Candidate Engagement Benefits, Strategies & Process | HRMantra

Candidate Engagement Benefits, Strategies & Process | HRMantra

 4-6 minutes 

Definition of Candidate Engagement

Candidate engagement can be defined as the process of continuously communicating with your potential candidate during the recruitment process. The term itself speaks to how responsive and interested a candidate is throughout the recruitment process. It''s communication with the candidate through texts, email, and face-to-face.

Candidate engagement also measures how a candidate feels during the whole recruiting process.

Candidate engagement is very crucial to be treated well, hence improving their experience. At the same time, this experience of the candidate, when enhanced, may lead them to spread a positive word about the company even if they were not recruited.

Enhanced candidate engagement may also reduce the number of dropouts from a company''s funnel cycle.

Candidate Engagement Strategies

Make Them Want to Work for Your Company

A well-established brand attracts better applicants. Making your brand strong is the very first step towards attracting better candidates. Engage with your candidates on social media sites effectively and build a good presence in the social media sphere.

Have Proper Communication

Personalize communication individually based on candidates'' interests and skills. Respond to each and every application at the initial stage, even if the application is denied. Not replying to an application comes under ghosting and leaves a bad impression.

Make sure that your candidate feels important and valued for the company.

Set Up Good Technology for Use

Proper functioning of the company requires proper technology. Not only that, but the entire recruitment process can be streamlined by incorporating proper Application Tracking Systems.

Feedback

Feedback is considered a very critical part of any process. As a recruiter, you must give feedback to the candidate. Everybody likes feedback. This helps them understand what the areas of improvement are and helps leave a positive impression in the minds of the candidate.

Process of Candidate Engagement

Candidate engagement is an integral part of recruitment. It''s an important process because it enhances the candidate''s experience, helps in acquiring the best candidates available out there, and develops a strong image of an employer brand.

The various components or elements of the candidate engagement process include:

Attraction

As it is rightly called, attraction is the process of attracting eligible candidates. Some of the activities include employer branding, job description, and social media presence. A robust employer brand brings out the values and the culture of the company. The job description has to be clear and detailed since it gives what is expected of the candidate clearly.

Application Process

It means that, as a recruiter, it is your duty to make sure that the application process is user-friendly and hassle-free. You need to be very clear with instructions, and you should be good at communicating properly.

Interaction

You need to interact properly with the candidate. You need to make them feel important. You need to acknowledge their messages and emails, and reply to them on time.

Interview

It is at the interview stage that you need to let your candidate know the details. Whether it be a virtual interview or an in-person meet, you should let the candidate know in advance. You may also be able to convey what is expected of them. During the interview, do not forget to be respectful and let them know about your company. Let them clear up their doubts or queries if they have any.

Hiring and Onboarding

You should never forget to revert to the candidate even if they are rejected. This builds the employer brand and creates a good word-of-mouth for the organisation or the company. For the selected candidates, bring out the success of the company and what the company offers. The tone should be energetic and engaging while making the offer. Prepare a hassle-free onboarding process to officially and warmly welcome the employees onboard your company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you mean by candidate engagement?

Candidate engagement means the level of responsiveness and interest a candidate portrays during any recruitment exercise. It is that process and measurement of regular communication with the candidate through text, emails, and face-to-face.

What is the importance of candidate engagement?

It can also increase candidate engagement, reducing dropouts from the company. Not only that, it would bring up the count of passive candidates in a company, strengthening the workforce.

Popular Terms