Any good hiring process aims to find the best candidate for the job. But what happens if your ideal candidate decides to withdraw their application or accept another offer before you have a chance to extend one? In order to avoid this scenario here, are 5 ways to make sure you don’t miss out on your ideal candidate.
1. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
It can’t be said enough—communication is critical when it comes to keeping candidates engaged in the hiring process. Keep them in the loop at every stage, from when you receive their application to when you make a decision. Let them know where they are in the process and what the next steps will be. Additionally, it is important to be responsive to any questions or concerns they may have. No one likes to be left in the dark, so consistent updates will show candidates that you value their interest and time.
2. Personalize the Experience
Do not read through job descriptions in an unengaging way or ask them scripted questions. Instead, be yourself, and make it about them. Take the time to get to know them and learn about their skills and experiences. Dig deeper. For example, if they ask you to tell them about the hours of the position, find out why they’re asking. What is it about the hours that is important to them? The answers you receive will tell you much more about who they are and what’s going to be a fit for them. It’s also a good rule of thumb to provide them with information about your company and the team they would be working with. By personalizing the experience, you will make them feel like they are more than just a resume.
3. Prompt Follow Up
Another way to keep candidates engaged is by giving feedback at each step of the process. No one likes playing the waiting game, so letting candidates know where they stand as soon as possible only keeps them interested and less likely to answer the phone when other recruiters call. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should rush through evaluations or forgo thorough screening. In fact, you should conduct yourself in the opposite way. However, if a candidate has already made it through a few rounds of the process, letting them know that they’re still being considered for the role and what’s coming next will only help keep them interested.
4. Offer Feedback
Offer feedback to candidates, even if they are not selected for the position. This shows that you value their input and appreciate their time. It’s also a great way to build relationships with potential future employees.
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