Autonomy, one of Britain’s largest software firms, is giving a free iPad to anyone who secures an interview – regardless of whether they decide to join the company or not.
It is offering the sweetener to ensure it attracts the best applicants as competition heats up with neighbouring firms on the outskirts in the area known as Silicon Fen in Cambridge. A rival for the talented new staff is giving out iPhones.
Mike Lynch: Using iPads to lure new hires
Only a fifth of those asked to a first-round interview at Autonomy ends up taking a job there.
But founder Mike Lynch explained: ‘You want to make sure that you get the very best through the door. What you do is dangle an iPad … and they come and see you. Someone else is offering an iPhone.
‘By the time you’ve done a decent interview round in Cambridge you’re kitted out.’ added Lynch