You have found the right candidate for the opportunity. I always say, “If you like the candidate why wouldn’t another company want them too”. This being said, did you ensure that the candidates experience was respectful and professional? The answer to the question is very important to how others view a company as a potential employer. It is essential that Talent Acquisition, Staffing, Human Resources, Hiring Managers and anyone else involved in the hiring process understands that how a candidate is treated during the interview process sets an impression of the company’s culture; whether it is a true representation or not.

In a 2013 survey by mysteryapplicant.com:
• 34 percent of job applicants rated their current candidate experience as “poor”
• 54 percent of applicants did not receive regular updates on their application
• 52 percent of job seekers felt that they were not treated as an individual
• Just 11 percent of companies asked for candidate feedback

Candidate-focused recruitment should be a practice including in the hiring process. Candidates should be provided with feedback. Feedback helps a candidate to know areas of opportunity they can focus on. This will also provide the opportunity for the candidate to share their experience. The interviewer should always be prepared. It is expected that that the candidate does research prior to their interview, but the Interviewer should also be prepared for the appointment. Follow-up and closing the loop helps to finalize the process. Candidates typically will send a thank-you email or call after an interview. Following up with the candidate, even with a reply email that simply states “Thanks” shows the candidate that you did receive their correspondence and respected their time, just as they respected yours.

Remember, candidates do not know the company’s culture because they do not work there. You do not want to set a low expectation of a company and possibly extend an offer to only be turned down. Whether a candidate is offered an opportunity or not, you want their experience to be positive. Providing an experience that was candidate- focused should be a part of your company’s brand.