The Human Touch in a Digital World: Personalise your Candidate Experiences

In an era of digital recruitment when EVERYTHING seems to be done online, it's easy to overlook the importance of the human touch. However, personalised candidate experiences can set you apart as a recruiter and lead to more successful placements and a top-quality pipeline.

 In a world where automation and AI are rife, candidates continue to crave personal connection during the recruitment process. Here's how infusing the human touch into your interactions can make all the difference.

Personal Connections:

Imagine you're interviewing a candidate named Dave, a talented software developer. During the interview, you notice that Dave is not just passionate about open-source projects; they are also deeply involved in mentoring aspiring programmers in their spare time. Instead of moving directly into the standard interview questions, you take a moment to discuss not only their latest contributions to an open-source community but also their experiences as a mentor. This personal touch not only makes Alex feel valued but also sets a really positive tone for the rest of the interview.

Furthermore, you might then share a personal anecdote about your own journey, highlighting common challenges and breakthrough moments. This humanises the interaction, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experience.

Tailored Communications:

Candidates appreciate personalised communication. Instead of sending generic emails or LinkedIn messages, take the time to craft bespoke, personal messages that reflect your genuine interest in their skills and aspirations. Mention specific details from their CV or profile to demonstrate your attention to detail. For instance, if a candidate has a blog where they regularly share industry insights, acknowledging a recent post or idea during your initial outreach can make a huge impact.

As well as this, perhaps consider using video messages to introduce yourself. This not only puts a face to your name but also allows candidates to see the genuine enthusiasm and passion you have for connecting with them. It's a small gesture that can make a big difference. When conducting screening calls I always aim to be ‘camera on’ via Teams to build extra engagement.

Feedback with Care:

When providing feedback, choose your words carefully, but don't stop there. Alongside constructive feedback, offer genuine praise for the candidate's strengths and achievements. This dual approach fosters a sense of balance and fairness in your evaluations, but also underscores that you are genuinely invested in the candidate's growth and success.

Transparent Follow-Up:

After interviews, follow up promptly with candidates to provide updates on their status. Even if the outcome is not what they hoped for, your transparency and willingness to provide feedback can help candidates understand the decision and leave them with a positive experience.

Go a step further by offering additional resources or connections that might help them in their professional journey. Whether it's recommending a relevant industry event, an online course, or even a contact who can provide mentorship, these human gestures demonstrate your commitment to their long-term success.

On reflection:

As TA professional, your ability to provide personalised candidate experiences is not just a valuable skill; it's a transformative approach that can be a game-changer. It's about more than just matching skills to job requirements; it's about building authentic relationships and creating a first impression that candidates will remember long after the recruitment process ends. That human touch in recruitment is not merely a differentiator; it's a cornerstone of trust and lasting professional connections.

In my career as a TA, I've found that the human touch is often the elusive yet powerful factor that leads to not just successful placements but also enduring professional relationships. It's the extra effort to connect on a personal level, offer tailored guidance, and follow up with care that fosters trust and loyalty. These small but meaningful gestures can make candidates feel valued and appreciated, transforming them from candidates into advocates and allies in your talent acquisition journey.