Let’s face it…Hiring is tough! And the challenges of turnover, short-staffing, and bad hires are real. But what if the key to finding great people lies in the candidate experience itself? This journey, from initial job posting to the final offer, is more critical than ever.
CareerPlug’s research shows a positive candidate experience isn’t just a bonus; it’s a necessity. A huge 66% of candidates accepted offers because of a good experience, while 26% declined due to poor ones (like bad communication or unclear expectations).
So What Do Candidates Really Want? Transparency – They want to see pay and benefits upfront. Flexibility – They value work-life balance and flexible schedules. Efficiency – They dislike long, complex, or impersonal applications (a third abandon them). Positive Interviews – Bad interactions during interviews lead to declined offers. Most still prefer in-person interviews.
What role, if any should AI play in the candidate experience? While AI can help, 40% of job seekers are uncomfortable with it in hiring, often finding it impersonal. The key is to balance automation with genuine human interaction.
Beyond the offer, candidates are swayed by your company’s culture, opportunities for growth, and quick responses during the process.
The candidate experience doesn’t end with the offer! Onboarding is crucial for retention. A structured 30-60-90 day plan helps new hires integrate and succeed.
To attract and keep the best talent, focus on:
- Transparency: Be clear about expectations and compensation.
- Efficiency: Simplify your application process.
- Communication: Keep candidates informed at every stage.
- Personalization: Balance tech with a human touch.
- Organized Onboarding: Set new hires up for success from day one.
By prioritizing the candidate experience, you’ll not only fill roles but build stronger relationships with the people who will drive your business forward.
What’s one small change you could make to your hiring process today?
Full article here: https://www.careerplug.com/blog/candidate-experience-statistics/
Author: Kerry Martin June 2025
