A candidate experience checklist for 2024

Understanding the importance of candidate experience

Before diving into the checklist, let's understand why focusing on candidate experience is essential.

A positive candidate experience not only boosts your brand image but also attracts top talent. In our experience at Jobtrain, where we've processed over 60 million applicants, we've seen firsthand how a refined candidate journey can significantly impact recruitment outcomes.

The checklist

1. Optimising job visibility

• Career site and job boards: Ensure your vacancies are easily found. Have a dedicated career site with a jobs section and advertise on more than two job boards.
• Google Jobs optimisation: Make sure your jobs appear in optimised Google Jobs listings.
• Ease of access: The path from your website to the job advert should be seamless, ideally taking less than four clicks.

2. Advert content

• Clear information: Include essential details like address, working hours, and a clear salary. Remember, 80% of candidates look for a clearly advertised salary.
• Digital enhancements: Use digital maps, videos, and images to make your adverts more engaging. Adverts with videos see a 34% increase in applications.
• Downloadable specifications: Provide downloadable PDFs of the job specification for easy access.

3. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I)

• Visibility of accreditations: Display any ED&I accreditations prominently.
• Accessible ED&I policy: Ensure your ED&I policy is easily accessible from your website.
• Diverse representation: Use images and videos that feature a mix of demographics to appeal to a broader audience.

4. Accessibility

• Adjustable features: Implement features like adjustable text size and colour, and screen content readers.
• Language options: Offer the ability to change the language on your application pages.
• Inclusive tools: Utilise tools like Recite Me to support neurodivergent candidates and others who require additional assistance.

5. Application Process

• Simplified application: Ensure the application process is straightforward, with an online option and minimal stages.
• Efficient questioning: Use 'killer questions' wisely and limit the number of questions to keep the process under 15 minutes.
• Mobile-friendly ATS: A mobile-friendly ATS can significantly increase application volumes.

6. Post-Application Engagement

• Job alerts: Implement job alerts to keep potential candidates engaged.
• Personalised communication: Send automated, personalised emails post-application.
• Talent Pools and GDPR: Offer an option to join a talent pool and ensure GDPR compliance for data protection.

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Why this matters

Attracting the right talent

In 2024, the job market is more candidate-driven than ever. Candidates are not just looking for a job; they're seeking an employer whose values align with theirs. By enhancing the candidate experience, you're more likely to attract individuals who are a good fit for your organisation.

Reflecting your brand

The recruitment process is a reflection of your brand. A positive candidate experience can enhance your reputation, making your organisation more attractive to top talent.

Data-driven insights

At Jobtrain, we leverage data from our platforms like Candidata™ and JobBrain™ to continuously improve the recruitment process. These insights help us understand candidate behaviours and preferences, allowing us to tailor the experience effectively.

The impact of technology

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the candidate experience. From accessible application processes to engaging job adverts, the right technology can make a significant difference. Our ATS, for example, is designed to be user-friendly and inclusive, catering to a diverse range of candidates.

The bottom line

Improving the candidate experience isn't just about being nice; it's a strategic move. Organisations that invest in a positive candidate journey see tangible benefits, including higher application rates, more diverse candidate pools, and ultimately, a more robust and effective workforce.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2024, it's clear that the candidate experience should be a top priority for any forward-thinking organisation. By following this checklist, you can ensure that your recruitment process is not only effective but also a positive reflection of your brand. At Jobtrain, we're committed to helping organisations achieve just that, with our innovative ATS and a deep understanding of the recruitment landscape. Let's make 2024 the year of exceptional candidate experiences.