Swag as a Recruiting Tool: Attract Top Talent With Branded Merch

Students engage at a recruiting booth showcasing branded swag CamelBak bottles, tote bags, and hoodies—demonstrating how merchandise attracts top talent at career fairs.

Recruiting top talent has never been more competitive. Job seekers today don’t just look at salary, they evaluate company culture, values, and the overall employee experience. That means recruiters and HR leaders need every advantage to make their organization stand out.

One of the most underrated yet powerful recruiting tools? Branded merchandise.

When used strategically, swag creates brand awareness, reinforces company culture, and builds excitement around your employment brand. It can differentiate your company at job fairs, university recruiting events, and even in interview processes. The right merch sends a clear message: we value people and we invest in our employees.

In this definitive guide, we’ll explore why employee swag matters in recruiting, what products work best, and how to build a swag strategy that helps you attract top talent and boost brand loyalty.

Why Branded Merchandise Works in Recruiting

The days of handing out cheap pens and hoping someone remembers your booth are over. Today’s candidates expect quality swag that aligns with their lifestyle and values.

Here’s why branded merchandise is a recruitment powerhouse:

• Boosts brand awareness – Every tote bag, hoodie, or CamelBak tumbler with your logo extends your reach.

• Differentiates your culture – Swag that feels premium signals your company values creativity, quality, and attention to detail.

• Strengthens employer branding – Recruiting isn’t just about jobs—it’s about your employee value proposition (EVP). The right merch tells that story.

• Creates memorable touchpoints – A coffee mug or backpack lives in a candidate’s daily routine long after a job fair ends.

• Encourages loyalty early – Branded gifts given during the recruiting or onboarding stage help candidates feel connected to your organization from day one.

How Swag Fits Into Your Talent Acquisition Strategy

Swag isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a marketing strategy for HR. Here’s where it adds the most value:

• Job Fairs and Trade Shows – Stand out from a sea of booths with premium, eco-friendly merch instead of throwaway items.

• Campus Recruiting – Students love functional swag like hoodies, tote bags, and wireless chargers. These items increase visibility across campuses.

• Candidate Interviews – Sending a thank-you kit with a notebook, branded pen, and coffee mug creates goodwill and reinforces your company’s professionalism.

• Onboarding – Kick off the employee experience with a swag box that includes essentials like a Richardson 112R Trucker Cap, CamelBak water bottle, and branded hoodie.

Survey-Backed Employee Swag Favorites for Recruiting

Data shows that these categories top the list of items candidates and employees value most. Each of these is available through HighVolve’s curated catalog.

1. Branded Drinkware

Reusable drinkware is one of the most-used promotional products worldwide.

• Best Recruiting Picks: CamelBak Eddy+ 25oz Bottle, Stanley Quencher Tumblers, Hydro Flask Bottles

• Why It Works: Promotes sustainability, daily logo visibility, and fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles.

2. Apparel They’ll Actually Wear

High-quality apparel is a long-term win for visibility. Cheap T-shirts don’t get worn—embroidered hoodies, polos, and jackets do.

• Best Recruiting Picks: Next Level Hoodies, Eddie Bauer Jackets, Nike Dri-FIT Polos

• Why It Works: Candidates see your brand as modern and premium, not outdated.

3. Bags and Backpacks

A functional bag outlasts almost any other piece of swag.

• Best Recruiting Picks: Samsonite Foldable Backpack, Bellroy Via Work Bag, Eco-Friendly Cotton Tote

• Why It Works: Used daily, creates travel visibility, and associates your brand with quality and professionalism.

4. Desk & Stationery Swag

Even in digital-first workplaces, branded stationery is still loved.

• Best Recruiting Picks: Moleskin Notebooks, Nash Wheat Pens, Branded Mousepads

• Why It Works: Reinforces branding in everyday workflows, especially in remote work setups.

5. Tech & Work-from-Home Essentials

Tech giveaways always win points with candidates.

• Best Recruiting Picks: Mophie Wireless Power Banks, Bluetooth Speakers, Bamboo Phone Stands

• Why It Works: High perceived value, functional, and supports hybrid work.

6. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Options

Millennials and Gen Z want employers that align with their values. Environmentally friendly promotional products make a statement.

• Best Recruiting Picks: Recycled Cotton Tote Bags, Bamboo Desk Plants, Telescopic Steel Straws

• Why It Works: Reinforces your culture and demonstrates environmental responsibility.

How Swag Supports Employer Branding

Employer branding is all about creating a reputation as a great place to work. Swag reinforces this by:

• Communicating culture – A hoodie or jacket with embroidery feels like a uniform of belonging.

• Creating consistency – Whether at job fairs or onboarding, swag builds a cohesive message.

• Making values tangible – Eco-friendly products and premium quality merch show candidates you practice what you preach.

When used consistently, promotional merchandise becomes a touchpoint in your recruitment funnel, much like a job posting or career site.

Best Practices for Using Swag in Recruiting

• Quality > Quantity – It’s better to give fewer, premium items than hundreds of cheap giveaways.

• Integrate with HR strategy – Tie swag into onboarding, anniversary recognition, and company events.

• Personalize when possible – Adding names to mugs or jackets makes a stronger connection.

• Budget for impact – Use swag as part of your recruiting marketing budget—not just an afterthought.

• Measure results – Track which events and giveaways drive applications or brand impressions.

Examples of Swag That Helps Attract Talent

• Career Fair Kits: Tote bag + notebook + water bottle

• Interview Thank-You Kits: Branded mug + pen + bamboo plant

• New Hire Onboarding Kits: Hoodie + tumbler + backpack + laptop mousepad

• Intern Welcome Kits: Cotton T-shirt + sunglasses + wireless power bank

Final Thoughts

In today’s recruiting landscape, branded merchandise is more than just a giveaway—it’s a differentiator. When used strategically, it helps companies stand out, attract top talent, and build early loyalty.

At HighVolve, we specialize in branded merchandise programs that align with recruiting goals. From eco-friendly tote bags to Samsonite backpacks and CamelBak bottles, we help you design swag kits that create impact, boost visibility, and reinforce your company culture.