A positive candidate experience can make all the difference when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. But what does this actually look like in practice, and why is it so critical in today’s ultra-competitive hiring landscape?
In episode 2 of the Searching Smarter podcast, host Jesse Skaff teams up with talent acquisition and human resources expert, Carrington Carter, for an insightful discussion on why keeping top talent engaged is more important than ever, and how to avoid common hiring pitfalls. They also explore ways to streamline the application process to make hiring faster—while still maintaining the human touch that’s crucial for engagement.
"When I think about a positive candidate experience, I think about one that is speedy, it is efficient, [...] and one that hopefully ends with some meaningful feedback," Carter shares.
At its core, the hiring process is about ensuring candidates feel valued, heard, and respected. Timely feedback and open communication are key to making candidates feel included. In turn, they’re more likely to speak positively about your brand—even if they don’t land the role.
Of course, creating a great candidate experience isn’t without its challenges. Internal communication gaps, bureaucratic red tape, and the ever-present "grass is greener" mindset in hiring are just a few obstacles that can slow things down, potentially leading to missed opportunities when hiring considerable candidates. This episode of the Searching Smarter podcast provides practical strategies to overcome these hurdles and keep your recruitment journey smooth and effective.
Here’s what you can expect to learn from this episode:
What a positive candidate experience looks like and why it matters
How to keep top talent engaged throughout the hiring process
“3 C's” to build a standout candidate experience
Should you pass on an 8/10 candidate in search of a 10/10?
When AI should (and shouldn’t) be used in the hiring process
The role of onboarding and post-placement care in the candidate experience
Whether you’re a recruiter, hiring manager, or business leader looking to refine your recruitment strategy, this podcast episode is packed with actionable insights to improve your application process, keep top talent engaged, and ultimately make better hires.
At the Searching Smarter podcast, we speak to the brightest and boldest minds in financial sciences & services. From talent acquisition leaders and hiring managers to world-class professionals, we delve into all the ways they leverage top-tier talent to drive their businesses forward. Listeners will walk away with expert guidance on how to attract, acquire and retain high-performing teams, as well as what it takes to be a part of one. It's available wherever you get your podcasts - so listen, learn, and let us know what you think!
