Shafiur Rahman
CEO at ChatterWorks
Despite the always-on "candidate vs. employer market" debate, one thing's clear: organizations aiming for long-term success prioritize talent. Why? Because a positive candidate experience is the foundation of the entire talent journey. Think about it: engaged candidates become happy and productive employees, who in turn fuel innovation and growth. This article explores how candidate communication delivers exceptional candidate experiences. We also look at actionable frameworks, templates, and the role of generative AI in developing a winning candidate communication strategy.
Over the past few years, we've witnessed a significant evolution of candidate expectations. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, prompting individuals to reassess their priorities, ambitions, and long-term career plans. And this is playing out in big ways, like declining labor force participation and radical career transitions.
It's not just about the big picture. Beneath the surface, there's a subtle shift underway – candidate expectations from the hiring process is evolving. They crave a more thoughtful experience that reflects how they approach their careers now – with a focus on purpose and value.
This new reality requires forward-looking organizations, recruiting leaders and staffing firms to recalibrate how they interact and engage with talent throughout the recruiting journey. Those that fail to adapt their candidate experience risk losing out on the very talent they need to thrive.
We’ve seen multiple boom and bust cycles in recruitment in just the last four years – we went from pandemic layoffs and hiring freezes to a hiring frenzy fueled by monetary easing, and now, in the last six months, we've seen the labor market cool down.
These changes in employment outlook and employability have had an adverse impact on candidates. They seek psychological safety. And that is something most recruiting teams and employers have struggled to provide.
Communication is a prerequisite to building high-quality connections that foster trust during the hiring process. Jane Dutton and her colleagues at the University of Michigan’s Center for Positive Organizations characterize high-quality connections as those based on empathy and interdependence.
Ideally, as organizations redesign their candidate communication strategy, they will focus on these two factors. But first they need to ensure psychological safety exists in their hiring process.
Data from the Talent Board's 2020 Candidate Experience Research Reports reveals that when recruiters or HR professionals informed candidates of post-interview steps and then followed up in the stated time frame, positive experiences skyrocketed – by 52% in North America, 58% in Europe and the Middle East, 49% in Asia-Pacific, and a whopping 68% in Latin America.
These numbers reflect the power of building trust through clear and consistent communication. It's a simple yet impactful step recruiters and employers can take to design hiring processes that foster high-quality connections and, ultimately, psychological safety.
Simple gestures like sharing interview agendas beforehand, conducting post-interview check-ins, and providing regular updates demonstrate respect for candidates' time and effort.
Candidates who’ve weathered loss of employment or unemployment over the course of these hiring boom and bust cycles are particularly more sensitive to communication or lack thereof.
Prompt, empathetic communication with every candidate, regardless of their stage in the process, sets organizations apart. Some candidates have even publicly praised rejection emails for their warmth and encouragement, highlighting the enduring impact of thoughtful communication.
In the consumer world, we’ve seen brands lead with empathy that’s reflected in their customer communications. They are successful at building relationships that go beyond simply selling a product. They understand the power of empathy-driven communication, fostering trust and loyalty at every touchpoint. Imagine receiving a birthday email from your favorite clothing store, offering a personalized discount and suggesting outfit ideas based on your past browsing behavior. This level of thoughtfulness makes you feel valued as a customer, not just a transaction.
The same approach can improve the recruitment process. Unfortunately, many recruiters and employers struggle with job descriptions, delayed interview responses, and a lack of communication, leaving candidates feeling isolated and disengaged from the process. Here's where consumer brands offer valuable lessons on communication and messaging.
Think of a job description as a product description. Just like brands highlight the features and benefits of their offerings, craft descriptions that showcase your company culture and align with candidates’ career aspirations. What makes your company unique? What opportunities for growth and development can you offer? Weaving these details into a compelling narrative attracts candidates who are a good fit, not just those applying to any open position.
