Recruiters: How to Make Your Candidates Love You

Dear Recruiter,

The experience I had in working with you was like no other. In fact, it was terrible, and I hope to never encounter you again in a professional or non-professional setting.

Hate,
A Disgruntled Job Candidate

Recruiting isn’t always rainbows and butterflies and flowers. There are times when job candidates or situations can be downright awful. But as a recruiter, you have to do more than maintain your professional integrity. You have to manufacture cases in which candidates have nothing to say but good things. Essentially, you have to make them love you.

So how do you do that? Recruiter.com recently highlighted reasons why candidates hate hiring recruiters, and by avoiding each of these behaviors, you can create a positive experience with job candidates that can turn into a long-lasting professional relationship.

When it comes to talent acquisition, what job candidates want most are recruiters who keep in touch. There is a job on the line for them, and it’s not too much to ask for a little transparency. If a client turns them down, that’s ok — share the news. Or if there’s been no response to their resume, let them know. Bad news, in this case, is better than no news.

Second, it’s ok to say, “I don’t know.” So many times, recruiters act like they have the answers to every question, even when those answers are sometimes incorrect. You’re not required to be an expert on every candidate, every client and every hiring decision. When in doubt, tell job candidates that you aren’t sure but that you’ll find out as soon as possible. And keep that promise.

Finally, Recruiter.com cites the third reason candidates come to hate a recruiter is their carelessness. With this job, the work is all in the details — even with candidates or clients that you don’t particular care for. Don’t rush through interviews or ask those super standard questions that seem as if you’re just checking boxes on a list. Recruiter.com states, “Candidates and clients alike can tell when you are invested in the process and working to get the job done.  On the flip side, everybody can tell when you’re just pushing paper and passing responsibilities on.”

When it comes to recruiting, acting like you genuinely care for candidates will get you a lot more love letters than hate mail. You are a crucial resource to them at this point in the job search process. Treat them like they matter with these three tips, and you’ll create an easier, more fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

Have you had bad recruiting experiences? Share now in our comments!