What is it?
Candidate experience refers to the overall perception and feelings a job applicant has about a company’s hiring process, from the initial application to the final decision (whether they are hired or not). It encompasses all interactions a candidate has with an employer, including job postings, communication with recruiters, interviews, feedback, and the final outcome. A positive candidate experience means the candidate feels respected, informed, and engaged, while a negative experience can leave candidates frustrated or dissatisfied with the company, regardless of the hiring outcome.
Why is it important?
- Employer Branding: Candidate experience is a direct reflection of a company’s employer brand. A positive experience helps strengthen the brand, attracting future talent, while a poor experience can damage the company’s reputation.
- Attracting Top Talent: In a competitive job market, a smooth and respectful hiring process can help attract top-tier candidates, who are more likely to choose companies that treat them well throughout the process.
- Candidate Advocacy: Candidates who have a good experience are more likely to speak positively about the company to their network, whether or not they are hired. On the flip side, negative experiences are often shared publicly on job review sites like Glassdoor, which can deter other potential candidates.
- Candidate Retention and Engagement: Candidates who have had a positive experience are more likely to accept an offer and remain engaged and committed when they join the company. This helps reduce turnover in the early stages of employment.
- Efficiency and Quality of Hiring: An efficient and well-organised hiring process not only improves candidate experience but also reflects well on the company’s internal operations. Candidates are more likely to be impressed by a structured and respectful process, and hiring teams are able to make better-informed decisions.
