Is Your ATS a Black Hole? How to Improve Candidate Experience
For most candidates, applying for a job feels like shouting into the void. They spend hours tailoring a resume, only to submit it to an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and never hear back. This "application black hole" isn't just frustrating for them; it's actively damaging your employer brand and causing you to miss out on top talent.
The Cost of a Poor Candidate Experience
Candidates who have a negative experience are 80% less likely to apply to your company again. They're also more likely to share their negative experience with their network and on social media. In a world where your reputation is everything, you can't afford to treat candidates like a number.
Respecting a Candidate's Time
The root of a bad candidate experience is a feeling of wasted time. Candidates don't mind putting in the effort if they feel it's for a real opportunity. The problem is when they invest time applying for a role they were never qualified for in the first place.
A better approach is to flip the script. Instead of asking for a resume upfront, give qualified candidates a way to signal their skills immediately.
An initial screening quiz respects a candidate's time. It's a clear, quick hurdle that tells them exactly what skills are required. For qualified candidates, it's a welcome chance to prove their abilities. For unqualified candidates, it provides immediate feedback and prevents them from wasting hours on a lengthy application.
Turn Your Hiring Process into a Strength
A great candidate experience starts with a transparent and respectful process. By using a tool like Sift to create an initial screening layer, you achieve two goals:
- You provide immediate value and clarity to every single person who shows interest in your role.
- You ensure that your recruiting team only interacts with pre-vetted, motivated candidates, allowing them to provide a more personal, high-touch experience.
Stop letting your ATS be a black hole. Turn your application process into a powerful tool for building your brand and attracting the best people.