Job candidates want frequent communication after applying
Low unemployment rates and a strong demand for talent has made recruiting more challenging — and heightened candidates’ expectations of how the process will work, according to a new survey.
Sixty percent of employers across various industries say positions took longer to fill in the past year due to a tough hiring environment. Nearly a fourth (23 percent) experienced hiring process delays of up to three weeks or more.
In addition, some employers found extending an offer didn’t necessarily mean a position had been filled. More than half of candidates continue looking for a job even after they’ve received an offer and a background check has been initiated.
The survey results also indicated jobseekers expect to have a communicative, customized experience when interacting with potential employers.
More than a third (36 percent) anticipate they’ll speak to a recruiter before they even apply for a job at a company; 31 percent expect personalized messages from employers who reach out about job opportunities.
The majority — 82 percent — of job candidates believe employers should provide a clear timeline for the hiring process and keep them updated as it progresses.
For more on how jobseekers hope to interact with potential employers, view this information about the survey, conducted by CareerBuilder and SilkRoad.