Understanding the Changing Landscape of Candidate Experience.
In today’s competitive job market, the emphasis on candidate experience has taken center stage. A recent LinkedIn poll revealed a striking insight: 50% of respondents indicated that 'the way they were made to feel' during the recruitment process was the pivotal factor in accepting their current role versus the pay offer (19%) and the role on offer (31%). This statistic is a clear indicator of the growing importance of candidate experience in the recruitment process.
The Role and Limitations of Self-Run Candidate Experience Surveys
Traditionally, many organisations have relied on their own, isolated surveys to gauge the effectiveness of their candidate experience. These self-run surveys, while useful, have limitations. They often provide a narrow view, restricted to an organisation's own processes and practices, and lack the comparative context that candidates might be using as their yardstick.
The Rise of Benchmarking in Candidate Experience
Recognising these limitations, a growing number of employers are now moving towards benchmarking services like Benchmarcx. Benchmarking provides a broader perspective, offering insights into industry standards and competitor practices. This shift is driven by several key factors:
Comparative Analysis:Â Benchmarking allows companies to compare their candidate experience against a wider market standard. This comparative analysis is crucial because, as the data suggests, candidates often have multiple offers and will compare their experiences across different organisations.
Actionable Insights:Â Unlike self-surveys, which might only highlight internal perceptions, benchmarking provides actionable insights that are contextualised within the broader industry landscape. Employers can identify specific areas where they lag behind competitors and make targeted improvements.
Understanding Candidate Priorities:Â The LinkedIn poll highlights that candidates value 'how they feel' more than the role or pay offered. Benchmarking helps employers understand these nuanced priorities from a wider candidate pool, which might be missed in self-conducted surveys.
Staying Ahead in a Competitive Market: In a tight talent market, the smallest details can make a significant difference. Benchmarking helps employers stay ahead by ensuring their candidate experience isn’t just good, but the best among their competitors.
The Bottom Line: Enhancing Recruitment Through Benchmarking
The transition from internal surveys to benchmarking reflects a deeper understanding of the candidate’s journey. As the LinkedIn poll underscores, candidates are looking for more than just a job; they are seeking a positive, affirming experience. In this context, benchmarking serves as a powerful tool for employers to not just meet but exceed candidate expectations, thereby enhancing their recruitment effectiveness and securing top talent in a competitive landscape.