How to Improve Your Candidate Experience and Attract Top Talent

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Posted 24.06.25

In today’s candidate-short market, candidate experience can make or break your hiring success. Here’s why improving it should be at the top of your priority list – and how to do it effectively.

Why Candidate Experience is Crucial

Slow feedback, low pay offers, and a long interview process aren’t just frustrating – they’re fatal.

In a fast-moving job market, good candidates don’t wait around.

66% of job seekers accepted offers after a positive experience.
48% of candidates decline offers due to slow feedback.
74% of job seekers expect pay transparency.
33% of UK hiring managers say they’re likely to ghost unsuccessful applicants without any explanation

When candidates have a negative experience, they don’t keep it to themselves. Word spreads fast, and it can seriously damage your company’s reputation. You might think everyone loves your brand, but the reality could be quite different.

For Clients: Time is Talent

Top talent moves quickly, so time is of the essence. Here’s how to act fast and make a lasting impression.

Make feedback fast and consistent
A 3 to 5 day response time beats a two-week wait. 56% of high-performing employers hit these marks.
Be transparent about salary
74% of candidates seek salary details upfront. Ambiguity breeds mistrust.
Streamline your interview process
Avoid unnecessary stages. 63% of candidates drop out if the process drags on too long.
Prioritise human connection
Real conversations matter. AI can screen, but humans win candidates over.

The Payback: Stronger Hires and a Sharper Brand

Fast, transparent recruitment doesn’t just help you hire quickly, it strengthens your brand, too. Candidates who receive feedback are more likely to apply again, even if they weren’t hired. Get a bad experience and your reputation could be at stake. Improving your candidate experience will attract top talent for your business.

In today’s candidate-driven market, job seekers are definitely holding a lot of cards. A sluggish, secretive, or overly complex recruitment process isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a deal-breaker. Candidates expect speed, transparency, and human connection. Those companies that adapt and align with these expectations will not only attract top talent but also build stronger employer brands that stand out in a crowded market.

Clients who understand this shift are the ones who secure the best candidates faster, while those who don’t risk losing out to competitors who value and respect the candidate experience. At Energi People, we partner with forward-thinking clients who prioritise efficient, fair, and engaging recruitment processes that keep the human touch at the heart of everything they do.

The future of recruitment is driven by candidate experience. Will you be leading the way?