Optimize the application process: Tips for more applicants

Optimizing the application process is one of the recurring tasks of a recruiter. After all, an application process is exhausting for both sides, applicants and recruiters. It usually takes a lot of time and effort to find the ideal candidate for your company.

Application process: The steps

In general, the application process is always the same. You will always find the same steps in the application process and we have summarized them here:

Job advertisement & application
Preselection
First interview: usually telephone interview / video interview
Interview at the company and / or trial work
Employment contract
Welcome to the company

3 reasons why candidates cancel the application process

The application process does not always run as smoothly as previously described. There are a number of reasons why candidates abandon their application and cancel the application process. We have recorded 3 of these reasons here:

the company has poor employer ratings
the job advertisement is too long
the job title is unclear or inappropriate

Applicants often have a clear idea of what information should be included in a job advertisement. However, if important details such as further training opportunities, benefits or even contact details are missing, many do not even apply.

Nowadays, some candidates also want to apply directly using their smartphone. This is easy, quick and can be done from anywhere. This aspect is becoming increasingly important, especially for the younger generations.

You should also not make the mistake of implementing too long an input mask on your site. Candidates quickly lose patience if they have to upload too many different documents or fill in too many fields. Redirecting to further information pages such as career portals also often leads to applications being abandoned.

Another plus point is the indication of the salary or at least a range. This has a positive effect on potential applicants, as candidates will know directly and you will only receive applications from candidates who also meet your salary expectations.

Benefit from satisfied applicants in the application process

Application processes can also be evaluated in various portals. For this reason, a satisfied applicant in the application process is also worth a lot in this case. We have identified 3 aspects that will also optimize your application process:

1. transparency

Pick up your applicants and let them know where they stand in the application process. A confirmation email that the application has been received or a response within a reasonable time is an appreciative sign for the candidates.
Once you have decided to let a candidate move forward, inform them in detail about the next steps and the further course of the application process. Also keep all employees involved up to date, as the best candidates are usually off the market faster than you would like.

2. efficiency

A lengthy application process is not pleasant for any candidate. For example, if applicants wait weeks for a response to an interview, they will usually drop out. Even if you request several trial jobs or would like to conduct a fifth interview, you can assume that some candidates will no longer be interested and will look elsewhere.

3. openness

This doesn’t just mean that you communicate openly and honestly with your candidates, but rather that you request feedback from them. Accordingly, ask all candidates to evaluate your application process. One question you can ask at any time, for example, is: How did you find out about the position?
This way you can ensure, for example, that resources are being used correctly. Also collect feedback from candidates you have rejected, as this is the only way to optimize your application process.

Optimize the application process with these tips

It’s not always easy to keep track of everything, which is why we have compiled all the important tips for optimizing the application process here in brief:

Online application process
Offer mobile-optimized application options
Give quick feedback (preferably within 2 weeks)
Efficient application process
Offer as few extensive application forms as possible
look at your employer ratings regularly
the job title should be clear and unambiguous
Provide as much information as possible in the job advertisement, such as salary, working hours & models(hybrid work), information about the team, etc.
Ask for feedback on your application process