Candidate Experience

Candidate Experience: The Key to a Positive Applicant Journey

In today's job market, Candidate Experience is a central aspect of the recruiting process. It describes the totality of the experiences an applicant has during a application process with a company. From the first contact to interviews and onboarding – all these touchpoints contribute to the applicant's perception of the company. In this article, we will explore what exactly is meant by Candidate Experience, what makes a good Candidate Journey, and why it is crucial for companies.

What is meant by Candidate Experience?

Candidate Experience encompasses all aspects that an applicant experiences during their interaction with a company. This begins right from viewing the job posting or the company website and continues through the submission of application materials, interviews, and assessment tests, up to the acceptance or rejection by the company. The experiences that a successful applicant gathers immediately after the application process, such as during onboarding, are also part of the Candidate Experience.

A positive Candidate Experience is essential to convince applicants of the benefits of a company. A smooth and engaging application process not only influences candidates’ decisions but is also carried forward through word of mouth. Even applicants who are not hired can become advocates for the company if they have had positive experiences.

What makes a good Candidate Journey?

The Candidate Journey describes the entire process that an applicant goes through, from the first contact to onboarding. A good Candidate Journey is characterized by clarity, transparency, and a positive overall impression. Here are the essential phases that distinguish a good Candidate Journey:

1. Attraction Phase

In this phase, the company should generate interest through targeted communication and attractive job postings. This can be achieved through job fairs, social media, or referrals. The first impression counts – the company should appear professional and welcoming.

2. Information Phase

Here, the applicant informs themselves about the company and the open positions. The information should be clear, appealing, and tailored to the target audience. A well-designed company website and transparent job advertisements are essential.

3. Application Phase

The application process should be straightforward and user-friendly. Online applications are the standard nowadays. The forms should be clear, documents should be easy to upload, and the applicant should receive a friendly confirmation email to provide a sense of appreciation.

4. Selection Phase

In the selection phase, several touchpoints are decisive, such as personal or virtual interviews and communication about the further course of the process. Quick feedback and a warm welcome contribute to putting the applicant in a positive frame of mind.

5. Onboarding Phase

After an acceptance, a structured onboarding process should follow that helps the new employee to integrate into the company. A successful onboarding ensures that the new employee feels comfortable from the start and is well integrated.

6. Retention Phase

Once the new employee becomes part of the team, the company should continue to invest in providing positive experiences. The integration into the team and the wellbeing of the employee are crucial to turning the Candidate Experience into a long-term Employee Experience.

Why is Candidate Experience important?

An outstanding Candidate Experience is highly significant as it has direct impacts on the success of a company. Companies that take their applicants' experiences seriously benefit from a variety of advantages:

• Higher applicant retention: A positive Candidate Journey increases the likelihood that applicants will stay until the end of the process. This leads to a greater pool of potential employees.

• Referrals: Satisfied applicants, regardless of the outcome, often recommend the company to others. This can lead to an increased number of qualified applications.

• Faster recruiting process: A well-thought-out Candidate Experience allows companies to find suitable candidates faster, saving time and costs.

• Strengthening the employer brand: Positive experiences enhance the company's image, making it more attractive to future applicants. This also affects customer brand perception.

Conclusion

The Candidate Experience is a critical factor in the recruiting process and significantly influences the perception of a company as an employer. A thoughtful and positive Candidate Journey leads not only to higher applicant retention and more referrals but also to a stronger employer brand. Therefore, companies should actively work to optimise their applicants' experiences to succeed in the competition for the best talent. By focusing on Candidate Experience, they create a foundation for long-term success and employee satisfaction.