Skip to main content

AOL buys billboard to recruit Silicon Valley talent

AOL billboardIt’s been no secret that there’s been some less than ethical things going in when it comes to employment in Silicon Valley. Earlier this year, big names in the industry decided to end their agreement not to steal employees, signaling that when it comes to recruiting talent, all bets are officially off. Digital and tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple have been seeing their staff jump ship and resign with competitors, only to cause higher-ups to offer incentives for their employees’ loyalty.

And company recruitment, which is both contributing to and caused by the talent wars, is escalating. AOL is jumping on the bandwagon too, with a new billboard along highway 101 near Palo Alto tempting spectators to “Come work for AOL before your boss does.” The sentiment seems to want to identify AOL as a hot new startup – something it hardly is. Its own tech site, TechCrunch, points out its failing: “If you want to go work someone in Silicon Valley before your boss does, it’s Facebook, Twitter or Zynga. The pre-IPO startups.”

Recommended Videos

Instead of a desperate attempt to compete with its younger, hipper rivals, maybe this is a sign AOL is readying itself for change. The company is hiring in the US as well as internationally, and recently bought About.me, a startup that’s been gaining positive buzz. AOL’s e-mail platform and homepage were also revamped not too long ago, and it reportedly redesigned the company’s inner structure to be more open and encourage community. How effective these alterations are or will be remains to be seen, but at least there’s evidence AOL is willing to adapt and evolve – something certain competitors should keep in mind.

Molly McHugh
Former Social Media/Web Editor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
Don’t miss this chance to buy a MacBook Air at $200 off
The MacBook Air on a table in front of a window.

For those who have always wanted to get one of Apple's MacBooks but can't stomach the price tag, here's your chance to buy one for a relatively affordable price. Best Buy has slashed the price of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 to only $699, for savings of $200 on its sticker price of $899. You need to act fast though, as there's always high demand for MacBook deals. The stocks that are up for sale may already be gone as soon as tomorrow.

Why you should buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3

Read more
This HP Chromebook is under half-price today — just $190
The HP Chromebook 14 laptop on a white background.

You should turn your attention towards Chromebook deals if you want to buy a new laptop on a tight budget, and we've found an offer that you won't want to miss. From its original price of $410, the HP Chromebook 14 is down to just $190 for savings of $220 from Walmart. You won't always have the chance to get this device for less than half-price though -- in fact, the opportunity may be gone as soon as tomorrow. If you want to take advantage of the discount, you need to buy the Chromebook right now.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14

Read more
Avast’s most complete antivirus plan is 70% off right now
Couple making selfie inside car with open window.

Avast has been popping off with incredible deals this month. The antivirus company recently offered 70% off its Premium tier of virus protection. For the next 30 days, Avast is extending that offer to its Ultimate tier of protection. That means you can protect one device with Avast Ultimate for $33 for a year, down from its usual $110. If you want to cover 10 devices, you'll only pay $42 instead of $140.

Let's dive into what Avast Ultimate offers and why you might want it over the free tier or the Premium plan. This deal is live now, and will stick around for the next four weeks.

Read more