Enhancing Candidate Experience

Posted on October 07, 2024

In today’s fast-paced job market, the feedback process following interviews is a crucial step in the recruitment cycle. A recent poll conducted by a recruiting company sheds light on candidates’ preferred methods for receiving feedback, revealing insightful trends that can help recruiters enhance their communication strategies.

The Preference for Phone Calls

The poll results indicate a strong preference for personal interaction, with 60% of respondents favoring phone calls to receive feedback. This preference underscores the importance of immediacy and personal connection in the feedback process. Phone calls allow for a direct and interactive dialogue between the recruiter and the candidate. This method not only provides the opportunity for candidates to ask questions and seek clarifications in real-time but also allows recruiters to deliver nuanced feedback with a personal touch. The vocal tone and immediacy of a phone call can help convey sincerity and empathy, which are often crucial in maintaining a positive candidate experience.

Email: The Convenient Alternative

Following phone calls, 33% of candidates prefer to receive their feedback via email. This method appeals to those who value documentation and convenience. Emails provide a written record of the feedback, allowing candidates to revisit the details and reflect on the insights at their own pace. This method is particularly beneficial for candidates who might need time to process feedback or who prefer to avoid the potential stress of a live conversation. Additionally, emails can be crafted thoughtfully and precisely, ensuring that the feedback is clear and comprehensive.

Low Turnout for Video Calls and Written Reports

Interestingly, only 4% of participants prefer video calls, and an even smaller percentage (3%) opt for written reports. The low preference for video calls might be linked to the technology’s perceived formality or the potential for technical issues that could disrupt the flow of communication. Moreover, video calls require a mutual arrangement for scheduling, which might not be as convenient as other methods. On the other hand, written reports, while thorough, may lack the immediacy and interactive nature that many candidates seek. They can come across as impersonal, and the lack of an immediate conversational element might limit the opportunity for clarification.

Optimizing the Feedback Process

These findings provide valuable insights for recruiters aiming to optimize their feedback processes. Prioritizing phone calls can enhance the candidate experience by providing personalized and immediate feedback. For situations where phone calls are not feasible, email serves as an effective alternative that balances convenience with detail. Understanding these preferences allows recruiters to tailor their communication strategies to align with candidates’ expectations, ultimately fostering a more positive and engaging recruitment experience.

Building a Better Candidate Experience

The key takeaway from this poll is the evident desire for personalized and efficient communication methods in post-interview feedback. By recognizing and adapting to these preferences, recruiters can significantly improve candidate satisfaction and bolster their employer brand, paving the way for more successful hiring outcomes.