Transparency is another thing consumer brands do well. Ever received real-time notifications about your order's progress, from confirmation to delivery? This keeps you informed and reduces anxiety. Similarly, keeping candidates informed throughout the recruitment process demonstrates respect for their time. Provide clear timelines for next steps, send interview confirmations, and acknowledge applications with an automated message expressing appreciation.
Finally, consider the power of proactive problem-solving. Has a brand ever surprised you with a discount or a freebie to apologize for a minor inconvenience? This unexpected gesture strengthens the customer relationship. In the hiring process, this might translate to a personalized message for candidates who aren't moving forward. A brief note acknowledging their effort and suggesting relevant career advice shows empathy and professionalism, leaving a lasting positive impression.
Studies show that companies with strong empathy-based communication strategies realize higher customer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately driving revenue. The same principle applies to talent acquisition. A more human-centric approach in a competitive job market attracts top talent and reduces costly turnover. Think of it as nurturing a relationship with a potential employee, similar to building lasting customer connections.
As we've discussed, achieving personalized communication while handling a high volume of candidates has been a longstanding challenge. However, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok offer a compelling solution. These tools can empower you to deliver hyper-personalized content at each stage of the candidate journey, even with a large applicant pool.
This section delves into a comprehensive framework for leveraging generative AI to effectively engage and communicate with potential candidates throughout the entire hiring process. We'll explore each stage, from the initial outreach that sparks interest to the final decision and offer stage. For each step, we'll examine how to craft thoughtful messaging with generative AI that establishes clear and consistent communication practices that scale. This messaging builds trust and inspires confidence in your organization, ultimately helping you attract top talent.
Prompt Example:
I'm writing a job description for a Data Analyst position at [Company Name], a large global bank. The role will be in the Risk Management department.
Prompt Example:
The Data Analyst will be responsible for:
Prompt Example:
The ideal candidate will have:
Prompt Example:
We offer a fast-paced and dynamic work environment where you will be challenged and encouraged to grow your skills. We value innovation and collaboration, and you will have the opportunity to work with a talented team of data scientists and analysts. We provide a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development.
Prompt Example:
If you are a passionate and analytical individual who thrives in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
[Company Name], a leading global bank, is seeking a Data Analyst to join our Risk Management department.
About Us:
[Company Name] is a global financial institution committed to providing innovative financial solutions and fostering a data-driven culture. We empower our employees to make informed decisions based on data and analytics.
About the Role:
The Data Analyst will play a crucial role in supporting our risk management strategies by collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data. You will work closely with risk management professionals to identify and assess potential risks, develop data-driven insights, and create clear and actionable reports.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Benefits:
To Apply:
If you are a passionate and analytical individual who thrives in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email].
Personalization is a table stake for cold recruiting emails. But when scaling for a large talent pool, repeatable frameworks can help you craft messaging that resonates with your potential candidates. Here’s a framework we’ve seen incredible success with, and with generative AI tools, you can personalize this at scale.
Step 1: Gather Candidate Data - Building the Foundation
Before diving into AI prompts, gather key details about your target candidate. Here’s where ChatterWorks comes in handy – it can provide the foundation for personalization and can include:
Now, let's leverage AI to create engaging introductions. Here's a prompt structure you can use:
Prompt: "Hi [Candidate Name], I'm [Your Name] from the recruiting team at [Company Name]. We see that you studied [College Major] at [School Name]." (Why? This personalizes the opening, demonstrates you've reviewed their profile, and subtly mentions their field of study)
If a shared connection point exists, mention it to personalize further. The prompt can be:
Prompt (Shared School): "As a fellow [School Name] alum, I was particularly interested in your experience in [relevant field based on major]." (Why? This creates a sense of community and shows genuine interest in their background)
Here's where AI helps tailor the message to the specific candidate and role. Use a prompt like:
Prompt: "We're currently looking for a talented [Job Title] to join our growing team. Your background in [College Major] and your experience with [relevant skill] caught our eye, and we believe you could make a significant contribution to our work on [briefly describe project or team]." (Why? This showcases why their profile stood out, connects their skills to the role, and sparks their interest).
