Candidate Experience

Candidate experience: How applicants really feel they are perceived

The candidate experience describes the perception and experience of applicants throughout the entire recruitment process. From the first point of contact to the acceptance or rejection, communication, response time and transparency shape the impression – and thus also the employer brand.

What is part of the candidate experience?

In addition to professional communication, the tone, accessibility, quality of feedback and usability of the career website and application form also contribute to the applicant experience. All of these factors influence how candidates feel they are viewed and treated.

The candidate journey as a basis

The candidate journey visualises the stages an applicant goes through: attraction, application, selection, decision. Those who understand this journey can intervene in a targeted manner and shape experiences positively.

Actively managing candidate experience

Candidate experience management is about strategically planning experiences along the journey – through tools, processes and feedback loops. Digital systems such as recruiting software help with implementation and analysis.

Why a good applicant experience strengthens your employer branding

A good experience not only improves applicant retention, but also has an impact on recommendations and reputation. Companies with transparent communication and a simple application process are perceived as modern employers.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about candidate experience

1. Why is candidate experience so important?

Because it shapes the first impression of the company – and is therefore crucial for the rest of the application process. A positive candidate experience strengthens the employer brand, while a negative one can scare off potential talent.
 
2. How can the candidate experience be measured?

For example, through feedback forms after the application process, interviews with applicants or the evaluation of key figures such as bounce rates in the online application tool.
 
3. Who is responsible for the candidate experience?

The HR department is primarily responsible. However, a good candidate experience is created in collaboration with marketing, IT and all those involved along the candidate journey.
 
The candidate experience is not a product of chance. Those who actively shape it gain an advantage in the competition for talent – and invest in the long-term image, quality and performance of their recruitment.