Enhance candidate experience to attract the best

Enhance candidate experience – tl;dr

• It is essential for organisations to make a powerful impression on applicants from the outset. In fact, it is estimated that in the U.S. alone businesses spend as much as $7.6M in extra salaries to make up for poor reputations, which means increasing the hiring costs by an additional 10% per employee. As the first point of contact for candidates, every job advertisement should include a clear description of the position and be posted on a user-friendly, navigable platform. The whole experience – from start to finish – should be comprehensive and efficient.

• Feelings of anxiety connected with interviews belong to an infamous part of the applicant’s experience. In fact, a substantial 93% of Americans have experienced nervousness due to the job interview process, with 41%  most concerned about not being able to answer a question. These completely natural issues can be mitigated by introducing private interview spaces, such as hushFree booths. Conducting interviews in a well-designed meeting environment ensures that a candidate’s exceptional qualities won’t be overshadowed by anxiety, self-consciousness or discomfort associated with background distractions.

• 52% of job applicants declined offers as a result of negative experiences during the hiring process. This number shows how deeply significant it is to streamline each stage of the candidate’s journey. Technology should be used thoughtfully to maintain its human element. Regular feedback is essential. Small gestures such as quick, friendly follow-ups can make a big difference. Of course, physical spaces matter, too. Remember that for a substantial part of that 52%, an unpleasant work environment was a contributing factor to their “no”. That’s why functionality and modern appeal are key elements of a successful office layout, beginning with the space where the real impact is achieved: the interview room. For productive interviews, an office booth such as the 4-person hushFree.M can work like a charm.

The candidate experience begins the minute an applicant first engages with your organisation. Today, this typically happens online. However, it’s a thoughtful and engaging process that starts with this initial virtual encounter, gradually building the impression of your company as a desirable destination for top professionals. And as with all impressions, they set the stage for the whole experience, so it’s important to make them positive and long-lasting. A thoughtfully designed candidate journey attracts interest, and even those who were not selected may still want to try reapplying in the future or refer others, which is priceless. In fact, 80% of candidates who are not offered the position are still likely to reapply if the company leaves a positive impression. And the long-term benefits of this approach may be invaluable

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

The candidate experience is crucial for attracting top talent.

The applicant’s thoughts and feelings about the onboarding process have a significant impact. Organisations that excel in creating a transparent, rewarding journey can draw and retain top talent. That’s why Forbes describes the candidate experience as a competitive edge worth refining.

In fact, an employer’s reputation is significantly shaped by the candidate experience.

Word-of-mouth referrals. Social proof. Internet reviews. Public opinion is, on one hand, changeable, and on the other, fixed. In fact, they are all shaped by each unique candidate’s experience, contributing to the reputation that precedes you. Interestingly, American companies can spend approximately $7.6M to counteract their poor reputations!

To enhance the candidate experience, you need to adopt a more holistic perspective. 

While analysing the entire candidate journey, you may identify the key areas where the use of technology and a personalised approach can enhance the process. User-friendly application systems and CV parsing tools are essential, while personalised emails, interview invitations and flexible interview scheduling ensure that all candidates feel valued and respected. Additionally, physical space should also be taken into account. For effective virtual meetings, office booths such as hushFree.S can work wonders, allowing to seamlessly connect with applicants from the office. Video booths function as private and quiet environments, guarding your focus and ensuring that remote applicants receive your full attention. Similarly, a comfortable meeting booth such as hushFree.M is an ideal solution for face-to-face interviews, offering Class A speech privacy and addressing the universal need for privacy in work environments

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Using technology while maintaining a human touch…

It’s no surprise that leading employers utilise AI as such tools can help optimise time-consuming processes, creating more space for personal interaction. However, the use of technology should always be balanced with a human touch.

Feedback. And more feedback…

It’s advisable to collect data on the candidate experience at different stages, not just at the end of the process. This includes after application submission, following preliminary screening, post-interview, and during onboarding. 

Stay positive…

Small, thoughtful gestures can significantly enhance the candidate experience. Details such as personalised notes, welcome signs, validated parking, or company merchandise may seem simple, but they can make a big difference.

Acoustic office booths – a new aspect of recruitment in a hybrid work environment?

While candidates naturally prefer to feel at ease, recruiters require complete focus to communicate transparently and remain impartial. With noise-free, well-equipped and fully furnished office booths, such as hushFree, both parties can perform at their best, confident that each interview remains confidential and well-supported. 

• HushFree.S is a one-person virtual interview booth for recruiters who are always on the go. Acoustically designed, well-equipped, featuring additional video light strips for impeccable face illumination, hushFree.S is an ideal office solution for HR professionals to get in touch with prospects via video calls.

• HushFree.M is a private meeting space designed for effortless rapport-building. The 4-person hushFree.M booth comes with (or without) a comfortable meeting table and two two-seater sofas. While its furnishings foster effective one-to-one conversations, its power sockets ensure all devices remain charged.

• HushFree.L is a 4-6 person conference booth ideal for onboarding. Need a larger space? HushFree.L is a portable, soundproof cabin accommodating 4-6 people, depending on the arrangement. With customisable lighting and ventilation, hushFree.L offers unparalleled comfort.

