Founded in June 2022 by Sophie O’Brien, Pollen Careers has set itself apart in the recruitment space. After identifying key problems with traditional hiring practices, which prioritise experience, education and titles over skills and values, Pollen embarked on a mission to allow all applicants a fair chance to succeed.
Instead of CVs, Pollen uses a combination of behavioural science and competency-based assessments to match members of their community with employers looking to hire junior talent. All applications are screened by a member of their team, and every candidate receives feedback and support, regardless of whether they landed a role or not. Their human-first approach to hiring is a unique and transformative approach to a highly-digitised industry.
Since their inception, Pollen has made an impact on entry-level job-seekers. They provide numerous resources to their community, including mentoring opportunities and networking events that help boost their skills and confidence as they start their careers. Pollen’s process also allows employers to significantly reduce the risk of a bad hire, gain access to an amazing talent pool and find truly passionate employees.
Pollen’s inclusive hiring model is setting a benchmark for change across all organisations, raising the standards for hiring and providing more opportunities for junior job seekers across the UK.