In modern recruitment practices, the emphasis is usually placed on how fast the right candidates can be hired. Candidate care is one of the aspects that is often ignored during this process. It may seem minor, but every recruiting team needs to appreciate the importance of candidate care especially in relation to how candidates are… Continue reading Candidate Care – The Pillar of Successful Hiring
October 15, 2024
In modern recruitment practices, the emphasis is usually placed on how fast the right candidates can be hired. Candidate care is one of the aspects that is often ignored during this process. It may seem minor, but every recruiting team needs to appreciate the importance of candidate care especially in relation to how candidates are treated throughout the recruiting process. We will go more in depth to see the necessity of candidate care and how it contributes towards the whole recruitment process.
What Does Candidate Care Mean?
Candidate care encompasses every touchpoint a potential hire has with your company, from the very first contact throughout the entire interviewing procedure and addressing the outcome of the decision made about the candidate’s hiring, or not. It includes but is not limited to proper instruction, responses after an interview, and efforts to make sure candidates are well treated.
The Need for Candidate Care
Improved Employer Brand: The employer image is not only shaped by the products or services offered but also by the treatment of potential employees. Candidates talk and their experiences, either positive or negative, have a huge bearing on the way your brand will be perceived. Such positive candidate experiences can turn candidates into supporters of your company whether they get the job or not.
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Improves Candidate Quality
It has been observed that the more candidates are respected and appreciated, the more willing they will be to commit and display their true selves. Thus, enabling a more reliable evaluation of the candidate’s alignment with the position and the company.
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Success Factor
Candidates are likely to drop out from the recruiting stage if they are being ignored or feel that their contributions are not appreciated. When excellent candidate care is offered, they will remain interested in the process and be less likely to withdraw their application.
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Build Long-Term Relationships
Even if all candidates do not fulfill the requirements of the available positions, it is worth noting that good relationship management with job seekers is essential. They could be the ideal candidate for a later vacancy or they will recommend other great candidates to your company.
Practical Measures to Enhance Candidate Care
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Communication
Clearly outline what candidates can and cannot expect from the process. Indicate expectations in terms of time and adhere to them. If in any one case, there is some delay, this should be communicated promptly.
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Personalized Communications
View every candidate as a real person and not just a bunch of resumes lined up for consideration. Where necessary, build good relationships with the candidates and learn about their backgrounds and personal details.
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Timely Feedback
One common complaint among candidates who do not get hired is the lack of timely feedback after an interview. Thus, constructive thoughts, regardless of receiving the desired outcome, should be very swift. It is an appreciation for what these people put into their work.
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Respect Their Time
It is common courtesy for people to arrive on the date and time they have specified for an interview and acknowledge how much work they have put into attending the interview.
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Follow-Up
Once a decision has been reached, it is best practice to get back to the candidates. For the candidates who have not been enlisted, offer to always reach out for any new openings. For those that have been recruited, make sure they get ideal integration.
The Impact of Good Candidate Care
The positive outcomes of good candidate management do not only end at the candidate selection and recruitment stages but reverberate even further down. Candidates who feel appreciated are more willing to accept offers, stay in their positions longer, and contribute positively to the company culture. Moreover, the quality of candidates a company can recruit is affected by how well previous candidates were treated, as happy candidates are likely to recommend potential job seekers through word-of-mouth.
However, substandard handling of candidates has the opposite effect, making people post abusive comments on sites such as Glassdoor which may prevent other exceptional candidates from even viewing your company. It may also lead to higher attrition rates whereby new employees who feel deceived or have been poorly treated during the recruitment process, will, in most cases, be bored or detached within a short time.
Conclusion
Candidate care is not an optional feature but rather a non-negotiable one. It serves as the foundation for any recruitment effort, impacting everything from the candidate pool to employer branding. When companies prioritize candidate care, they build better, more active teams and maintain a positive image that attracts top talent. Keep in mind that every single contact is an investment that signals to candidates that their worth is appreciated, thus paving the way for a great working relationship.
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