Is Your Candidate Experience Suffering? Tips to Enhance Engagement with RPO Services

Let's take a moment to imagine ourselves in a candidate’s shoes. Do any of the following scenarios sound similar?

• You've been "ghosted" by a recruiter or hiring organization. Your attempts to contact them via email and phone are consistently ignored.
• You have encountered an unreasonably complex and difficult-to-use online application process.
• The hiring process has felt very impersonal, and it seems like you're communicating with a robot.

If you answered 'yes' to any of the above questions, then – like millions of others – you, too, have had a poor candidate experience.

It is a very real issue, especially for employer branding, bottom-line impacts, and limiting your ability to attract skilled talent. A solution to this problem is to utilize a Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) service. It is a strategic solution for companies aiming to support time-pressed recruiters and better nurture candidates throughout the hiring process.

So, let's take a closer look at how candidates navigate the recruitment process — from researching and applying to interviewing and onboarding —  and how RPO services can help companies provide the best hiring experience and meet the needs of today's job seekers.

What is Candidate Experience, and Why is it Important?

Candidate experience encompasses every interaction a job seeker has with your company, from the initial application to the final hiring decision. A positive experience can significantly impact your employer brand, while a negative one can tarnish it. Factors such as personalized communication, transparency, and efficient use of technology play critical roles in shaping this experience, while a negative candidate experience can have detrimental effects, including:

• Damaging Employer Brand: A poor candidate experience can lead to negative reviews on job boards and social media, deterring potential applicants.
• Increased Dropout Rates: Candidates who feel neglected or frustrated are more likely to withdraw from the process or decline an offer.
• Lost Opportunities: A negative experience may result in losing out on highly qualified candidates who might be a perfect fit for your organization.
• Productivity Impact: According to a study by the University of Warwick, a happy workforce is up to 12% more productive.
• Candidate Perception: A Career Builder report reveals that 78% of candidates view their experience as a reflection of how much a company values its employees

Focusing on key aspects of the candidate experience can significantly improve recruitment outcomes and build a stronger employer brand.

So, let's explore practical solutions through RPO services that can enhance candidate engagement.

Personalizing Communication: Building Genuine Connections

1. Tailored Messaging      
Personalized communication starts with recognizing that each candidate is unique. Use candidate data to segment communications based on their stage in the process, skills, and experience level. Avoid using one-size-fits-all templates and use the candidate's name whenever possible.  
 

2. Timely and Transparent Updates      
Effective communication is essential for maintaining candidate engagement. Send an immediate confirmation when an application is received, provide periodic updates on the status of their application, and clearly outline what the candidate can expect next at each stage.

3. Constructive Feedback      
Providing specific feedback, especially after interviews or assessments, can be incredibly valuable for candidates. Feedback not only helps candidates improve but also builds goodwill and trust.

Ensuring Transparency in the Recruitment Process

1. Clear Job Descriptions      
A well-crafted job description is the foundation of a transparent recruitment process. It sets the stage for what candidates can expect and helps attract genuinely interested and qualified individuals.

• Detail Responsibilities: Outline the key responsibilities and duties associated with the role. Be specific about what the job entails to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Specify Requirements: Clearly state the qualifications, skills, and experience required. This helps candidates assess their fit for the role and reduces the likelihood of mismatched expectations.
• Include Company Culture: Provide insights into your company's culture and values. Candidates should know whether they align with your organization's ethos and work environment.

2. Visibility of the Recruitment Process      
Transparency in the recruitment process is crucial for maintaining candidate trust and engagement. Candidates should have a clear understanding of what to expect at each stage.

• Outline the Process: Clearly describe the steps involved in the recruitment process, from application to final decision. This could include initial screening, interviews, assessments, and reference checks.
• Communicate Timelines: Provide estimated timelines for each stage of the process. If there are delays, inform candidates promptly and offer updated timelines.
• Contact Points: Let candidates know who they can contact for queries or concerns. Providing a dedicated contact person or team can enhance their sense of support and accessibility.

3. Data Privacy and Compliance      
Ensuring candidates' data privacy is paramount in an era of heightened awareness about data protection.

• Explain Data Use: Clearly communicate how candidate data will be used and stored. Reassure candidates that their information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Obtain Consent: Ensure that candidates provide explicit consent for their data to be used in the recruitment process. Provide options for them to review and update their consent preferences.
• Secure Storage: Implement robust data security measures to protect candidate information from unauthorized access or breaches.

How Exela's RPO Services Can Elevate Your Candidate Experience

At Exela, we recognize the critical role that candidate experience plays in successful recruitment. Our RPO services are designed to enhance every aspect of the recruitment process, ensuring that candidates have a positive and engaging experience.

1. Data-Driven Insights 
Exela leverages state-of-the-art technology to optimize recruitment processes. Our AI-powered tools and automation capabilities streamline tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication, ensuring efficiency and consistency while maintaining a personal touch.

2. Personalized Approach 
Our team of expert recruiters is dedicated to delivering personalized communication and support throughout the hiring process. We tailor our interactions based on individual candidate profiles, ensuring each candidate feels valued and understood.

3. Transparent Processes 
We prioritize transparency by clearly outlining the recruitment process, timelines, and next steps. Our commitment to open communication helps manage candidate expectations and builds trust throughout the process.

4. Data Privacy and Compliance 
Exela is committed to upholding the highest standards of data privacy and compliance. We implement robust security measures and ensure that candidate information is handled with the utmost confidentiality.

5. Seamless Integration 
Our RPO services integrate seamlessly with your existing systems and processes, including candidate portals and video interview platforms. This ensures a cohesive and efficient recruitment experience for both candidates and your organization.

6. Enhanced Employer Branding 
Through our RPO services, your organization can enhance its reputation as an employer of choice. We help you improve the way potential candidates perceive your organization, making it more attractive as a place to work. This can have a positive impact on the quality of applicants and the overall strength of your talent pool.

Boost Your Employer Brand with Exela’s Recruitment Excellence

By partnering with Exela’s RPO services, you can ensure that your recruitment process is efficient while guaranteeing that every candidate has an exceptional experience. This investment in candidate experience not only strengthens your employer brand but also fosters a positive relationship with potential employees, setting you apart from the competition.

With our focus on technology, personalized approach, and commitment to transparency and data privacy, we can help you create a positive and engaging recruitment experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Contact us today to learn more about how Exela can elevate your recruitment process and help you stand out in today's competitive landscape.