How to Keep Candidates Engaged During the Hiring Process: Strategies for Senior Living Organizations

The hiring process is a critical phase during which many potential employees are lost, leading to missed opportunities to onboard quality candidates. Recent statistics show a 20% increase in job seeker dropoff during the hiring process, particularly in the senior living industry.

To address this issue, engaging with candidates early and maintaining their interest throughout the hiring process is essential. Here are several strategies to keep candidates engaged to help you create a successful employee recruitment program.

1. Respond Quickly with Automated Messages

One of the primary reasons candidates fall off is the speed of response. Candidates often engage with the organization that contacts them first. To ensure you don’t lose candidates to faster-moving competitors, leverage automation to respond immediately after they apply.

Here are a few more tips for creating effective automated emails:

• Personalize with a video message. Instead of a generic thank-you text, use a video message to thank candidates, explain the next steps, and share resources about your company culture. This approach stands out and makes a lasting impression.
• Provide clear communication. Ensure your email messages are not only prompt but also informative, providing candidates with a clear understanding of what to expect next.

2. Clearly Outline the Hiring Process

In the senior living industry, hiring processes can be lengthy and complex. Candidates may become confused and seek other opportunities if the steps are unclear. Clearly laying out the recruiting and onboarding steps can bring clarity and comfort to candidates.

Here are a few tips to help ensure that clarity:

• Provide a detailed process outline. Share a detailed timeline and explanation of the hiring process with candidates. This can include steps from initial interviews to final onboarding.
• Use visual aids. Slides or infographics can visually represent the process, making it easier for candidates to understand and follow.

3. Maintain Regular Communication

A common mistake is going silent during the hiring process, leaving candidates unsure of the next steps. Regular communication through email can keep candidates engaged and informed.

Here are a few suggestions for what to communicate to keep them engaged:

• Focus on relationship building. Share information about your team and residents via automated emails to build trust and rapport with candidates.
• Share resources. To engage them even further, provide insightful information about your organization, its history, employee values and vision.

4. Make Personal Connections

While automation and emails are effective and highly efficient, nothing replaces the personal touch of a phone call. Set up reminders to call candidates throughout the hiring process to keep them engaged and build a stronger relationship.

A phone call can help your organization stand out and show genuine interest in a sea of emails. These direct conversations also allow for immediate feedback so you can address any concerns or questions.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the dropout rate and ensure that you’re not only attracting but also retaining top talent in the competitive senior living industry.

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