How to Deliver an Exceptional Candidate Experience and Win the War for Talent

20 of September, 2023

Has your company invested in the candidate experience? If not, it should. You’re likely spending a lot of time, money, and resources attracting top talent, but what happens after candidates apply?

Providing a positive experience for applicants, even those you don’t hire, has significant benefits for your business. Candidates today have more choices and options at their fingertips, and they talk. A poor experience gets shared, and it damages your brand and hiring ability.

On the flip side, roll out the red carpet for candidates, make them feel valued, and they’ll spread the good word about your company culture. Here are a few tips to improve your candidate experience and why it matters. Read on to learn how to strengthen your recruitment and set your company apart.

What Is Candidate Experience and Why Does It Matter?

Candidate experience refers to a job applicant’s experience when interacting with your company during the hiring process. Providing a positive experience is critical for both your company’s brand and your ability to attract top talent.

As a candidate engages with your hiring process, they are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them. A poor experience can reflect negatively on your company culture and values, damaging your brand and reputation.

On the other hand, a great experience, even for candidates you don’t hire, can strengthen your brand and turn those candidates into new customers or brand advocates.

When you roll out the red carpet for candidates, it also makes you more attractive to in-demand talent. In today’s job market, top candidates have their pick of opportunities. A positive, streamlined experience can be the differentiator that makes them choose you over a competitor.

Providing a positive candidate experience

Some key ways to provide a great candidate experience are: respond to applications promptly; give clear expectations about the hiring process and timeline; ensure a smooth interview experience; and communicate with candidates regularly and respectfully, even if it’s to deliver a rejection.

While it does require effort, focusing on candidate experience is worth it. It builds goodwill, strengthens your brand, and helps you land the best talent. And with the right tools, like Sesame’s recruitment software, you can efficiently provide an experience candidates will rave about.

Benefits of Providing a Positive Candidate Experience

Providing a positive experience for your candidates benefits your company in so many ways.

• It builds your employer brand. Candidates will share their experience on sites like Glassdoor, influencing how future applicants perceive your company. Make it a good one!
• It improves retention. Candidates who have a great experience during the hiring process are more likely to accept an offer and stick around long-term. After all, you left a good first impression.
• It enhances productivity. Happy, engaged employees tend to be more productive. By starting the candidate experience off on the right foot, you’re setting the foundation for an employee who will hit the ground running.
• It reduces time to hire. When candidates have a streamlined, thoughtful experience, your hiring process becomes more efficient. Candidates are more responsive, advancing through the stages smoothly and quickly.

To provide a positive candidate experience, focus on:

• Communication: Respond to candidates promptly and keep them up to date on the process. Let them know if there are any delays.
• Transparency: Explain your hiring stages, timeline, and when candidates can expect to hear from you. Set proper expectations.
• Personalization: Make each candidate feel like a priority. Address them by name and refer to details from their application and interview in follow-up messages.
• Feedback: Even if a candidate does not receive an offer, provide constructive feedback to help them in their ongoing job search. They will appreciate your investment in their growth.

By putting in the effort to create an exceptional experience for your candidates, you’re investing in the long-term success of your business. What could be more worthwhile?

Actionable Tips for Improving Your Candidate Experience

If you want to attract and retain top talent, focus on the experience you provide candidates. Here are some tips to improve it:

1. Review your job postings and make sure they effectively communicate what you’re looking for in a candidate. Be specific about required skills, experience, education and salary range. This helps set proper expectations and avoids wasted time for unqualified applicants.
2. Streamline your application process. Keep applications short, simple and straightforward. Don’t ask for information you don’t need. Allow candidates to apply via multiple channels like your website, LinkedIn and Indeed.
3. Improve your interview experience. Greet candidates warmly, explain the process and be transparent about next steps. Ask thoughtful questions to determine fit. Follow up promptly and let candidates know if they will proceed to the next round or if the role has been filled. Provide constructive feedback if requested.
4. Keep candidates engaged. Send regular updates on where they stand and next steps. Let them know if there are any delays. Ask for their feedback on how to improve the experience. Candidates will appreciate your responsiveness and transparency.
5. Make a great first impression. Ensure your career site, applications and interactions reflect your culture and brand. Treat each candidate with courtesy, respect and professionalism, regardless of their qualifications or background. Your reputation and ability to attract talent depends on it.

Focusing on the human side of hiring will help set you apart. By providing an exceptional experience for all candidates, you build goodwill and loyalty which serves your company, your customers and your community. Candidates will walk away with a positive view of your organization even if they are not selected for the role.

Conclusion

You’ve now seen how crucial candidate experience is to the success and growth of your business. When you invest in the experience of every single candidate, whether or not they get the job, you’re building goodwill and strengthening your employer brand.

People talk, and word of mouth is still one of the most powerful forms of marketing. Give each candidate a positive experience with your company and you’ll gain brand ambassadors who help attract other great talent.

Focus on the human side of hiring and make sure each candidate leaves with a good impression. Your company, your culture, and your future hires will thrive as a result. Providing an exceptional candidate experience is well worth the effort.