Have you ever looked forward to visiting a new restaurant, a trendy store, or tourist destination, only to be disappointed by a poor customer experience? More than likely, you not only vow never to return, but you also share your negative encounter with others.
Hiring managers would be wise to recognize that a job candidate who goes through a similar experience does the same thing: crosses the company off as a potential employer, and advises friends and colleagues to do the same. As a result, organizations may be missing out on employees that could make great additions to their team.
It’s called the candidate experience, and companies need to get it right to have a chance at landing top performers. Here are 3 essential elements that need to be part of your recruiting process to ensure a positive candidate experience.
Be open and transparent with candidates
From your initial contact, let them know how the hiring process will work, and how long it will take. Are there particular skills that are being prioritized? Who will be involved in interviews, and how many rounds can they expect? Are skills testing and reference checking part of your due diligence? These are all areas that should be explained to candidates up front. Let them know what the expectations are from the start, and keep your word as the process moves forward.
Follow up often with candidates
Situations change; everyone understands that. It becomes an issue when candidates are left hanging, wondering whether they’re still in consideration or someone else has been selected. If the hiring process or timing change, let them know. Maintain regular communication, providing any necessary feedback and outlining next steps. And by all means, if you’ve made a decision on another candidate, let them know.
Keep in mind: if a week goes by and a candidate hasn’t heard from you, they’re likely to move on. Don’t lose someone that could be a great employee because you’ve left them in the dark as to what’s happening with the hiring process.
If you like a candidate, move quickly
We remain in an employees’ job market, and as the economy bounces back from the pandemic, that will continue. That means candidates have options, and they won’t wait around for you to make a decision. If someone rises to the top in your job search, move quickly – make an offer and secure them before another employer beats you to the punch.
The way you engage with candidates during the recruitment process demonstrates the type of employer you are. Your actions truly speak louder than words; if a candidate has a poor experience, they’re likely to drop out of consideration and even worse, may take potential future candidates with them.
Need assistance building a great candidate experience? Alaant has the expertise, experience and proven track record to guide your organization. Contact us today and let’s get the conversation started!
