Candidate Experience is becoming a theme for CXR this month, and as we prepare to host our in-person Candidate Experience Meeting next week in St. Louis, we can't help but notice that despite the growing awareness of the importance of candidate experience... it continues to be a serious pain point for many job seekers. Looking back on the TalentBoard's 2022 Candidate Experience Benchmark survey, we see several critical areas where organizations must focus their efforts to improve the candidate journey.
Consistency in Communication is Key
One of the glaring issues is the lack of consistent and timely communication throughout the hiring process. From the moment a candidate submits their application to their onboarding, there are often long stretches of silence. This lack of engagement leaves candidates feeling undervalued and disconnected, which can deter even the most promising prospects.
Organizations often fail to set clear expectations regarding the recruiting process. Candidates are left in the dark about timelines, next steps, and what to expect. This uncertainty can lead to frustration and anxiety, ultimately harming the candidate experience.
Feedback Matters
Another area that requires attention is feedback. Candidates appreciate timely feedback on their progress and performance during the hiring process. Unfortunately, many organizations don't ask for feedback from candidates or provide it promptly, leaving applicants to wonder about their standing and how they can improve.
Transparency Builds Trust
Transparency and accountability are also key components of a positive candidate experience. Organizations that are open about their recruiting and hiring processes create trust with candidates. When companies are vague or non-committal, it erodes trust and leaves candidates feeling uncertain about the fairness of the process.
Ultimately, all these factors contribute to the overall perception of a company. When organizations address these issues and prioritize communication, setting expectations, seeking feedback, and fostering transparency, they can significantly enhance the candidate experience and overall brand image. By doing so, they not only attract top talent but also reinforce their brand as an employer of choice in today's competitive job market. It's high time organizations make these improvements to ensure that candidates feel valued and respected throughout the hiring journey.
What’s Next
We turned to members of our CommunityUP program to learn first-hand what the candidate experience is like in the current job market. The discussions we've had with these TA practitioners will illustrate some of what we know -- and hopefully, inspire some real change.
Tune into the CXR Recruiting Community Podcast for the rest of September as we feature interviews with these community members and learn from their experiences. (Bonus: If you're looking for a good TA professional...you just might find one on these episodes!)