End with a clear next step and an easy way for the candidate to connect. Here are prompts for email and LinkedIn InMail:
Hi [Candidate Name],
I'm [Your Name] from the recruiting team at [Company Name]. We're impressed with your background at [School Name] in Computer Science. As a fellow tech enthusiast, I was particularly interested in your project on [mention specific project from their resume/portfolio].
We're currently looking for a talented Software Engineer to join our growing team. Your skills in [mention relevant skills] and your experience with [mention relevant technology] perfectly align with the requirements for this role. We're working on some exciting projects in the field of [mention project area], and we believe you could make a significant contribution.
I'd love to learn more about your experience and how it aligns with this opportunity. Would you be available for a quick call next week? You can find my calendar link here: [link to calendar].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Hi [Candidate Name],
I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed with your experience at [School Name] in Marketing. Your work/post on [mention specific project/post from their profile] caught my eye, especially your expertise/take on [mention relevant skill/post topic].
We're currently looking for a Marketing Associate at [Company Name]. We're a fast growing company working on [briefly describe company mission]. Your skills and experience seem like a great fit for this role.
I'd love to connect and chat more about this opportunity and [Company Name]. Feel free to send me a message on LinkedIn if you're interested.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Interview scheduling is time-consuming and there are tools that automate scheduling and messaging. However, if your tech stack is lean, generative AI is a great option. Let’s look at effective prompts to improve messaging across key candidate communication channels.
Before creating prompts, ensure you have the following details:
Now, let's leverage AI to create different scheduling messages for the most commonly used channels:
Subject: [Job Title] Interview - [Company Name]
Hi [Candidate Name],
We're excited to move forward with your interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Following your [Previous Interview Stage] interview, we'd like to schedule the next round.
We've attached a calendar link with a few available time slots on [Date 1], [Date 2], and [Date 3]. Please select the time that works best for you. If none of these options work, feel free to suggest an alternative time in your reply.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Best regards, [Your Name]
Hi [Candidate Name],
This is [Your Name] from [Company Name]. We'd like to schedule your next interview for the [Job Title] role. Please visit [link to calendar] to choose a time that works for you on [Date 1], [Date 2], or [Date 3].
Hi [Candidate Name],
Following your successful [Previous Interview Stage] interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], we'd like to schedule the next round.
I've attached a link to my calendar with a few available time slots on [Date 1], [Date 2], and [Date 3]. Please let me know if any of these options work for you.
Looking forward to connecting again!
Best regards, [Your Name]
Subject: Marketing Associate Interview - [Company Name]
Hi [Candidate Name],
We're excited to move forward with your interview for the Marketing Associate position at [Company Name]. Following your initial interview, we'd like to schedule the next round.
We've attached a calendar link with a few available time slots on Tuesday, March 28th at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 29th at 2:00 PM, and Thursday, March 30th, at 11:00 AM. Please select the time that works best for you. If none of these options work, feel free to suggest an alternative time in your reply.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Best regards, [Your Name]
Hi [Candidate Name],
This is [Your Name] from [Company Name]. We'd like to schedule your next interview for the Marketing Associate role. Please visit [link to calendar] to choose a time that works for you on Tuesday, March 28th, Wednesday, March 29th, or Thursday, March 30th.
Hi [Candidate Name],
Following your successful initial interview for the Marketing Associate position at [Company Name], we'd like to schedule the next round.
I've attached a link to my calendar with a few available time slots on Tuesday, March 28th at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 29th at 2:00 PM, and Thursday, March 30th at 11:00 AM. Please let me know if any of these options work for you.
Looking forward to connecting again!
Best regards, [Your Name]
While generative AI can be a helpful tool for brainstorming interview questions, subject-matter expertise and proven psychometric assessments should remain the foundation of your interview process. This stage requires close collaboration with your hiring manager to identify the core competencies, skills, and attitudes that are essential for success in the role.
