponsors in those areas. DAX corporations, medium-sized companies, donors and committed private individuals - around 3,000 members have joined forces in the Stifterverband. They are the nucleus of a network of business, science, politics and civil society that is unique in Germany. I lead the selection and development of personnel at the Stifterverband.

Talention: "What are your daily challenges and how do you deal with them?"

Our work is increasingly project-oriented, especially in the areas of innovation research and digitization. We also work closely with federal ministries in this area. It is becoming increasingly difficult for recruiters to attract suitable and above all qualitative applicants. Especially when, like us, high demands are placed on candidates, especially with regard to IT skills and knowledge.

That is why we increasingly use non-profit job boards and above all alumni networks. For the latter, Talention helps us generate flyers with QR codes that forward candidates to our application form. These flyers are shared by our employees in the networks. This way we get in touch with the experts we need.

Talention: "How is Talention used in the Stifterverband?"

The software is very helpful for us. In the past, we tried to organize our job advertisement campaigns with MS Office products such as Excel. But even with a small number of campaigns, the capacities were exhausted to the maximum. Now, thanks to Talention, we can easily organize 30 campaigns at once. We also use Talention to spread our job ads and are excited about the Talention partner shop.

Talention: "Were you satisfied with the onboarding of Talention?"

The onboarding went smoothly and very professionally. Even if we still have questions or things are unclear, the support helps us every time in the best possible way. The response time is very fast.

Talention: “What will be important in the recruiting market in the future?

The competition for the best minds will certainly become even tougher. We are suffering from an acute shortage of skilled workers, which means that candidates can be selective. It is becoming increasingly important to know how to reach this target group and which job market to use for this purpose.