7 Ways to Create a Positive Candidate Experience

It’s not breaking news that the overall job market is candidate-driven and will remain as such in 2023.  Candidates have the upper hand over employers and have a number of employment options on the table. Employers, on the other hand, must work harder in trying to attract candidates by creating great cultures and work environments.

First impressions matter, and candidates are going to interviews with the thought of “Do I like this organization?” They also come ready with lots of questions. In other words, candidates are interviewing you! That said, what kind of candidate experience are you offering?

As senior living executive recruiters, we know that to succeed in hiring today’s senior living talent, you need to incorporate a positive candidate experience and it starts before a candidate even walks in the door.  Here are 7 suggestions on how to create a positive candidate experience:

• Write Accurate & Compelling Job Descriptions. A compelling and concise job description is the first step in engaging candidates. Provide details about the role and your company. Highlight what makes your organization unique and appealing. Always check to ensure you’re using inclusive language and that your job descriptions encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

• Simplify Application Process. Now that you’ve nailed the job description, you need to entice candidates and not chase them away with a long and overly complicated application process. You want to pique their interest and make them excited about working for you. They shouldn’t be confused or frustrated from the get-go.

• Portray Organization as Employer of Choice. With 79% of job seekers using social media in their job search, it’s important to promote your brand and open roles across your social media platforms and website career page. Give candidates a glimpse of what it would be like to work at your organization.

• Don’t Let Time Kill Hiring Odds. As candidates respond to your open position(s), be sure to reach out to your top candidates right away. With every passing day, they lose 10% interest in working with your organization if they don’t hear from you.

• Make Interviewing Process Quick & Painless. Schedule your interviews as soon as possible and don’t stretch out the process. Involving too many of your people can cause you to lose your best candidate(s).  Instead, conduct first interviews over the phone or video chat, then decide on your best candidates and immediacalltoy schedule face-to-face interviews.

• Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Interested candidates are going to spend time thinking about the opportunity you presented. Make sure to stay in touch with your top candidates on a regular basis to keep their interest high. Plus, encourage them to reach out to you with any questions. Also, allow a team member to share their view on what it’s like to work at your company. Employee testimonials go a long way.

• Elaborate on Impact They’ll Have in Role. A study by McKinsey found that 70% of employees said that their sense of purpose is defined by their work. Share how and why they will be a key part to your organization delivering on your mission and hitting its long-term goals. Share your passion for the industry and how rewarding the work is in senior care.

Since this remains a candidate-driven job market, pull out all the stops when trying to attract senior living job candidates. it’s becoming increasingly important to concentrate on the candidate experience in your hiring process.  In fact, candidates now expect better treatment if an organization wants them on board.

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder & CEO of MedBest Recruiting. Since opening its doors in 2001, Julie has grown MedBest into an award winning, multimillion-dollar national firm, garnering impressive awards including INC 5000 2021 and Tampa Bay Fast 50 2021!  This year, Julie was named as one of the “Top 100 Women Leaders in Tampa 2022″ by Women We Admire.

MedBest has gained national recognition due to Julie’s industry expertise and high level of success. Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the senior living industry.  She previously worked in operations for both senior housing and senior living prior to founding MedBest. Today, Julie and her industry-savvy team of recruiters, make it their mission to place exceptional industry executives in senior living positions where they have the greatest impact.

Julie’s industry articles and interviews have been published in Provider Magazine, Argentum Quarterly, LeadingAge Magazine, McKnight’s Senior Living, Florida Senior Living Association, Florida Health Care Association, Florida Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge Florida, LeadingAge Indiana, LeadingAge Oregon, Virginia Assisted Living Association and the Pennsylvania Health Care Association.

Julie earned her degree in Gerontology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and continues to cultivate her career through senior living conferences, forums, trade shows, and expos.

ABOUT MEDBEST
MedBest is an award-winning national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living Industry. For more than two decades, we have connected senior living organizations with exceptional senior living executive talent for both permanent and interim roles. MedBest was named as one of American’s top companies by Inc.5000 plus we are a Tampa Fast 50 Company!