2022 saw a lack of suitable candidates applying for each role and on top of this the withdrawal rate was higher than ever before for a lot of roles being recruited for. How do you deal with this whilst recruiting? 

At Emerald Starfish we are seeing several unique candidate behaviours this year. 

 

 

We are still seeing a high level of applications for the roles for which we are recruiting. However, when we come to book in candidates for interviews it is like handling a leaky bucket. Candidates don’t return calls and they will agree to attend an interview and then not show up. The key here is to make sure that you react quickly. Visit your candidate pool daily to review new applications. For any candidates that meet your criteria make sure that you speak to them quickly. As part of your interview process ask candidates whether they have any other offers on the table and whether they would have any reservations about taking your role. You don’t want to waste time with candidates that aren’t serious about your role. 

 

For many, it will seem surprising that rather than seeing a large active candidate pool, it is the opposite. Applications per job are down and the number of quality candidates is also lower than expected. So, if you are recruiting – what can you expect to see? 

 

Quality candidates will be holding job offers from more than one employer, and in a change to previous behaviours, more candidates are accepting more than one offer and then taking time over their decision as to which one they will finally take. To help them decide to take your role, make sure that you are keeping close to them and helping them with any outstanding questions that they need answering to help them with the decision-making process. It’s not about rubbishing any other offers they may have but about showing them how you will support them and offer them stability as they are forming their first impressions – values that have come to the forefront for many candidates during this time.