Building Trust Through Transparent and Timely Feedback
Communication has become one of the most crucial factors for candidates during the job search—and the lack thereof can be costly. No hiring manager wants to lose a great prospect because they didn’t make a phone call or send a text update!
Even if you can’t offer them a position with your organization, consider offering them something else of value—feedback.
Providing transparent and timely feedback before, during, and after a job interview builds trust, increases engagement, and decreases the likelihood of candidate drop-off.
Consider the following strategies for providing timely communication and feedback during the hiring process:
- Be Transparent. Transparency is key to building trust with candidates. From the outset, clearly explain the interview process, including the number of rounds, who they will meet, and the timeline for making a decision. When candidates know what to expect, they feel more at ease, leading to a better interview experience. If there are delays or changes in the process, communicate these promptly to manage expectations and maintain trust.
- Provide Constructive Feedback. After an interview, candidates are eager to know how they performed. Providing constructive feedback, even if they are not selected, can be incredibly valuable. When offering feedback, focus on specific areas where the candidate excelled as well as areas for improvement. This helps them in their job search and shows respect for their skills and effort.
- Use Personalized Communication. Generic responses can feel impersonal and dismissive. To build a positive relationship with candidates, personalize your communication. Address them by name, reference specific points from the interview, and express appreciation for their time. Personalized communication shows that you see candidates as individuals, not just as one of many applicants, which fosters a stronger connection.
- Follow Up Promptly. Timeliness is crucial when it comes to providing feedback. Candidates often experience anxiety while waiting to hear back after an interview, and prolonged silence can lead to disengagement or even ghosting. By providing feedback promptly, you demonstrate respect for the candidate’s time and keep them engaged in the process. Even if the decision is still pending, a quick update can go a long way in maintaining interest and trust.
- Foster a Culture of Openness. Encouraging a culture of openness within your hiring team is essential. When hiring managers are open about the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate and are willing to share this information with them, it creates a more positive and trusting environment. This openness can also extend to internal discussions about improving the interview process, ensuring that feedback is a two-way street.
- Incorporate Technology for Better Engagement. Leveraging technology can streamline the feedback process and enhance candidate engagement. Tools that automate follow-ups, schedule interviews, and gather feedback can help ensure that no candidate is left in the dark. Additionally, using candidate relationship management (CRM) systems can help personalize communication and keep track of candidate interactions, ensuring that every touchpoint is meaningful.
Elevate Your Hiring Process
Providing transparent and timely feedback during the interview process is a powerful way to build trust and strengthen relationships with top candidates. PrideStaff Connect®, our associate care program, focuses on improving the candidate experience, increasing engagement—and improving your business results. Learn more about how PrideStaff can help you create an engaged hiring process—contact PrideStaff today!
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