16 MAY 2018
5 top tips to fine tune your recruitment application process to attract the best candidates
There’s no denying that modern life is hectic, fast-paced and full on and when it comes to moving jobs, people simply don’t have as much disposable time to commit to the process as they might once have had.
Here at onlyFE, we are noticing that those FE Colleges who are responding positively to this dynamic by making their application process as straight-forward as possible are really seeing the benefits
The new recruitment landscape
There’s no denying that modern life is hectic, fast-paced and full on and when it comes to moving jobs, people simply don’t have as much disposable time to commit to the process as they might once have had.
Here at onlyFE, we are noticing that those FE Colleges who are responding positively to this dynamic by making their application process as straight-forward as possible are really seeing the benefits. We therefore wanted to share some of the tips that from our experience help fine tune your recruitment application process to help you scoop the cream of the crop. But before we do, here’s a bit of our background thinking:
Application form nirvana
It’s the age-old recruitment problem: how do you ensure you are getting all the information you need from potential candidates to be able to assess their suitability for your vacancy equally, without turning them off by using lengthy, time-consuming application forms?
From a systems point of view, application forms are efficient for your HR department. Standardising how applicants provide information allows you to make direct comparisons between candidates and quickly identify where candidates are falling short in either qualifications or experience.
The downside: application forms can often be challenging to complete and can all too often discourage some candidates from applying for roles altogether. And what about soft skills and assessing candidates potential? If potential candidates are refused at the first stage without the opportunity to elaborate on why they think they are suitable for your role, you could be missing out on your next star employee.
Candidates in high-demand for those hard-to-fill roles
More and more, the Further Education sector is having to look outside of the industry to find suitable candidates with real-life subject experience who may not have any relevant teaching experience. Other industries, particularly business, rely solely on CVs to start off the recruitment process and many applicants may not have experience of completing time-consuming application forms.
Now more than ever, it is imperative that the first stage in the application process is as simple, concise and swift as possible to encourage candidates to take that all-important first step.
Our 5 top tips:
Here are our 5 Top Tips to make sure your application process attracts the best candidates:
1. Streamline your Job Vacancy page on your website.
The first place your candidate will look to assess your vacancy is your Job Vacancy page. This forms their first impression of your College and whether or not it is somewhere they would like to work. Make sure the page is easy to navigate and it’s clear how candidates can apply for roles, such as using obvious ‘Apply Here’ buttons. Detailing the steps in the application process also means there are no nasty surprises for the applicants and they can assess how long it will take them to complete the process from the outset.
Candidates are increasingly using their mobile phones to search online for vacancies, so make sure your site is optimised for use across all devices. Further to this, allow applicants to be able to save application forms throughout the process before they submit it so they can return to them at a later date.
Review how many stages you are asking candidates to complete in this initial stage and how many pages they have to click through. Making the process as simple as possible is the key to encouraging applications.
2. Condense lengthy application forms.
We know it is ideal to gather as much information as possible about candidates early in the recruitment process, but balance this need with simplifying the process so as not to deter candidates. We have seen application forms up to a rather unwieldy and off-putting 18 pages in length! This will surely test the patience of even the most eager applicant and they may abandon the process all together. Keep application forms to a maximum of 4 pages if you can!
3. Be flexible.
High competition for candidates with experience in ‘skills shortage’ areas such as teaching in vocational subjects like Construction, Engineering and Hairdressing for example, increases the need for an efficient application process. Removing the use of application forms all together in this instance might be the best approach to allow easy access to this sought-after group. Be flexible, consider who you are targeting for your next role and reflect on your application process from their perspective – perhaps CVs and covering letters would encourage more applications and reduce the barriers to entry.
4. Communicate Clearly
Although an applicant may not be suitable for your current specific role, a future role may be just right for them or someone they know, so make sure all communication with them is clear, professional and friendly to ensure your candidates have a great experience with your College.
Frustration can arise when candidates are not sure of your recruitment timings or don’t hear back from you at all if they are not successful. Nurturing relationships, even at this early stage, and even with those whose application you won’t be progressing any further at this stage reflects well on the college and can result in positive outcomes in the future.
5. Get advice from the best!
Here at onlyFE, we have years of experience creating successful recruitment advertising and candidate management campaigns for our FE clients and we have seen it all! If you would like advice on how to improve your application process and recruitment advertising strategies, contact us today and we would be delighted to help.