Before crafting prompts, gather key details about the role and interview stage:
Now, let's leverage AI to generate interview questions for different purposes:
Generate 3-5 behavioral interview questions for the [Job Title] role that assess the candidate's experience with [Skill 1] and [Skill 2].
Develop 2-3 open-ended questions to evaluate a candidate's [Soft Skill 1] and [Soft Skill 2] for the [Job Title] role.
Create two situational questions to explore a candidate's cultural fit for [Company Name] and the [Department] team.
Job Title: Software Engineer
Department: Engineering
Required Skills: Java, Python, experience with Agile development methodologies.
Desired Soft Skills: Problem-solving, communication, teamwork.
Interview Stage: Initial Interview
Regardless of whether you decide to roll out an offer, communication, and, more importantly, the messaging here has an outsized impact on the overall talent experience.
Before crafting prompts, ensure you have the following details:
Now, let's use AI to create meaningful messaging for both offer and rejection scenarios:
Subject: Job Offer - [Job Title] at [Company Name]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We are thrilled to offer you the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]! Following your impressive interview and qualifications, we believe you would be a valuable asset to our team.
This offer includes a starting salary of [Salary] and a comprehensive benefits package that includes [List 2-3 Key Benefits] (e.g., health insurance, paid time off). Your official start date would be [Start Date].
Please find attached a formal offer letter outlining the details of the position and benefits. To accept this offer, please sign and return a copy of the offer letter by [Date].
We look forward to welcoming you to the team!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why this works:
Subject: Application Update - [Job Title] at [Company Name]
Dear [Candidate Name],
Thank you for your interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. We appreciate the time you took to interview with us and learn more about the opportunity.
After careful consideration, we've decided to move forward with another candidate whose experience aligns more closely with the specific requirements of the role.
[Optional: Briefly state a general reason for rejection (e.g., skills, experience)]
We wish you the best of luck in your job search and encourage you to apply for future opportunities at [Company Name] that may be a better fit.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why this works:
Subject: Job Offer - Software Engineer at Technovation Inc.
Dear Michael,
We are thrilled to offer you the Software Engineer position at Technovation Inc.! Following your impressive interview and your strong experience in Java, Python, and Agile development methodologies, we believe you would be a valuable asset to our engineering team.
This offer includes a starting salary of $105,000 and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) with company matching. Your official start date would be May 1st.
Please find attached a formal offer letter outlining the details of the position and benefits. To accept this offer, please sign and return a copy of the offer letter by April 10th.
We look forward to welcoming you to the team!
Sincerely,
Sarah Jones
Subject: Application Update - Marketing Associate at [Company Name]
Dear Emily,
Thank you for your interest in the Marketing Associate position at [Company Name]. We appreciate the time you took to interview with us and learn more about the role of creating engaging social media content for our brand.
After careful consideration, we've decided to move forward with another candidate whose experience in social media analytics and campaign management aligns more closely with the specific requirements of this role.
We were very impressed with your creativity and passion for social media marketing, and we encourage you to apply for future opportunities at [Company Name] that may be a better fit for your skills and experience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
While generative AI offers quick wins in streamlining candidate communications, its true power lies in building a strategic, automated talent experience. AI can help you deliver timely, thoughtful, and personalized messages at scale, meeting candidate expectations and improving your employer brand.
At ChatterWorks, we're excited about AI's potential, but we firmly believe the future of the talent experience is human-centric.
AI excels at efficiency, but trust and empathy are the foundations of high-quality connections. This is where personalization matters. The more comprehensive and accurate your candidate data is (think in-depth profiles and channel preferences), the better you can use AI to deliver messaging that breaks through the noise and fosters an exceptional talent experience.
Want to learn more about how ChatterWorks can help you personalize your candidate communications at scale? Book a demo and see us in action!