Recruiting 101- "Rethinking Recruitment: Crafting a Candidate Journey That Builds Your Employer Brand"

At some point in our careers, most of us have faced recruiting operations that are unresponsive, adding to the frustration of finding work. How many times have you heard candidates say replying to a job post is like dropping a resume into a black hole. 

Don’t get me wrong. There are many great corporate recruiting operations who have earned a reputation for consistent, positive candidate experiences that enhance an employer’s brand and actually help attract future talent. 

However, companies that ignore the good that can be accomplished by understanding the value of consistent communication, streamlined processes, and treating candidates with respect are missing an opportunity to elevate their employer brand.

The best corporate recruiters act as brand ambassadors, crafting a positive and seamless candidate experience that leaves a lasting impression, regardless of the hiring outcome. 

Here are some tips for recruiters and hiring managers that wish to elevate their approach and create a candidate journey that stands out:

1. Clear, Responsive Communication:

• Prompt Responses: We know recruiters get overwhelmed at times by 100’s of responses to job posts, interviews, appointment scheduling, meetings, and so much more. However, a candidate’s experience begins when they click submit on their application. If you do not have a "we've received your application" reply, your candidate’s experience is starting out in the dark.
• Transparent Timelines: No one wants to be in limbo. Wouldn’t it be great if the reply you send to applicants was more than an acknowledgement? What if it provided realistic timelines for the hiring process. Something like this:Thank you for your application. Over the next 15-20 business days, we will be sourcing and reviewing candidates, creating a short list of applicants whose skills properly align with our job description. We will let you know if our team has selected you for an interview at the end of this period. Thank you for your application. 
• Regular Updates: I know this is a funny comparison but if you have ever used Domino’s Pizza, there is a certain satisfaction in knowing the exact location of your pizza. Similarly, candidates would love to be kept informed about their application status, even if there are no immediate updates. 
• Constructive Feedback: This is a tough one because it takes a bit of time. If a candidate is not selected, offer thoughtful feedback. This shows respect and helps them grow professionally, and they won’t forget you or your advice.

2. Onboarding: Keep the Communication Going:

• A thoughtful welcome package that provides concise information about company policies and procedures can make a strong first impression. Is your welcome thorough and upbeat enough?
• Once an employee starts, schedule regular check-ins during the first few weeks to address any questions or concerns. What employee would not appreciate this?
• If staffing levels permit, assign a mentor to help new hires navigate the company and their role.   

3. Post-Interview Engagement: 

• Maintain contact with promising candidates, even if they are not selected for the current role with personal notes. Yes, it adds time, but it also builds relationships.
• Ask candidates for feedback on their experience, using it to continuously improve the hiring process.

Crafting a better candidate experience can elevate your Glassdoor and Google ratings, help you build a pipeline of future candidates, and enhance your employer brand. So, the question is, are you crafting a positive candidate experience?

 Are you having difficulty finding talented employees to fill your open positions? With 25 years of experience, a 4.8 Google rating, an average experience level of 22 years, our own Thought Leadership Team, and an A+ rating from the BBB, you will quickly see why we’ve built so many permanent, long-term client relationships. Visit our website at www.execsallied.com/employers or Email us at info@execsallied.com. We are here to help!

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