From Applicants to Brand Advocates - Harnessing The Power Of Candidate Experience

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." - Warren Buffett

This wisdom from the legendary investor extends far beyond the world of finance.?

In today's digital age, a company's brand image isn't just about catchy slogans and sleek logos.?

It's a dynamic ecosystem heavily influenced by the experiences of its customers, employees, and, increasingly, its hiring candidates!

Keep reading to learn why an applicant’s candidate’s experience is essential to a company’s image and an often overlooked yet powerful tool businesses can use to strengthen their brand!

The Candidate Journey - A Branding Touchpoint

Gone are the days when the interview process existed in a silo.?

Social media platforms have empowered candidates to become brand ambassadors – or detractors – with a few taps of their fingers.?

A negative interview experience can quickly morph into a scathing online review or post with thousands of views, potentially going viral and damaging your company's brand for years to come.??

This digital wildfire can deter top talent from even considering joining your organization, hindering your ability to build a strong, successful team.

Why a Positive Candidate Experience Matters

?Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Social media platforms provide a megaphone for candidate feedback and people are using it!?

A positive experience can lead to glowing reviews and recommendations, attracting both customers and future hires who value a similar culture.

Yet, one bad candidate experience can spread like wildfire online, reaching a much wider audience than ever before. That negative interview story can quickly damage your employer brand, impacting your ability to attract not only top talent but also potential customers!

?Building Brand Trust

Authenticity is key in today's marketing landscape.?

Showcasing a candidate-centric hiring process demonstrates your commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect. This fosters trust with potential employees and customers alike.

?Enhanced Employer Brand

When candidates feel valued throughout the interview process, they're more likely to see your company in a positive light.?

This positive association translates into a stronger employer brand, making you a more attractive destination for top talent.

The Cost of a Bad Candidate Experience

The consequences of neglecting the candidate's experience can be significant to more than just your image!

??Talent Acquisition Challenges

Negative experiences can make it harder to attract top talent. If your online presence is unappealing, qualified candidates will likely choose competitors with a more positive reputation.

??Reduced Employee Retention

If new hires don't feel valued from the start, they're more likely to seek opportunities elsewhere. This leads to higher turnover costs and disrupts team continuity.

??Negative Customer Perception

As people’s sphere of influence grows from simply in-person to now digital, a disgruntled candidate's negative experience can not only harm your ability to attract future top talent but could likely influence your customer base.

Harnessing Your Biggest Asset - Your People

Shifting the focus to a candidate-centric approach can significantly boost your brand image and attract your ideal candidate. Highlight your greatest asset – your people!

Here are a few impactful ways to incorporate your employees into your marketing strategy:

? Employee Spotlights - Feature profiles of team members on your website and social media channels. Share their stories, passions, and contributions to the company culture.

? Behind-the-Scenes Content - Offer glimpses into your company culture through videos or photos featuring your team in action. Showcase a fun work environment or team-building activities.

? Employee Advocacy Programs - Empower your employees to share their experiences. Encourage them to post about their work on social media or participate in industry events as company representatives.

? Content Creation - Let your employees get creative! Feature blog posts or social media content written by team members.

In showcasing your employees, you're sending a powerful message to the digital world… Your company is built on talented, passionate individuals who create a positive work environment!?

This not only attracts potential hires but also resonates with customers who value authenticity and a human connection.

Prioritizing a positive journey for potential hires not only builds a talent pipeline - it also actively shapes your employer brand!

By incorporating your people into your marketing strategy and fostering a culture of transparency and respect, you can create a powerful brand narrative that attracts both top talent and loyal customers.?

Are you ready to take control of your employer brand as a magnet for top talent? We offer complimentary consultations to help you craft a positive experience, including guidance on competitive compensation packages and interview best practices. Contact us today: https://tilleyworkforcesolutions.com/contact/