Why Candidate Experience Matters More Than Ever

Hiring great people isn’t just about finding the right skills, it’s about creating an experience that makes top talent want to work for you. In today’s competitive job market, how you treat candidates during the hiring process can make or break your chances of securing the best people.

At Amicus, we work closely with hiring managers every day, and we see first hand how a strong candidate experience helps attract and land top talent. A great reputation in the market gives you a competitive edge, helping you build a better team than your rivals.

Why Candidate Experience is a Game-Changer...

A great candidate experience isn’t just a nice-to-have, it directly impacts your ability to hire and retain top talent.

In a recent study by careerplug.com, they found that 66% of candidates had been directly influenced to accept a job via a good candidate experience.

In comparison, 26% of people said that they had in fact rejected an offer due to poor candidate experience whilst in an interview process.

So, What Are The Benefits?

More Offers Accepted - Candidates who feel enthusiasm, respect, and a positive atmosphere throughout the process are far more likely to choose your role over a competitor’s.
Stronger Employer Reputation - Word spreads fast. A smooth, positive hiring process strengthens your brand, making it easier to attract great people. (The same is true for the opposite.)
Faster, More Efficient Hiring - Engaged candidates are less likely to drop out, meaning you fill vital roles much faster.
Stronger Long-Term Relationships - Even if a candidate isn’t the right fit today, a positive experience makes them more likely to reapply or refer others to your company.

There Are Multiple Pitfalls to Watch Out For:

Hiring managers are busy, which can impact the quality of the candidate experience and, ultimately, your ability to secure top talent.

Here are the biggest frustrations we hear from candidates:

Poor or Slow Communication - Candidates understand hiring takes time, but being left in the dark is frustrating. Even a quick update makes a difference. with 75%+ of candidates saying that they would drop out of a long interview process (data from Peoplemanagement.co.uk)
Lengthy, Drawn-Out Processes - If hiring drags on for weeks, top talent will move on or accept other offers. Speed matters when securing the best candidates.
Unclear Expectations - A vague job description or misaligned interview questions create uncertainty and a sense of disorganization.
A Poor Interview Experience - Unprepared interviewers, scheduling issues, or an unwelcoming atmosphere can turn candidates off… sometimes permanently. Unprepared interviewers alone, accounts for on average 42% of candidate drop outs during interview processes according to Goodtime.io’s report.

So how do you create a Standout Candidate Experience?

The good news? Most hiring issues can be resolved quickly and easily without additional cost. Here’s how:

Keep Communication Clear and Timely – No news is still news. Even if there’s no update, candidates should receive a status check-in every 48 hours. 36% of tech companies are going to be focussing on improving overall efficiency during hires, according to goodtime.io.
Move Quickly – Set clear timelines and avoid unnecessary delays. One simple tactic is to block out a recurring slot in the hiring manager’s calendar for interviews each week. Follow this with a 20-minute feedback session to ensure swift decisions.
Make Interviews Engaging – Prepare in advance, show genuine interest, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Review the candidate’s CV beforehand, reading it for the first time in the interview looks unprofessional and damages the experience.
Give Honest Feedback – A simple, constructive response even when rejecting a candidate, can leave a lasting positive impression.
Use Technology Wisely – Automate scheduling and updates, but always maintain a human touch where it matters most. 40% of job seekers have said that they feel uncomfortable when AI is included in your hiring process. With almost half, feeling that it makes it feel impersonal.

Do you feel a bit lost with how to put this all into action? Don’t worry… we can help with that…

At Amicus, we’re dedicated to helping businesses create hiring processes that attract and secure top talent. If you want to improve your candidate experience and make hiring easier, we’re here to help.

Speak to one of our consultants today to find out how we can elevate your candidate experience and set you apart from the competition.