Hamsavi Krishnan, Business Analyst at Experian with prior experience at SuperZop and an MS in Business Analytics from UC San Diego, recently sparked attention on LinkedIn with a clever comparison between pop culture and recruitment. Using Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s well-known relationship, she pointed out important lessons that job seekers and recruiters can learn.
The Story That Captivated the World
In 2023, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce revealed that he first tried to connect with Taylor Swift by giving her a friendship bracelet with his phone number during one of her Eras Tour concerts. While that attempt didn’t immediately succeed, the story quickly snowballed into one of the year’s biggest celebrity romances.
From a professional lens, Kelce’s persistence, his strong “brand” as a Super Bowl champion, and his creative approach mirror the very qualities that drive success in recruitment and job searches.
Lesson 1: The Right Sourcing Strategy
Kelce didn’t use conventional techniques. Kelce took a different strategy, using a friendship bracelet, in place of a cold email or a formal introduction. This approach highlights the need of creative sourcing techniques in hiring. Compared to job seekers who rely on generic mass outreach, those who use references, go to networking events, and submit customised applications stand a greater chance of making an impression.
Lesson 2: A Strong Employer (and Personal) Brand
One reason Kelce eventually stood out is his reputation. As a two-time Super Bowl winner with a charismatic public image, his “brand” carried weight. While businesses place a lot of importance on employer branding during the hiring process, job seekers should also think about their personal branding. Candidates with a well-organised LinkedIn profile that highlights their skills and achievements are preferred by recruiters.
Lesson 3: Persistence Pays Off
Despite failing to land Swift on his first try, Kelce maintained his composure. Careers are no different. Rarely does a dream job come from the first application. Rejections are common, but persistence, skill-building, and refining applications over time can eventually lead to success.
The Power Behind the Comparison
By linking a high-profile love story to recruitment, Hamsavi’s post highlights that the fundamentals of human connection, creativity, authenticity, and perseverance, are just as relevant in professional spaces as they are in personal life.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s story may seem like a celebrity headline, but at its core, it reflects timeless truths about hiring and job searching. Recruiters ought to encourage innovative sources and go beyond resumes. It illustrates how perseverance and personal branding can be crucial for candidates to land the right employment.
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