A quiet, focused environment like an acoustic booth can help ease interview anxiety.

Up to 93% of Americans have experienced nervousness due to the job interview process with 41% feeling anxious about not being able to answer a question. Private office booths like those in the hushFree line can effectively address this issue by cocooning the user in a peaceful enclave, protected from being overheard and shielded from prying ears.

Psychology of space. Interview environments can boost or weaken a candidate’s confidence.

Interviewees who exhibit intense nervousness tend to receive lower ratings from recruiters. When heightened sensitivity to spatial chaos negatively affects an applicant, their potential can be diminished in an open-space layout. Office booths are an ideal solution, creating high-quality meeting spaces that allow candidates to perform at their best and be evaluated based solely on their abilities.

Find out more: Managing office spatial chaos using acoustic booths.

Online recruitment. Hold successful virtual interviews in hushFree.S.

Hybrid environments can be unpredictable. The hushFree.S booth helps address the recruiter’s need for a dedicated space for online interviews. With LED light strips ensuring perfect face illumination, a clean background, and a top-notch acoustic design, the booth encapsulates users in a professional environment where focus remains undivided.

Booths provide a professional interview setting, significantly enhancing the candidate experience.

52% of job applicants declined offers due to negative experiences during the hiring process, including an unpleasant work environment. Office booths are a spot-on solution in this context, enhancing the key touchpoint in the entire hiring process – the job interview.

Leaving a lasting impression. Meeting booths showcase the modern character of a company.

Office pods and booths are self-contained, well-equipped workspaces that may be easily moved within the office in no time. Their presence in the office sends a clear message to the candidates that your organisation is ready for change and excels at providing fully functional workspaces in a dynamic work environment.

Office pods and booths guarantee privacy and emotional comfort.

When an applicant visits the office for the first time and notices private booths in the workspace, they immediately feel reassured that, if hired, they will have sufficient privacy for sensitive or confidential discussions in their daily work routine. Additionally, they can see that your organisation genuinely prioritises employee well-being. Although access to private, peaceful workspaces should be a fundamental right for every employee, it still remains limited in many organisations. A work environment providing such spaces respects both the practical and psychological needs of workers. Without self-contained, quiet sanctuaries, such as booths, candidates may feel anxious or uncomfortable at the thought of enduring office hustle or the possibility of being overheard each day. In essence, hushFree booths are a comprehensive solution to the complex issue of privacy in open-plan workspaces

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Mobile pods, booths, and cabins are a perfect addition to the office, striking a balance between the advantages of open-space environments and the essential element of productive work – privacy.

Click here to find out more about the hushFree collection of Class A office booths.

Enhance candidate experience – summary

• It is essential for organisations to make a powerful impression on applicants from the outset. In fact, it is estimated that in the U.S. alone businesses spend as much as $7.6M in extra salaries to make up for poor reputations, which means increasing the hiring costs by an additional 10% per employee. As the first point of contact for candidates, every job advertisement should include a clear description of the position and be posted on a user-friendly, navigable platform. The whole experience – from start to finish – should be comprehensive and efficient.

• Feelings of anxiety connected with interviews belong to an infamous part of the applicant’s experience. In fact, a substantial 93% of Americans have experienced nervousness due to the job interview process, with 41%  most concerned about not being able to answer a question. These completely natural issues can be mitigated by introducing private interview spaces, such as hushFree booths. Conducting interviews in a well-designed meeting environment ensures that a candidate’s exceptional qualities won’t be overshadowed by anxiety, self-consciousness or discomfort associated with background distractions.

• 52% of job applicants declined offers as a result of negative experiences during the hiring process. This number shows how deeply significant it is to streamline each stage of the candidate’s journey. Technology should be used thoughtfully to maintain its human element. Regular feedback is essential. Small gestures such as quick, friendly follow-ups can make a big difference. Of course, physical spaces matter, too. Remember that for a substantial part of that 52%, an unpleasant work environment was a contributing factor to their “no”. That’s why functionality and modern appeal are key elements of a successful office layout, beginning with the space where the real impact is achieved: the interview room. For productive interviews, an office booth such as the 4-person hushFree.M can work like a charm.

Candidate experience – Frequently Asked Questions

What defines the candidate experience?

It encompasses how job seekers perceive and engage with an organisation during the hiring process, from the initial application stage and job interviews to follow-up communication and overall approach.

How can I enhance the interview experience for applicants?

First and foremost, consider scheduling interviews in a professional and comfortable setting, such as an acoustically designed pod or a well-equipped meeting room. Additionally, communicate transparently about the interview process from the outset, helping candidates to feel adequately prepared and valued.

Why is the candidate experience so crucial?

Candidate experience is crucial for attracting top professionals, improving employer branding, and ensuring high employee retention and commitment. A positive one may actually help reduce overall hiring costs and employee turnover by demonstrating appreciation and respect towards candidates from the outset. Moreover, it contributes to legal compliance and upholding high ethical standards, protecting against discrimination, and enhancing the company’s reputation.