Northwestern Mutual Launches Recruitment-Related Facebook App

The Northwestern Mutual-branded application, designed to reach young professionals and college students, invites users to dress themselves using a variety of apparel options, with ample possibilities for humor.

Among the strategies Northwestern Mutual is adopting to address it's hiring appetite is the launch of "Dress to Impress" Facebook application designed to reach young professionals and college students. The Northwestern Mutual-branded application invites users to dress themselves using a variety of apparel options, with ample possibilities for humor.

Users are able to access Dress to Impress via their Facebook accounts. They are then directed to import a photograph of themselves, after which they go through a menu of clothing choices, from head to foot, with options that range from conventional hats, suits and shoes to more adventurous choices, including gorilla feet. The humorous exercise is meant to make the more serious point that the workplace is competitive, according to a Northwestern Mutual source.

"The turbulent economy is giving us an opportunity to take better looks at better people and the talent pool of quality applicants today is a real benefit for strong, growing companies like Northwestern Mutual," comments Michael Van Grinsven, field recruitment director, Northwestern Mutual. "We're looking for professionals who are confident, entrepreneurial and prepared to build lasting relationships with clients."

Northwestern Mutual plans to recruit more than 2,300 financial representatives and more than 2,500 financial representative interns in 2010. The company set a record for recruiting in 2009, bringing on board 10 percent more financial professionals than during the previous year.

"There's a high-demand for trained financial professionals and our forecasts show that this demand will continue to climb in the foreseeable future," Van Grinsven says. "With all the market uncertainty and confusing options, people are seeking guidance and clarity in their long-term planning."

Anthony O'Donnell has covered technology in the insurance industry since 2000, when he joined the editorial staff of Insurance & Technology. As an editor and reporter for I&T and the InformationWeek Financial Services of TechWeb he has written on all areas of information ... View Full Bio