Retention is like a Marriage - Part I

There is a very close correlation between marriage and employee retention. I've been discussing this for sometime now, but thought I would write about it. I've often said that retention begins at the hiring process

Woo-Me
Often times when courting, you ask friends or friends of friends about the individual you are interested in. This is similar to sourcing and selecting candidates for your organization.

You begin asking questions - the interview process begins
You may use flowers, dinner, movies, etc. - these are your organizational interview practices.

Are you punctual?

You chat, email, text message - these are your communication processes with applicants. Are you "fronting" or being truthful?

You can see where I'm going with this. This is where you lay the foundation for the relationship. Is it love at first sight or do they grow on you?

I know that when I asked my wife for her phone number the first time, she said, I'll give it to you, but "you won't call," most guys are that way. You see, the trust factor wasn't there, so I (as the employer) had to prove my trustworthiness. When we parted that first evening, I knew she had a long drive home, so I immediately went to a pay phone (you can tell this was some time back) and called, left a voice mail for her stating I would call the next day at 2pm.

What did I do, Sunday, the next day? I called at 2pm, sharp.

How are you convincing prospective applicants that you are different, that you have something special to offer that is worth a lifetime?