In recruitment, effective communication can make or break your chances of attracting the ideal candidate. Whether it’s down to a perfectly timed email, a well written job ad or the writing of the company bio and what you have to offer potential joiners, mastering communication can give your business a real head start in the recruitment process.
When discussing communication, we don’t simply mean conveying information; communication encompasses crafting compelling narratives, fostering genuine connections, and ultimately attracting and retaining the best candidates to your business. In this blog, we’re delving deeper into the C in Nici Jupp’s PECRO© approach to recruitment– communication and giving you a proper communication checklist to elevate your recruitment game.
Checkpoint 1: The Perfect Job advert – this is not your job description..
First impressions matter, and they can make or break a candidate's interest in your company. A public advert or outreach InMail via LinkedIn is your candidate’s first ever company touchpoint and should reflect your companies’ values, culture, and vision. It should not only outline the responsibilities and requirements but also highlight what sets your company apart and why top talent should choose you. Try mentioning company values, progress to date, social events, growth opportunities, your approach to DE&I and workplace benefits - all the bits that make your business special.
Checkpoint 2: A Social Media Sense-check…
What’s the first thing a candidate is likely to do after finding your job listing – look you up. In today's digital age, leveraging various communication channels is essential to reach a diverse pool of candidates, but it is equally valuable to allow candidates to asses your business. Ensure that your channels are up to date and accurately reflect your business and team. Try utilising multimedia such as videos and podcasts to offer candidates a more engaging glimpse into your company's culture and work environment.
Checkpoint 3: Keep the Conversations Flowing…
Even after you’ve landed your dream candidate, communication in recruitment continues to maintain importance. Once you have gone past the initial hiring hurdle, communication becomes about building meaningful relationships. Personalised interactions can make candidates feel valued and respected, setting your organisation apart from the competition. Ensure that you have delegated time for personalised emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings, and are taking the time to understand candidates' aspirations and motivations to demonstrate your commitment to their success.
Checkpoint 4: Leaving Space to be Communicated With…
Communication goes further than just a one-way conversation. Active listening is a fundamental skill that recruiters must master to effectively communicate with candidates and employees. Taking the time to understand your team's goals, concerns, and motivations enables recruiters to tailor their communication approach accordingly and make sure the team are on the best path for them. Moreover, actively soliciting feedback from candidates about their recruitment experience can provide valuable insights for improving your recruitment process and enhancing the candidate experience.
Ultimately, mastering communication is essential for successful talent recruitment. From crafting compelling job ads to building meaningful relationships with candidates, effective communication is what allows your team to tell the world exactly who you are and why you are the best business going. By keeping check on all things communication, employers can create a recruitment experience that not only attracts top candidates but also fosters positive, long-term relationships.