In today’s job market, employers need to realise that job seekers also have choices and can choose where they want to work. As the current market is a candidate-driven one, it is crucial for employers to act fast to secure the best candidates. This means promptly responding to prospective candidates after they have applied for a job.

The importance of employers getting back to prospective candidates quickly cannot be overstated. It is widely known that job seekers who receive a timely response to their job applications are more likely to accept the job offer if extended. Conversely, job seekers who feel ignored or left hanging are more likely to move on to other opportunities, even if they were initially interested in the job.

In a candidate-driven market, the best candidates have more options available to them. These candidates often have multiple job offers, and they are likely to choose the employer that shows the most interest in them. Responding promptly to prospective candidates is an easy way for employers to demonstrate their interest and stand out from the competition.

According to research conducted by Glassdoor, the average time it takes an employer to respond to a candidate following their job application is 5-7 days. Although this may seem reasonable, it can feel like a long time for a job seeker who is eagerly waiting for a response. In fact, the same Glassdoor study found that job seekers lose interest in a job after just one week of waiting for a response.

Employers should aim to respond to prospective candidates as soon as possible. Even if a decision has not been made, sending a quick email to acknowledge receipt of the application and to let the candidate know when they can expect to hear back can go a long way in keeping the candidate engaged and interested in the job.

In addition to the benefits of securing top candidates and standing out from the competition, responding quickly to candidates can also enhance an employer’s reputation. Job seekers often share their experiences with others, and word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. If an employer is known for being prompt and respectful in their communication with candidates, it can help attract more high-quality candidates in the future.

In conclusion, employers need to acknowledge that the job market is currently candidate-driven, and they need to act fast to secure the best candidates. Responding promptly to prospective candidates after they have applied for a job is a simple and effective way for employers to demonstrate their interest and stand out from the competition. With the average response time being 5-7 days, employers should aim to respond as soon as possible to keep candidates engaged and interested in the job.

You can speed up your recruitment process by accessing a job advert template or job description template for your vacancy.