Adding Human to Candidate Experience

“Engagement may seem like it begins with the employee but Engagement starts with Candidate Experience.”

“HR have ghosted me” One of the very valid feedbacks we get from candidates is low engagement from recruiters.

Given that recruiters are hiring for multiple positions and don’t usually have the bandwidth to reply to each and every candidate, for a simple reason of sheer magnitude of hiring that happens. (Forgive them a little 🙂 )

But there are a few ways to make the candidate experience both personalized and where the candidate doesnt feel ghosted by HR.

Firstly, the recruiters should focus on building the image of the employer with few choice words, especially in start-up times. How do you come across is the main part, especially the first call and interview. This is Human Resources, neither you nor the candidate is indebted to “Getting the Job”.

Be honest, and say only if we like your profile, we will get back. Be consistent, if you are not able to reach back to a candidate drop them a message nonetheless.

“Remember every candidate in the process, is an employee in the making.”

This reminds me of one of the organizations where I was ghosted on the day of the interview but you won’t be able to guess that I did end up working there and perhaps, was one of the best tenures for me.

As I said the recruiter has to be human as the candidate is one.

Secondly, how do you make sure that 100s of people are feeling ghosted? This is resolved simply by making clear statements. “We will get back shortly” shouldn’t mean that you talk to the candidate in 20 days. Make sure you use the right words. Get your script in place and make sure you can create the company image as the interview process goes on.

And get back to them shortly, seriously, be a responsive hiring organization.

As for feedback, not every time recruiters get the best feedback from the hiring manager. So give feedback which is sandwiched between two great points about the candidate and one point where improvement is needed.

I know, honestly is desired but sometimes it is okay to be kinder than honest. Let them know there is always a next time.

Perhaps throw a Rangoli in the mix to switch things up. I kid. I kid.

On the other hand, to all candidates remember, your recruiter today is your colleague sometime later. A little humanness from your end will not go to waste. So show up when you say you will show up. If you hate being ghosted by recruiters, ghosting them back is only bad karma.