Relationships with candidates are often the most important aspect of recruitment. The candidate stands a real chance of disappearing into a black hole if a positive relationship does not exist between them and the recruiter. They may terminate their application, decline your offer, or refrain from applying for future opportunities due to either of these outcomes.
The more you learn about job seekers, the more you build trust and cultivate a relationship with them. By gaining a better understanding of their needs, you will be able to match them to a job that perfectly matches what they are looking for.
Building strong, long-lasting relationships with candidates starts with going the extra mile. Here are 3 simple yet effective steps that can prove to be helpful in the process:
An employer should never leave a candidate in the dark after talking to the candidate and receiving all the documents required. Stay in touch and communicate with them even if there is no news to share.
Your openness, honesty, and transparency can also distinguish you from your competitors and add an extra touch that most candidates will remember. The people you reach out to want to know that you care about them and don't ignore or brush off their calls and emails.
Whether you respond quickly or take the time to acknowledge their messages, you are building trust and reliability. The importance of transparency and communication cannot be overstated.
Candidates' skill levels, personalities, etc. can be gleaned from the questions recruiters ask. However, it's equally important to listen, to let job seekers tell their stories, and to understand what they need. Only by understanding their story will you be able to come up with the best placement options for them.
After asking a question, be attentive and wait for the answer without saying a word but just listening. In addition to understanding their needs, it also shows them that you respect them and are serious about finding the most appropriate position for them.
In the event that a candidate does not get a job offer, inform them that the employer will not be moving forward with the process. Recruiters and hiring managers send only about 20 percent of candidates an email on average, and only 8 percent a call to let them know that the company has decided to go with another candidate.
Follow up with candidates after they apply to avoid making a bad impression that might discourage them from applying again. You can also strengthen your relationship with a candidate by sharing feedback when they do not get hired, especially after they have made it past the initial application and first interview.
Tell them what was the reason and the things that didn't work out. So that they can improve their skills for the future. Giving candid feedback will help your candidate feel valued, and the company will benefit as a result in the long run.
If you’re between jobs and looking to connect with an employment agency to find you a suitable placement, reach out to Nexus.