Candidate experience is the sum of all interactions a job seeker has with an organization from the initial point of contact through to post-interview follow-up. A positive candidate experience can lead to better quality hires, improved employee retention, and increased referrals, while a negative experience can damage an organization’s brand and make it harder to attract top talent.

Candidate experience begins with the job posting. A well-written posting that accurately reflects the role and the organization’s culture can help to attract candidates who are a good fit for the position. The candidate’s journey continues as they research the organization and decide whether to apply for the role.

The application process should be simple and straightforward, requiring only the information that is truly necessary. If the process is too long or complicated, candidates may become discouraged and move on to other opportunities.

Once a candidate has submitted an application, it is important to acknowledge receipt and keep them updated on the status of their application. If a candidate is not selected for an interview, it is courteous to provide feedback on why they were not selected.

The interview process is another important touchpoint in the candidate experience.