Have you ever found yourself with a fantastic job opportunity for a rockstar candidate, but that candidate never applies? Or have you carefully constructed an inviting job description only to have unqualified candidates apply and eventually lose the vacancy? These are some common frustrations staffing agencies have faced for years, but fear not; there is a glimmering hope like a diamond in the rough in the form of your pre-existing candidate database.
You’ve likely collected hundreds, if not thousands, of candidates during your journey, with many still looking for a new opportunity. Leveraging your candidate database opens communication with these existing applicants, giving you a considerable edge over the competition. The days of posting and praying are long behind us, and in the following blog, we will explore the importance of using your candidate database and how it can save you time, money, and effort.
As a recruiter, you aim to find the perfect candidate for every job opening. Traditionally, this process involves creating a new job posting, waiting for applicants to apply, and then sifting through a
mountain of resumes.
A recent study by CareerPlug showed that 72% of applicants come from job boards. Of this high number of applicants, only 1% eventually get hired. These are stark reminders that while job boards provide many candidates, that doesn’t mean they are of the best quality.
With how easily technology allows for the transfer of information, specifically from your Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to various job boards, we have become complacent in waiting for new candidates to apply. Some may think this is a less time-consuming recruiting method than nurturing relationships and searching in your candidate database. However, the time it takes to sift through the mountain of unqualified applicants from job boards far exceeds running a keyword or Boolean search through your ATS.
Running candidate searches through your candidate database, or ATS, can significantly reduce your cost per hire. Think about it: Whenever you post a job opening, you spend valuable resources on advertising and screening new resumes. By tapping into your candidate database, you bypass many costly steps and can focus on nurturing relationships. In the same CareerPlug study, they found that jobs on job boards have, on average, 866 views per job but only a 3% conversion rate with 23 candidates applying.
Instead of reinventing the wheel with each new job posting, you can review the candidates who have already expressed interest in your company. These candidates may have applied for previous positions, been referred to you by friends or family, or registered through your company website. By re-engaging with these individuals, you save time and money by narrowing your search to a pool of candidates already familiar with your organization.
A well-maintained candidate database is a goldmine. An ATS can help you organize and store candidate information effectively, allowing you to easily search and filter through your database based on specific criteria. With the right ATS, you can categorize candidates by skills, experience, location, or any other relevant factors that make them easy for you to find.
Reporting capabilities provided by a robust ATS enable you to analyze your performance and identify trends or gaps. Some important metrics to track are the number of candidates in your database, the source of your candidates, and the success rate of placements. By understanding your candidate database better, you can optimize your sourcing strategies and ensure you are targeting the right talent.
It’s time to work smarter, not harder. Instead of starting from scratch whenever you have a new job opening, use your candidate database as a powerful sourcing tool. Investing in an efficient ATS like SmartSearch can streamline your recruitment process and help you tap into your network of potential candidates already interested in your organization.
With advanced search capabilities and an intuitive interface, SmartSearch allows you to find the right candidates quickly and efficiently. You can search based on specific keywords, skills, or other criteria, saving countless hours of manual resume screening. SmartSearch also integrates with job boards and social media platforms, enabling you to cast a wider net and attract top talent.
By leveraging your pre-existing candidate database, you save time and money and enhance the overall quality of your hires. Candidates already familiar with your company are more likely to be a good fit culturally, resulting in higher retention rates and improved employee satisfaction.
So, it’s time to break free from the “post and pray” model for every new job posting. Take advantage of the wealth of talent already at your fingertips. Invest in a reliable ATS, manage your candidate database effectively, and work smarter by leveraging the power of your pre-existing candidate pool. Your recruitment process will improve, and your organization will reap the benefits.
