First Impressions Matter: Your Hiring Process is Key in Attracting Quality Candidates

Imagine you are a candidate and you have completed a job application. Every day you track your emails, keep your phone easily accessible and answer every telemarketer call in the hope that it’s the business getting back to you. Radio silence. You apply again “just in case” the initial application did not go through properly. Still, you never hear from the organisation and know not to rely on that business to communicate properly. In another instance, you are currently in the hiring process, you’re making it through each step, however, you are not sure the purpose of these steps as the process appears to change with each interaction. Every time you speak to the hiring manager, they ramble off a convoluted reason as to why they need another round of interview, assessment or reference checks, and you are left feeling unsure about where you are in the process and lost in the prolonged up and down approach. This experience leaves you uneasy about pursuing the role with this organisation.

In both instances, the hiring business has fallen short in maintaining and communicating a clear hiring process to their candidate. In business, communication is key! A hiring process is the first impression you are giving a candidate and determines whether a candidate will pursue a role within your organisation. With this in mind, what impression are you giving new candidates?

Recruitment is a vital aspect of any business, and it’s crucial that the hiring process is defined and communicated effectively to both HR and the hiring team. A well-structured recruitment process not only ensures consistency in the approach but also enhances the overall candidate experience. A clear and defined recruitment process benefits both the business and the candidate, making it a win-win situation.

For businesses, having a clear and defined recruitment process is essential for attracting top talent. A well-structured recruitment process can help HR and the hiring team to focus on attracting the best candidates for the job. According to a study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, companies with a well-defined recruitment process are 50% more likely to secure top talent compared to those without a clear process. Furthermore, companies with a strong recruitment process are 70% less likely to face lawsuits related to the hiring process. These statistics demonstrate the importance of having a clear and defined recruitment process, not only for attracting top talent but also to reduce the risk of potential legal issues.

A clear and defined recruitment process also benefits the candidate. Candidates need to understand the process they are undertaking, and a well-communicated recruitment process provides transparency and reduces confusion. Poor communication and unclear processes from the business can negatively represent the organization, leading candidates to view the company poorly and be less likely to choose to work for the company in the future. A study conducted by Talent Board found that 88% of job seekers believe that a positive candidate experience is critical in their decision to apply for a job with a particular company. This highlights the importance of providing a positive candidate experience, which can be achieved through communicating your organisation’s clear and defined recruitment process.

The new wave of recruitment places an emphasis on the candidate experience, and businesses now more than ever need to put their best foot forward to obtain the best candidates. With the rise of social media and the ability for candidates to share their experiences with a wider audience, it’s critical for businesses to provide a positive and transparent recruitment process. A poor candidate experience can lead to negative reviews and a decrease in the number of top-quality candidates applying for positions within the company.

At APSG, we understand the importance of a clear and defined recruitment process for businesses. Our approach to recruitment is tailored to each client, ensuring that the process aligns with the company’s values and goals. Working with your business in developing processes and investing in continued success of your business, is the APSG difference. We build long-lasting partnerships that support and services your organisation’s unique needs.

Ultimately, developing and communicating a clear and defined recruitment process to each candidate is critical to the success of any business. It ensures consistency in the approach, enhances the candidate experience, and helps attract top talent. Investing in a structured recruitment process can bring numerous benefits to your business, including attracting top talent, reducing the risk of legal issues, and providing a positive candidate experience. Let APSG assist you in the management of your recruitment and hiring process, ensuring that your business is on the path to success. Contact us today.

For tips on supporting your candidates after the recruitment process, check out our blog on the onboarding process.