Cut Communication with Candidates in Half, Regardless of Hiring Needs

Research consistently shows that open communication and timely feedback significantly improve the candidate experience, no matter the current global or economic landscape.

Clear benefits include reduced candidate dissatisfaction (with fewer reporting a poor experience and saying they'd avoid the business or brand in the future) and a higher likelihood of candidate referrals — a boost for both B2C and B2B employers.

However, the reality for most candidates is often different. After submitting applications, a common grievance is that responses either never come or are delayed by weeks or even months (see table below).

According to 2024 CandE benchmark report, 19% of hourly candidates still await updates on their application status 1-2+ months after applying. Not surprisingly, their "extreme" willingness to recommend others is 41% lower than that of all hourly candidates, and their frustration level is 64% higher. Both can have serious negative consequences for these companies and their brands.

This issue is mirrored among professional candidates — 41% are still waiting for updates 1-2+ months after applying, a rate twice that of hourly candidates. Extended screening processes for professional roles contribute to these delays. Their “extreme” willingness to recommend others is 43% lower than for all professional candidates, and their frustration level is 28% higher, highlighting a serious reputational risk.

Conversely, if candidates wait only one week for next steps after applying — even if it means they’re no longer being considered — the sentiment shifts dramatically (see table below). For instance, 42% of hourly candidates wait just one week to hear about next steps. In these cases, quick communication increases their “extreme” willingness to recommend others by 19%, while their frustration level drops by 91%, indicating a potential positive impact on these companies and brands.

The trend is similar for professional candidates: 30% wait only a week for updates after applying. Their “extreme” willingness to recommend others rises by 52%, and their frustration level drops by 94%, almost vanishing. This year, only 25% of all professional candidates reported experiencing additional screening after applying, suggesting that most candidates either become discouraged or never receive a response.

Year after year, when employers prioritize timely communication throughout the candidate journey, they’re likely to see dividends in positive experiences and increased perceptions of fairness.

Source: ERE Media.

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