How to Make the Application Process Simpler

Having been on the lookout for new job opportunities in the past months, I’ve found that some application processes have left me feeling frustrated and drained. The main causes were complicated and lengthy application processes and a lack of communication and personal feedback.

Looking for your next big career opportunity is exciting, but it is still hard work—and it’s most likely on top of your current work. Applicants spend hundreds of hours of their valuable time job searching, and they often pursue multiple job leads at once. It can be a lot to juggle, so any measures to simplify the application process will definitely result in a better candidate experience and happier candidates.

Easy Steps for Simplifying Your Application Process

Making your job applicants’ lives easier before, during, and after the application process does not require large amounts of time, massive investments, or even black magic. However, it will make a world of difference. It all boils down to an effortless user experience, consistent communication, and last but not least, a bit of a personal touch and feedback.

Below are three useful tips for simplifying your company’s application process.

1. Keep It Brief and Simple

“A short application form that can be submitted in a few easy steps will save your applicants’ valuable time and nerves.”

It is good to be mindful of the fact that job applicants are often under serious time constraints. The job application process should not feel like a never-ending obstacle course applicants are forced to power through just to prove they want to work for your company.

A short application form that can be submitted in a few easy steps will save your applicants’ valuable time and nerves. A long application form increases the risk of technical errors and may lead to the bane of every applicant’s existence: having to re-enter their details in the form after uploading their resumes.

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Being able to complete and submit an application form on a single page on a single platform is a huge plus. Being forced to jump between platforms, portals, websites, or forms only leads to unnecessary clicking and confusion.

Breaking the application process into multiple stages is also a good way to make the process more digestible for your candidates. Starting off the process with a chatbot or quiz is an excellent and user-friendly, low-barrier way to kick off your application process.

2. Communicate Early and Often

“Have you clearly defined the application phases? How long is each stage estimated to take?”

Having experienced many different styles of communication when applying for jobs, ranging from non-existent to impressive, I can say that consistent and clear communication during the application process is crucial. Done right, it is a huge asset to your company as a potential employer.

It is important to communicate exactly what your hiring process looks like to your applicants. Have you clearly defined the application phases? How long is each stage estimated to take? Being aware of what will happen next makes candidates feel more at ease, less confused, and more valued by your company.

3. Wrap It Up with a Personal Touch

“Giving personalized feedback on your candidates’ strengths and, more importantly, providing advice on how to improve is something your job applicants will definitely value.”

Being rejected from a job can never be described as an uplifting experience. It often gives rise to feelings of disappointment and inadequacy. It is, however, possible to make all your applicants feel acknowledged and valued, even if they are not selected this time around.

Ideally, because the candidates invested their time in applying for your job, you should invest the time to provide them with personalized feedback about why they didn’t get the job. Giving personalized feedback on your candidates’ strengths and, more importantly, providing advice on how to improve is something your job applicants will definitely value.

Taking the time to give feedback will allow your candidates to resume their job search with boosted confidence and improved awareness of their skills and weaknesses.

Conclusion – Enhance Your Application Process

Turning a potentially grueling and exhausting application process into an easy and effortless experience for candidates does not require moving mountains. A user-friendly application process, clear and consistent communication, and personalized feedback go a long way. Your applicants will not feel like they have wasted their time but instead like they have gained something valuable in the process.

Continue reading more about the biggest challenges in recruitment and dig deeper into different solutions!

TalentAdore offers an intuitive end-to-end recruitment solution for engaging your talents. You can make the application process super simple, communicate with your candidates throughout the journey and save the potential candidates to your own Talent Community.