In the Australian market, where top talent is always in demand, we can’t afford to treat job applicants like a dodgy Tinder date. Yet, far too many organisations let candidates simply fall into a black hole of silence after an interview.
It might seem like a time-saver when you’ve got 100 applications to sift through, but trust us, the cost to your brand is massive.
When a candidate is ghosted, they don't just forget about your company; they tell their mates, they jump on online forums, and they leave negative reviews on sites like Seek and Glassdoor.
A terrible candidate experience, particularly at the final stage:
Drives Away Future Talent: Top-performing professionals in HR and HSE talk. A reputation for poor communication will make them think twice before applying to your next vacancy.
Damages Your Employer Brand: Your brand isn't just your logo; it's how people feel after interacting with you. Silence is a sign of disrespect and poor organisation.
Burns Future Customers: A candidate you didn't hire today could be a key client or partner tomorrow. Don't sour that relationship over a five-minute email.
Elevating the candidate experience isn't about lengthy, personal feedback for every applicant. It’s about respectful, consistent closure.
Automate, Don't Evade: Use your Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to send bulk but polite emails to candidates who didn't make the shortlist within 48 hours of closing the application.
The 5-Minute Call: For candidates who made it to the second round or final interview, a personal, brief phone call is mandatory. It shows you value their time and allows them to get closure. Keep the feedback professional and focused on the job fit, not personal failings.
Keep the Door Open: If they were a great candidate but just missed out, let them know you’d like to keep their profile on file for future contract or permanent opportunities. You're building your talent community!
In a competitive market, candidates are your community. Treat them with the respect they deserve, and they'll become advocates for your brand, not detractors.
Contact Civitas Talent today for a confidential discussion about securing an HR professional who will make your candidate experience top-tier.