Being accepted or not for a role is all part of the joys of job seeking. However, what makes one job-hunting experience different from another one is the quality of the hiring process which includes a very delicate yet powerful instrument – the “feedback” provided by the hiring party. Why should applicants get feedback, when is the best time to receive this and what type of feedback is most important? This week, we’ll explore these hot topics from the perspective of recruiters and offer some exclusive expertise shared by TOP recruiters in the development sector.
A well-thought talent acquisition strategy involves more than a simple evaluation of candidates’ profiles and filling the position. It has much to do with ensuring a positive candidate experience which can significantly impact both the company and the applicants.
There are several reasons why a company should always strive to improve this part of the hiring process. Let’s dive deeper into these.
Candidate Experience
According to a survey by Talent Board, most candidates who had a positive hiring experience with a company were more likely to apply to the organization again and were likely to recommend it others.
Retention Rates
Quality feedback during the hiring process can contribute to better employee retention. Clear communication about expectations and roles leads to improved job satisfaction.
Employer Branding
A positive candidate experience, including constructive feedback, improves the employer brand. According to Glassdoor, 69% of job seekers are more likely to apply to a company that manages its employer brand effectively.
Productivity and Performance
Effective feedback provides candidates with insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. This can contribute to better onboarding, performance, and overall productivity.
Time and Cost Savings
Providing feedback during the hiring process can help candidates to understand if they are the right fit, reducing the likelihood of mismatches and saving time and resources for both the candidate and the hiring company.
In order to gain more valuable insight on this subject, we also approached DevelopmentAid Recruitment Solutions top recruiters who were happy to share their expert opinion on the importance of recruiter’s feedback during the application process.
Opportunities for Growth: Mariam has witnessed how insightful constructive feedback can be for candidates. Even if they aren’t the perfect fit for a specific role, this feedback can create a roadmap, helping them to understand their strengths and areas for growth. It will be an invaluable tool as they navigate future opportunities.
Professionalism and Appreciation: Each candidate puts in a great deal of effort throughout the application and interview process. Providing constructive feedback isn’t just a professional courtesy, it’s a demonstration of respect and appreciation for their dedication. It sends a clear message about your commitment to treating candidates with the dignity they deserve.
Building Relationships and Networking: Recruitment is not just about filling roles; it’s about building lasting connections. Even when a candidate doesn’t fit the position, offering positive and constructive feedback will create a lasting impression. This, in turn, opens doors for potential future interactions, referrals, or collaborative efforts.
Encouraging Transparency and Accountability: Transparency is at the core of a fair recruitment process. Candid feedback fosters transparency and holds both parties accountable. Candidates are more likely to view processes as fair and just when feedback is provided even when it involves pointing out areas for improvement.
At the same time, it is vital to provide feedback on different stages of recruitment process:
- Application Stage
Candidates who receive personalized and timely feedback after submitting their application are more likely to view the company positively. Constructive feedback post-interview can help candidates to understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
- Assessment and Testing Stage
Clear feedback on any assessments or tests conducted during the hiring process helps candidates to evaluate their performance and gain insights into the skills the company values.
- Offer and Negotiation Stage
A study by HBR found that companies that provide transparent communication and feedback during the negotiation stage are more likely to attract and retain top talent.
- Onboarding and Orientation
Although not strictly part of the recruitment process, providing feedback during the early stages of employment can significantly impact the new employee’s integration and job satisfaction.
Final word
In conclusion, feedback is essential in the hiring process, benefiting both candidates and recruiters, especially those working in recruitment agencies like DRS. Apart from identifying and soliciting individuals to fill job vacancies, recruiters also provide constructive feedback to clients as this helps them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of potential candidates. It also helps candidates to gain valuable insights into their performance and areas for improvement, as well as giving the clients a glimpse of what is happening on the market which contributes to informed decision-making in the competitive world of hiring.
The power of feedback is its ability to improve the relationship between an organization and the individuals who are interested in becoming part of it. The commitment to provide this highlights the company’s reputation and shows its desire to develop the market it is part of.
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