Elevating the Candidate Experience
"The candidate experience is the oil that lubricates the hiring engine!"
What candidates see, hear and feel during the interview process molds their perception of an organization – and directly influences their job selection.
A well-executed candidate experience should make candidates feel:
- welcomed, accepted and respected
- encouraged and supported
- well-informed
- engage and excited
Conversely, a poorly-executed candidate experience may:
- create a bad impression and turn candidates away from the opportunity
- spur negative comments through word-of-mouth and/or social media
- tarnish the company brand and greatly increase the challenges of hiring top talent
This is why in today’s highly-competitive environment it is essential to deliver a compelling eandidate experience to attract and close the best talent - and we can help.
HOW TO ELEVATE THE CANDIDATE EXPERIENCE?
Decades of experience has shown us that an effective candidate experience can be boiled down to two primary functions: timeline and communication. With this in mind, we follow these best practices when engaging candidates (and we guide our clients to do the same):
Be professional, friendly and welcoming
We create and maintain a professional, friendly environment with all candidates at all times. Whether a candidate is hired or not, they will likely share their experience with others, and we want every candidate to have positive things to say about the company and people.
Provide sufficient information about the position, culture and organization
We ensure that the job description and related information is comprehensive, informative and compelling. We openly discuss the culture, values and dynamics of the team - while assessing candidates on the same. We ensure that everyone on the client interview team understands the scope of the role; is properly prepared; and is on message!
Inform candidates of the process and timeline
At Intuitif Partners, we believe that timing and momentum are critical – and we strive to keep both on our side. We outline the process upfront, informing candidates of what to expect; where / when interviews will occur; and who will be involved. We work hard to accommodate all schedules, and we inform all parties of any changes as soon as they arise. Should there be a time constraint or competing offer, we do all we can to expedite the process, without cutting corners.
Provide timely feedback
We provide timely, relevant feedback, validating the positives and tactfully discussing any concerns. Our goal is have open channels of communication and minimize, if not eliminate, any surprises.
Respond to questions quickly and honestly
Candidates value honest and transparent answers. They also expect timely responses to their inquiries. We make honesty and responsiveness a priority with all candidates and clients.
Attention to detail
Candidates volunteer a lot of information, and we take note. Remembering and acknowledging important details makes a great impression and builds rapport.
On-site interviews are the best opportunity for a client to shine: informative agendas; convenient travel arrangements; thoughtful welcome packets; friendly faces; name recognition; etc... all get noticed, and are critical in courting the most coveted candidates.
SUMMARY
When it comes to the candidate experience, the stakes are real. Hiring companies cannot afford to lose top talent or tarnish their recruitment brand due to a poor candidate experience. Fortunately, the process is manageable, and we are here to help. We take pride in orchestrating a winning candidate experience, and we enjoy the rewards the process brings!