You want to hire top candidates and not see them walk away during the application process. Yet this happens too often. What is going on? And, how can you solve this as a recruiter? In this blog, I share 5 reasons why you lose good candidates and how you can prevent this!
Pitfalls in the application process
They are clear: the pitfalls of the recruitment process. Yet you quickly overlook them. I have listed the five reasons to protect you from these pitfalls.
1. Application procedure too long
We want to screen a candidate well. For this, we use IQ tests, assessments, personality tests, and sometimes all at the same time. It also sometimes seems as if the candidate first has to meet with the entire organization before he or she is allowed to go to the next round. Assessments and interviews are important, but choose a maximum of 2 tests (which can be taken online in your own time) and preferably 1 contact person with whom the candidate goes through the application procedure. Otherwise, the application process will be too long and the top candidate will drop out. Research recently published on Werf& shows that the time from submitting a resume to the start of the first working day is already 10 days shorter than last year.
2. Going into interviews unprepared
Many good candidates have asked for time off from their current job to come for an interview. Arriving late without going through someone’s LinkedIn is not done. Not preparing for the interview and going into the job interview without an agenda also calls for a bad job interview. Make an agenda and share it with the candidate in advance, so that everyone knows what to prepare for a good job interview.
3. Asking to do work for your organization
Asking to make an assignment that you then use for your organization, without giving the candidate anything in return is unethical. Even if you don’t use it, it can be too time-consuming for the purpose it serves. It is better to request the portfolio or the work that the candidate has already done. This is material to get an idea of the candidate’s skill set.
4. Just call during application process
In many workplaces, it is not allowed to record private telephone calls. In private situations, it can also be inconvenient (someone is at a funeral and thinks they get a related phone call). It is nice to submit several times and dates by e-mail to have contact by phone. This also ensures that you do not leave endless voicemails.
5. Only focus on the vacancy
During the interview, you can become so absorbed in the vacancy that you almost forget that the candidate is coming to work for your organization. Yet the story, background, and core values of the organization are one of the main reasons why the candidate applied. Do not forget to take this into account when preparing for the job interview.
Getting the hang of this
I can help you learn to avoid these pitfalls and properly prepare yourself for a winning interview. Want to learn more? Contact me! Want some more inspiration? Sign up for my monthly newsletter below!
