Candidate experience is among the most significant elements of the recruitment process. Yet, recruitment teams often overlook it unwittingly.
Various studies have shown that job applicants wouldn't apply again for a job in a specific company after a negative candidate experience. Moreover, many will warn their friends to avoid that workplace. After all, the job search process is demanding and often frustrating. Job seekers must submit resumes, attend nerve-wracking interviews, and hope for the best.
If, on top of everything, companies require multiple steps throughout the selection process and treat the job applicants poorly, things worsen. Hence, to attract and retain the most qualified job applicants, you must craft a positive candidate experience.
The following are the top five reasons your candidates are frustrated and unhappy.
1. You're Unresponsive
Job applicants most often complain that employers are unresponsive. You might think it's unnecessary to acknowledge you received a resume and cover letter; people took time to craft their application and send it.
When job seekers receive no response, they will likely think a company is uninterested and move on. Here's what you can do:
Let the candidates know you received their job application and what to expect next.
Answer candidates' inquiries promptly.
Keep job applicants updated throughout the selection process.
The goal is to show candidates you value them and their effort and time.
2. You Have No Online Presence
You could miss out on many qualified candidates without social media handles or a website. Show you're in touch with times and technology by having a stellar online presence and a way for people to contact you and discover more about your company.
Here's what you can do:
Keep your website informative and up to date.
Be active on social media.
Encourage workers to post reviews about how it is to work with your company.
3. Your Website is Not Mobile-Friendly
Most job seekers use their mobile phones to search the web and look for jobs. They will likely choose another company if your website forces them to scroll horizontally or zoom in.
Here's what you should do:
Maintain your website responsive and ensure people can access and view it from all devices.
Add concise and accurate information, making it easy for job seekers to find you.
Use large buttons, prompts, and letters, making navigation on mobile devices smoother.
4. You Have No Employee Referral Program
An employee referral program can help you reach stellar talents, as your workers know who would suit your company. Here's what to do to make these programs efficient:
Encourage workers to recommend professionals they know.
Offer incentives and rewards for workers who recommend job applicants you later hire.
Make it effortless for workers to submit or send their referrals.
5. You're Not Using the Best Recruitment Tools (e.g., Hiring Software)
Technology is crucial for a successful and positive candidate experience. Adequate hiring software can make a difference and save money, time, and resources.
Here's an example of recruitment tools that can improve the candidate experience:
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can streamline and automate your recruitment process.
Online skill assessments help determine job applicants' potential and compatibility.
Video interview platforms can speed up the process and make it more flexible and accessible for candidates.
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If you're encountering an uptick in frustrated candidates, it's time for action and a profound assessment of your recruitment process. A negative candidate experience might affect job applicants' happiness and cause them to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Use HireTalent- a world-class free hiring software to remove obstacles and ensure candidates move smoothly through the recruiting pipeline.