The Secret Ingredient for A Healthy Business: An Exceptional Candidate Experience  

It’s no secret that every professional has a life separate from their occupation, as they should. An individual’s personal life includes milestones that are specific to them as a human. This concept is not so far from the Employee Life Cycle. The professional well-being of a candidate and the health of an organization’s workforce and business overall is directly connected to if an employee has an exceptional candidate experience.  

The highlights of each professional’s career are called the Employee Life Cycle, which is made up of:  

1. Attraction: This is your company brand which is the first impression the employee has before even deciding to apply.  

1. Recruitment: The engaging process that spans from attracting a candidate with ambitions of extending an employment offer.  

1. Onboarding: The art of the warm welcome after the offer has been extended, the employee’s exclusive experience with the company culture, and unifying with their new team. Nailing this process is key.   

1. Retention: Employee engagement and recognition practices, showing appreciation and buy-in to your employees to guarantee they stay. Also, very important.  

1. Development: Offering growth opportunities after the employee is established. This motivates professional development and encourages your employee to thrive with your company.  

1. Separation: Successful off-boarding of an employee, the best reason, retirement.  

The candidate experience captures how the applicant perceives the encounter with a particular company throughout the hiring process, attraction through separation. If you accomplish a successful candidate experience, then the likelihood that you have a sturdy and energetic workforce will be undeniable. Some notable results of creating a top-notch candidate experience are: Attracting top talent to join your team and greater reach to the community your business serves.   

The makings of a great candidate experience are:   

• Being transparent about your company mission, values, accomplishments, and hurdles. Candidates want to be able to identify and observe if your business aligns with their interests and purpose preceding the application process. Allowing the opportunity to learn about your organization will guarantee the right applicants to apply. Use all your resources to accomplish this goal. Your existing team can be ambassadors and utilize your website and socials to personify your company atmosphere. This is beneficial to both parties; a cohesive partnership should always be the objective.  
• Create an environment of inclusion and captivating job descriptions. When presenting an opportunity for prospective applicants to join your team, your company must exemplify an environment of inclusion, equal access to resources, and opportunities to thrive no matter: race, gender, religion, or disabilities. Additionally, when presenting vacancies on your team, make sure the roles are clearly defined in postings and illuminate an appealing opportunity to reach shared goals. A diverse and determined team is a strong workforce.  
• Prioritize communication and care throughout every milestone. No human wants to feel as though there is no attention to their personal experience. During every step of the employee life cycle, ensure your valued employee is educated, informed, supported, and encouraged. Doing so will produce a remarkable experience with your organization from start to finish.  

So, there you have it. The secret ingredient to a robust business is an exceptional candidate experience, being enthusiastic about your team, and serving your community.