Candidate Experience: The 5 Scariest Stages of Recruiting

Jean Eudes Yahouedeou

December 17, 2024

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3min

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More than 50% of candidates have great apprehensions about the recruitment process. Find out what candidates are struggling with and how recruiters can help them.

While looking for a new job, actively or passively, can always result in a certain level of pressure and anxiety, recruiting teams can improve the candidate experience doing everything possible to reduce unnecessary tensions.

To help you, here are the 5 most stressful steps in the hiring process, with simple tips to make candidates feel comfortable doing their best.

The 5 most stressful stages of the recruitment process

1. To be rejected.

2. Attend interviews.

3. Take a test.

4. Talk to the recruiter on the phone.

5. Video interview.

1. To be rejected

For more than half of those surveyed (55%), being left out of the selection of an opportunity they really wanted is what scares them the most. Of course, no one likes to be rejected, especially if the excitement of working for you was high. Unfortunately, that's part of the game.

When you're eliminating a candidate, it's important to make sure you're always giving constructive feedback so that your candidate can learn from the experience.

In addition, it allows them to have a positive vision of you and your business, while helping to strengthen your employer brand.

2. Attend interviews

42% of professionals fear attending interviews. Again, it's completely natural. However, it is always important to keep this fact in mind as someone who is very nervous may not show their full potential.

Help your candidates feel comfortable by giving them as much information as possible before the interview. Where they should go, who they meet, and what they should wear and bring.

On the day of the interview, welcome them and offer them a hot or cold drink. Anything you can do to make them feel comfortable will ensure that the interview is as productive as possible for all of you.

3. Pass a test

40% of candidates are worried about having to take a test or complete a task during the interview.

That should not stop you from doing so if you absolutely need to understand your candidate's skills through these practice tests.

Just make sure you don't make the task too esoteric. Ask yourself if it is reasonably possible to complete this task before you have worked in the company, because you don't want to discourage her or make her question her abilities.

Also to be read: Recruitment marketing: the future of candidate acquisition?

4. Talk to the recruiter on the phone

Interestingly, 1/3 of job candidates are worried about having to talk to recruiters on the phone. So be aware of that when you call them.

This may seem ridiculous, especially when you are used to calling different people every day as part of your work, but some people find it very intimidating to talk to potential employers.

Again, make them feel comfortable by giving them a good overview of the role and don't ask questions too early.

If you feel like they're nervous or don't want to talk too much right now, suggest calling back at a time that's more convenient for them.

5. Video interview

Finally 34% are afraid of video interviews. But don't be discouraged from organizing them! Video interviews have a lot of benefits and are ideal for speeding up your hiring process.

Instead, reassure candidates that this is a great opportunity for both parties to learn more about each other before showing up and meeting face to face.

Make sure they understand how to use the solution and remind them that the format will be the same as for normal maintenance.

Overall, it's clear that there are a number of things that could hold candidates back during the hiring process. As a recruiting professional, it's up to you to put them at ease, especially if you want to find the best candidates for your positions.