Candidate Care - What good looks like

At some point in our lives, we have all play the job-hunting game. Spending hours trawling through job ads, job boards and websites to try and find that next opportunity. We’ve spent days finding the perfect role, updating our resumes, writing a standout cover letter, and putting our best foot forward during the interview process. It can feel like navigating a maze of career possibilities and while some of us have come out the other side with a positive experience, many have been less than smooth.

Something as simple as candidate care, treating people like humans, can make all the difference to not only the candidate, but also fosters a positive experience during the recruitment process for both and company and the candidate. If someone has applied for a role that can’t even do the bare minimum in terms of candidate care, do you believe that candidate will stay enthusiastic about joining that organisation? Or will they be tempted with other job offers from companies that do care.

Here are some suggestions to help you strengthen your approach to candidate care:

1. Acknowledge the candidate’s application. In a world of countless ATS platforms, the automated acknowledgement feature is your friend - enable this! Not only will your candidate be reassured their application has been received, but you have also not needed to spend hours personally responding to each individual application.
2. Add a personal touch. Take the transactional feeling out of the interaction and build rapport with your candidate. Get to know them a little, use your personality. Ask them how their day was, any upcoming plans, hobbies, or interests. It is not about ticking a box but about building that genuine relationship.
3. Keep your candidate updated. Some recruitment journeys can be quite lengthy, keep your candidate updated every step of the way. Give them the feedback whether it is good or bad or just generally check-in. Good communication goes a long way especially if your candidate is nervous about their application outcome or upcoming interview.

A company that cares about its applicants creates a positive mindset in its new employees. Whether that candidate is directly applying with the company or being presented by an agency, they all deserve the same care and respect. At Hinchen Recruitment Group, we believe that good candidate care isn't just about filling positions—it's about building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. If you’re looking for your next opportunity, trust us to deliver the candidate care you deserve and help find that next career opportunity.