How To Build Relationships With Candidates - Secret Tips

The fight for finding a good candidate is real. In today’s job market, finding and retaining a top candidate requires more than just a good, attractive job description. It’s all about creating a positive candidate environment and experience throughout the entire process of recruitment. 

And how do you do that? Building strong, genuine relationships with the individuals you’re trying to bring on board.

What Is a Good Candidate Relationship? 

Communication between recruiters and potential applicants in the talent pool is the foundation of a successful candidate relationship. Maintaining a strong relationship with prospects will improve their experience regardless of the outcome of their applications, while also allowing recruiters to quickly and easily draw suitable individuals from the pool and into the hiring funnel. 

You will eventually need to source new applicants. The first place to start is with your present talent pool. Having solid candidate relationships will allow you to quickly identify a group of possible applicants and reintroduce individuals who have previously been interviewed. 

Why are Candidate Relationships Important? 

Without strong candidate relationships, you will most likely become lost in a sea of unknown abilities. When the time comes to fill open positions quickly, it will be difficult to sift through the talent pool and find the ideal candidate for the job. The end result will be a costly, time-consuming, and tiring event.

In today’s recruiting sector, when candidates have an advantage and more options when looking for a job, solid candidate relationships assist recruiters in attracting and engaging high-quality talent. At the same time, it has a direct impact on applicants’ performance when they join the organization as permanent employees and shapes their experiences, which begin when candidates are first exposed to the employer brand.

Here are some secret tips that will help you transform from a resume collector into a relationship-building recruiter:

Communicate Properly

Forget those robotic, templated emails. Communication is essential for creating connections, and it begins with the initial approach. Personalize your messages for each candidate. Address them by name, make a particular reference to anything on their résumé, and clearly explain why you’re reaching out. This demonstrates genuine curiosity and creates the foundation for a more engaging conversation.

Be Transparent

Honesty breeds trust. Be transparent and honest with candidates throughout the process. Set explicit expectations for timetables, interview phases, and next steps. Even if it’s merely to let them know their application is still being reviewed, keep them updated. A simple update email demonstrates respect and keeps them from feeling ghosted.

Listen Actively (and Make Them Feel Heard):

The interview is more than just interrogating the applicant; it’s a -two way conversation. Actively concentrate on their feedback, ask intelligent questions about their talents and skills, and give them lots of time to express themselves. 

Focus On Candidate

While the candidate must be qualified for the position, it is also crucial to determine whether they are a good fit for your corporate culture. Take the time to understand their ideal work environment, preferred work methods, and long-term career objectives. This not only benefits the candidate by assuring a good fit, but it also saves you time and resources in the long run if their goals do not correspond with your company’s direction.

Become a Trusted Advisor (Not Just a Recruiter):

Consider options beyond the immediate opening. If a candidate isn’t the best fit for the current position, but their talents and expertise are excellent, don’t dismiss them. Share pertinent industry news, job possibilities in your network, or resources that could help them on their career path. This identifies you as a useful connection and positions you as someone who is concerned about their total career development, rather than just filling a specific opening.

Leverage Technology, But Don’t Replace the Human Touch:

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and social media platforms are effective tools for identifying and communicating with candidates.  However, do not rely entirely on automated messages or impersonal chats. A phone call or video conference can foster a more personal connection and richer dialogue than an email exchange.

The Golden Rule Never Goes Out of Style:

Treat every candidate with the same respect and courtesy that you would if you were looking for a job. Even for those who are not chosen, a positive encounter can leave an indelible impact. They may suggest your company to others in their network or apply for future opportunities. A pleasant candidate experience helps create your employer brand and recruit top personnel.

Pro Tips for the Social Butterfly:

Engage on Social Media: Don’t only utilize LinkedIn for sourcing. Participate in industry debates, publish relevant information about your firm or the field, and highlight your company culture with images and employee testimonials. This allows you to develop relationships and promote yourself as a thought leader in your field.

Try to Speak Preferred Language

Building rapport involves more than simply words. It is about making a relationship with candidates so they feel respected and understood. One critical component is speaking their language. This does not necessarily imply proficiency in another language (although that is always amazing!). It is about adapting your communication style to their preferences.

Regular Communication and Feedback

Regular contact and feedback foster trust, resulting in a positive applicant experience. It establishes your company as an employer that values its employees, potentially leading to a larger talent pool and a more successful recruiting approach.

Develop relationships with universities and professional organizations by attending career fairs, giving guest lectures, or participating in mentorship programs. This enables you to connect with new talent and expand your network for future recruitment attempts.

Remember that building relationships requires time and constant effort. By following these suggestions and establishing yourself as a trusted advisor and advocate for candidates, you will attract top talent, enhance your employer’s brand, and build a robust talent pool. With the help of Diffr, you can streamline this process and hire top creative candidate.