Candidate experience is how a candidate perceives a potential employer. Every interaction a candidate has with a potential employer during and after the recruitment process contributes to this perception.
From the job search to the application process, interviews, and onboarding, they all come together to influence how the candidate sees and feels about the potential employer. This is why providing a great candidate experience is at the core of any successful recruitment exercise.
A great candidate experience starts with the candidate’s first contact with a potential employer and lasts all through the hiring process and even beyond. Whatever impression is created in the minds of candidates during recruitment will likely remain, regardless of whether they’re hired or not.
An Applicant Tracking System(ATS) can help employers create a great candidate experience by streamlining the recruitment process. And also creating a seamless application journey for applicants. In this article, we will be looking at the meaning of an applicant tracking system and the benefits of creating a great candidate experience.
What Is ATS?
Understanding what is ATS is the first step in learning how to use the software to create a positive candidate experience. ATS is software that automates and streamlines hiring processes. It makes it easy for job descriptions to be created and job posts to be made across several platforms.
It scans applicants’ resumes using the keywords provided and eliminates those who are unqualified. It stores candidates’ data and every interaction with the potential employer or recruiting agency. ATS can also be used to automate communication between recruiters and candidates. It also helps to provide regular updates to candidates on the status of their applications.
ATS software also makes it possible for candidates to complete job applications using their smart devices. All of these contribute to creating a great candidate experience. And leaving a positive impression in the minds of candidates.
6 Benefits of Great Candidate Experience
With the ATS software’s ability to provide a seamless application process for candidates, creating a positive experience for candidates is now easier. And it holds immense benefits for recruiters and employers. And so, here are 6 benefits of a great candidate experience.
1. Better Quality Candidates
Providing a great candidate experience is one way to attract more applications and quality candidates. Running an applicant tracking system online makes it easy to post job openings across several platforms at the same time. It also allows candidates to complete job applications using their mobile devices.
What this means is that candidates can view job postings and forward their resumes and other important documents on the go. This helps not just attract more candidates but to attract smarter candidates.
2. Positive Brand Image
Negative reviews travel fast. You do not want to be known as the company that takes candidates through difficult application processes. Or mixes up applicant data. Or doesn’t bother to communicate with candidates. This will reflect negatively on the image of your company.
Using the ATS software to provide a great candidate experience will sell your company as forward-thinking, professional, and efficient. It will also show that you place value on potential employees. All of these will help to promote a positive brand image.
3. Ready Pool of Potential Employees
When candidates have had a great experience with your company, it makes your company a desirable place to work. Especially if you’re always hiring or you have departments that are always in constant need of manpower. Creating a great candidate experience will ensure you always have a willing pool of candidates to choose from.
A seamless application process, timely updates, and efficient handling of data leave a positive impression in the minds of applicants. This way, they are more likely to respond positively should you contact them in the future.
This saves you the time and resources that would have been expended in putting together another recruitment process for the same position or similar position.
4. Reduced Hiring Cost
Creating a great candidate experience will make hiring faster. Easier application processes will make the process progress faster. More efficient management of applicant data also helps to reduce time spent manually tracking data. Automated communication will help the recruitment exercise go smoother and faster.
This reduction in hiring time ultimately leads to fewer hours spent, lesser labor costs, and lower cost per hire. Also, having a willing pool of potential candidates will save the costs of conducting more recruitment exercises
5. Enhanced Employee Retention
One of the many benefits of the applicant tracking system software is that it makes onboarding easy, from sending welcome emails to sorting candidates’ personal information. The applicant tracking system makes it easy for candidates to settle into their new working environment.
This creates a positive experience for new employees and improves their chances of remaining with the company for longer periods. According to the Brandon Hall Group, great onboarding can improve employee retention by 80%
6. More Engaged Employees
When employees know that a company has their best interest at heart, it motivates them to give their best. How candidates were treated during the recruitment process will have an effect on their disposition and attitude to work when they’re hired.
The applicant tracking system software makes the recruitment process easy and creates a positive experience for every candidate. This is one way to show candidates that you have their best interests at heart.
Candidates who enjoyed a great candidate experience will be more favorably disposed towards their employer when hired. This favorable disposition will translate into more commitment and dedication to their work.
Conclusion
A lot of candidates simply want to know that they’re respected. They also desire that the application process to be seamless. They want their information handled properly. They want timely updates on the status of their application. They want to feel important, even if they’re not going to be hired.
These are the things that create a positive experience and make candidates more interested in working for your company. An applicant tracking system helps you do this by making the application process easy, automating communication with candidates, and tracking candidates’ data.
The result of this is a more positive image for your company, more dedicated employees, and decreased employee turnover. A great candidate experience will also help you attract better candidates and provide a talent pool. You will have candidates who are pleased with your brand, whether or not they are hired.
