Securing top talent can feel like a hard-won victory in the cutthroat hiring world. As any hiring manager knows, finding and recruiting top talent is only half the battle. The other half is ensuring that those candidates join your company and stay for the long haul. In today's competitive job market, this is easier said than done. With job seekers holding more power than ever before, employers must work harder to attract and retain the best candidates. But in the race to attract and recruit the best candidates, many employers overlook a critical component of the hiring process: post-offer candidate management. According to a survey conducted by LinkedIn, 94% of candidates would be more likely to accept a job offer if the company had a strong employer brand. By providing a structured and supportive onboarding experience, employers can increase the likelihood that new hires will join the company, feel connected to its culture, and become productive contributors to the organization. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of post-offer candidate management and provide tips for how employers can ensure that their new hires stay committed for the long haul.
Tips for Successful Candidate Joining and Retention
Post-offer candidate management refers to keeping candidates engaged and committed to joining the company after they have been offered. It is important to note that the post-offer stage is just as critical as the pre-offer and interview stages in the hiring process. Here are some unique tips to ensure candidate joining:
Communicate regularly:
Communication is key during the post-offer stage. Regularly update the candidate on the status of their onboarding process, send them reminders about any paperwork or background checks that need to be completed, and keep them informed about any changes in start date or job responsibilities. By communicating regularly with candidates during the post-offer stage, companies can maintain their interest and engagement, reducing the risk of losing them to other job offers or losing their interest altogether.
Personalize the onboarding experience:
Each candidate is unique, and their onboarding experience should reflect that. According to a survey by Deloitte, personalized onboarding programs improve new hire productivity by over 80%. By tailoring the onboarding experience to the specific needs and interests of the new hire, companies can help them feel more connected to the company and its culture. This, in turn, can increase their commitment to the company and their willingness to stay long-term.
Build a relationship:
A study by LinkedIn found that new hires with a good onboarding experience were 69% more likely to stay with the company for at least three years. Build a relationship with the candidate before their start date. Building relationships with new hires before their start date can help them feel valued and appreciated, leading to a more positive onboarding experience and a greater likelihood of long-term retention. Connect them with their future team members, set up a meet-and-greet with their manager, or send them a welcome package with company swag. This will make them feel valued and welcomed before they even start.
Provide resources:
A survey by Glassdoor found that 60% of job seekers consider benefits and perks to be a major factor in their decision to accept a job offer. Providing new hires with resources that can help them prepare for their new roles, such as training materials or industry news, can demonstrate the company's commitment to their success and make them feel more valued as a new employee. Consider sharing industry news, company updates, or training materials that can help them hit the ground running on their first day.
Conclusion
Post-offer candidate management is a critical step in the hiring process that should not be overlooked. Following these essential tips can optimize your post-offer candidate management process and increase the likelihood of successful candidate joining and retention. The data speaks for itself: companies with a strong onboarding process and employer brand can significantly improve employee retention and productivity. Remember, the key to success is hiring the best candidates and keeping them motivated, engaged, and committed to your organization for the long term. With these strategies in place, you'll be well on your way to building a happy, engaged, and high-performing team that drives business success.