Meeting Candidate Expectations in Today’s Hiring Process: What You Need to Know

As the hiring landscape evolves, so do candidates' expectations. Today’s job seekers demand more transparency, personalization, and efficiency in the hiring process, as revealed by the Cronofy 2024 Candidate Expectations Report, courtesy of Mark Harbottle .

In today's newsletter, we’ll explore the report's key findings and offer actionable steps companies can take to meet—or even exceed—candidate expectations.

1. Personalization is Key

One of the major takeaways from the report is that candidates expect a personalized hiring experience. In fact, 81% of candidates said they want a direct contact person during the hiring process. This need for personalization is critical in making candidates feel valued and connected to the company from the outset.

Action Step:

• Assign a dedicated recruiter or contact for each candidate. While this may seem time-consuming, automation can handle other aspects of the process (like scheduling), freeing up time to focus on personalized interactions.

2. Efficiency Through Automation

The report highlights that while candidates value personalization, they also expect efficiency. Automation in areas like interview scheduling is becoming a must, with over half of candidates preferring automated systems over lengthy back-and-forth communication.

Action Step:

• Implement automated scheduling tools that allow candidates to select interview times based on real-time availability. This can drastically reduce time-to-interview and improve overall candidate satisfaction.

3. Managing the Waiting Game

The hiring process is taking longer, with companies adding more steps to ensure quality hires. However, this delay is causing stress for candidates. According to the report, 45% of candidates in creative roles experience increased stress due to prolonged hiring processes.

Action Step:

• Update candidates regularly on their application status, even if there’s no significant movement. Keeping candidates informed helps reduce anxiety and builds trust.

4. Avoid Ghosting

Ghosting remains a significant issue where candidates have yet to hear back from employers. The report shows that 41% of ghosted candidates will tell their friends and family about their experience, and 12% will actively discourage others from applying to the company).

Action Step:

• Develop a clear communication plan. Whether through automated responses or a personalized follow-up, ensure every candidate receives feedback regardless of the outcome.

5. Transparency Builds Trust

Transparency in the hiring process helps candidates trust the company and its culture. The report reveals that 33% of candidates associate a well-managed hiring process with a positive company culture.

Action Step:

• Be open about the steps in the recruitment process. Share the number of interview rounds, assessment types, and expected timelines. Consider providing candidates with a guide that outlines the entire process.

6. Supporting Neurodiverse Candidates

The 2024 report introduced insights from neurodiverse candidates, many of whom indicated a preference for automated systems like interview scheduling to reduce stress.

Action Step:

• Make your recruitment process more inclusive by offering flexible interview options and over-communicating the following steps, which can help neurodiverse candidates feel more at ease.

7. Leveraging Automation Without Losing the Human Touch

While automation is crucial for efficiency, the balance between technology and personal connection remains important. The report notes that candidates want a faster, more efficient process and value human interaction.

Action Step:

• Use automation to streamline administrative tasks but ensure a human touchpoint, especially at critical moments like feedback after interviews.

Conclusion: Meeting Modern Candidate Expectations

Candidates today expect more from the hiring process. They want personalized, transparent, and efficient experiences. While automation can help with some aspects, maintaining human connection and clear communication is crucial to building trust and standing out in a competitive market.

By improving efficiency, avoiding ghosting, and providing transparency throughout the process, companies can create a more positive candidate experience, leading to better hires and a stronger employer brand.