Strategies to create a positive candidate experience
In any industry, the quality of your recruitment process plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent. With more options available, candidates are drawn to companies that provide a streamlined and engaged hiring process. But what does that look like?
You need to start adopting a candidate-centric approach. A perspective of recruitment that focuses on building long-term relationships with candidates, one that’s open to new ideas and techniques to improve your candidate experience. This won’t just strengthen your Employer Brand but will have a big impact on attracting the best-fit individuals to your business.
So, I’ve put together a few strategies to make your recruitment process more appealing to potential candidates in the article below.
1 – Streamline your application process
An overly complex application process can cause top candidates to drop off before they even get a chance to meet you. According to a recent study by StandOut CV, nearly 60% of job seekers abandon applications midway through due to length and complexity of the process.
By streamlining your recruitment process, you’re not only improving your candidate experience but also increasing your chances of securing high-quality applicants. According to Starred, 78% of candidates believe their overall candidate experience is an indicator of how a company values its people. This means that a smooth and efficient application process can significantly enhance your employer brand.
My top tips:
Reduce the number of steps in the application process. Remember, you can ask more in-depth questions at the first interview stage.
Don’t get confused between a job description and a job advert!
Highlight the most important qualifications and responsibilities to help candidates quickly assess their fit for the role.
2 – Maintain clear and consistent communication with your candidates
One of the most common frustrations for candidates is a lack of communication during the hiring process. Keeping candidates informed at every step not only shows respect for their time and effort but also helps build a positive impression of your company. According to Criteria Corp, 54% of candidates have walked away from a job opportunity due to poor communication during the hiring process, while 39% reported being ‘ghosted’ by employers in the last year.My top tips:
Set clear expectations! Outline your recruitment process and timeline so candidates know what to expect.
Regularly update candidates on the status of their application, regardless of whether they are moving forward.
Be transparent – if there are delays or changes in the process, communicate these promptly to manage expectations and maintain trust.
3 – Personalise your candidate experience
Personalisation can significantly enhance a candidate’s perception of your company, making them feel valued and appreciated. By tailoring your communication and interactions to reflect each candidate’s unique background and interests, you create a more engaging and memorable experience. According to a survey by Jobvite, 70% of candidates would consider applying to a company again after having a positive recruitment experience.My top tips:
Use names in communication – Recognise your candidates as individuals.
Reference their experience – During interviews, mentioning specific details shows that you have taken the time to prepare for this interview as much as they have.
Customise follow-up messages! After the interview, send a personalised follow up email mentioning specific details you spoke about in the interview – this can go a long way!
Creating a candidate-centric recruitment process is not just about attracting the best talent—it’s about creating a positive, respectful, and transparent experience for everyone involved. By streamlining your process, enhancing communication, and prioritising the candidate experience, you can build a strong employer brand and ultimately secure better hires for your business. If you’d like some further support on how to begin the process of streamlining your recruitment process, please reach out – we’d be happy to help!
