Today’s job market is very competitive, attracting talent is more than just about offering a high salary and benefits. Companies need to excel in their candidate experience throughout the whole hiring process, they need to build a strong reputation to secure the best candidates. The hiring process isn’t just about filling a vacancy, it’s the start of a relationship between you and your potential employees.
What is candidate experience?
The candidate experience refers to the overall experience a job seeker has during the recruitment process. Every touchpoint is included, and you want to make it is as simple and as exciting as possible for the candidates. It covers a selection of areas including the job description, marketing platforms, application process to the treatment in the interviews. Every interaction shapes the perception of your organisation, and can turn candidates into advocates, regardless of whether they are hired or not.
First impressions matter, the hiring process is often the first significant interaction the job seeker has with the company. A smooth and engaging process will help create positive first impressions. If the candidates feel valued from the start they will speak highly of your company, a poor experience will lead to negative reviews, harming your employer brand. Having a good candidate experience is a great way to engage top talent and entice them to your company ahead of your competitors. Being transparent and communicative will make them feel respected throughout the process, keeping them engaged which in turn will make them excited about what the future holds at your company.
How to improve your candidate experience
You don’t need to over complicate your candidate experience; you need to make it as simple and flexible as possible for both you and your potential employee.
Simplify the application process
Find a user-friendly interface that allows for basic forms, that require minimal effort to fill in. Cut out all long-winded, essay style cover letters and use short questions to find out why the candidate is perfect for your business. Let them upload their CV without having to re-input all the information throughout the application.
Test the process
Once a month apply for jobs you have on offer, check yourself if there are any glitches in the system or new ways you could improve the process. This experience can continuously evolve so it’s always up to date, making it perfect for all candidates.
Make it personable
Throughout the whole experience make sure you refer to the candidate by the name and pronouns they have provide, check spellings multiple times. By addressing the candidate multiple times and acknowledging all the great qualifications they have, even if they aren’t 100% relevant to the role, will help build a bond and make the experience better.
Speed is key
Nobody likes waiting around to find out next steps, while it can take time to find the perfect person, the sooner people know the better, even if they aren’t right for the role. Being transparent with the candidate will make them respect you, just as you are respecting their time.
Communicate clearly
At each stage of the process let the candidate know what to expect, the format, timeframe and expectations should be clear. This will help them prepare all while keeping you on the same page. After each stage provide a small piece of constructive feedback so they know what they are doing well and how they might improve if they get through to the next stage, you must remember they can’t read your mind.
Overall improving your candidate experience will help your business excel by creating strong bonds before someone even becomes an employee. It will help your company stand above the rest and improve your reputation within your community all while improving your internal hiring process. Doing this will make everyone’s experience better while reducing ROI.
If you think it’s time to re-think your early careers then talk to the experts, and we’ll tell you more. Contact us today or fill in this form for a FREE recruitment marketing audit.
