Dive Brief:

• Immediate feedback is one of the keys to a positive candidate experience, according to a new report from Talent Board. The report polled more than 130,000 candidates, many of whom didn't get the jobs they applied for.
• Candidates who received feedback on the same day as their interview were 52% more likely to increase their relationship with a prospective employer, which includes reapplying, referring others or making purchases when applicable. Without feedback, candidates were twice as likely to end the relationship with the employer. According to the report, even process feedback at the end of the day (such as information about next steps) still resulted in a better relationship.
• The report also found that referrals and phone calls are important to candidates, too. Referred candidates were much more likely to increase their relationship over those who conducted their own search or received unsolicited outreach from a recruiter, Talent Board said. Candidate ratings also jumped significantly when they received a phone versus the automated email rejection — "a big difference that can go a long way," the group said.

Dive Insight:

Technology is making the recruiting process faster and more efficient — something job candidates certainly seek. But it's courtesy, attentiveness, personalization and respect that can really make or break a candidate's experience.

A 2018 Phenom People report found that most companies (84%) fail to personalize the candidate experience throughout the recruiting process; more than half don't explain their employee value proposition; and 98% don't inform candidates of their application status.

Job seekers have long lamented the job application "black hole." Employers that can establish a relationship with candidates — even those not hired — can enjoy the benefits that Talent Board noted. They may reapply, refer others and, if the business has a consumer aspect, remain or become a customer. In today's employee-driven labor market, employers can't afford anything less.