Attracting top talent means more than just posting an opening and hoping for the best. One of the biggest obstacles to successful hiring happens during the application process, a pivotal stage in the candidate journey. In fact, according to Glassdoor, a staggering 60 percent of candidates abandon the application process altogether due to its length and complexity.
Job seekers, both active and passive, are deterred by complicated forms, unnecessary steps, and excessive clicks that make applying feel like a chore. In an era where attention spans are waning, demanding job candidates to fill out lengthy application forms can be counterproductive.
The solution is simple: You need to strike a balance between collecting the necessary information and respecting candidates’ time—and that means streamlining the process by eliminating redundancies, creating user-friendly forms, and leveraging tech to autofill data. Here’s how to create a more positive experience for candidates and encourage them to complete the journey.
Why a Complicated Application Turns Candidates Away
Picture this: You’re interested in a job, but when you start the application, you’re hit with a long, confusing form that seems to go on forever. How likely are you to finish it? Now, consider how many potential candidates might feel the same way when faced with a complicated application.
A complex application process can be a major deterrent for potential applicants, leading many to abandon the application before they even complete it. In an age where time is precious and attention spans are shrinking, your candidates expect a seamless experience from start to finish. When faced with long forms, redundant questions, and complex steps, it’s normal for candidates to feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
Some of the biggest turn-offs for candidates in the application process are:
- The time required to complete applications: If the process feels like a chore, especially with unclear instructions or too many hoops to jump through, candidates will often opt to apply elsewhere. For many, the application process is the first interaction they have with your company, and a complicated system can create an immediate sense of dissatisfaction.
- Irrelevant or repetitive forms: Overly complex applications can feel like a lack of respect for the candidate’s time. If questions seem irrelevant or repetitive, or if the system doesn’t allow for easy data entry (such as auto-populating fields), candidates might feel like you’re not valuing their experience or effort. For passive candidates, who might not actively be seeking a job but are open to opportunities, a lengthy and cumbersome process can be an instant dealbreaker.
- An unoptimized, non-mobile-friendly application: Today’s candidates expect to be able to apply for jobs on the go, whether they’re using their phones or tablets. If your application isn’t optimized for mobile devices, candidates may struggle to fill out forms, upload documents, or even navigate through the steps, leading to frustration and abandonment.
Ultimately, a complicated application process can harm your employer brand. Candidates talk, and word-of-mouth can discourage others from applying. As competition for talent grows, simplifying the application process is more important than ever. A streamlined experience not only reduces drop-offs but also shows candidates that your company values efficiency, respects their time, and cares about making the recruitment process as smooth as possible.
How Technology Can Improve the Candidate Journey
Your candidates expect a seamless and efficient application experience, so how can you meet their expectations? By leveraging modern technologies (think: mobile-optimized platforms, AI-driven applications, and automated workflows), you can create a smoother process that attracts top talent and increases application completion rates. Here’s how integrating technology into your hiring process can eliminate common pain points and deliver a better candidate journey.
Optimize Application Forms for Mobile
Most people use smartphones for browsing and online tasks—and that includes applying for jobs. Job seekers expect to apply for jobs directly from their phones, whether they’re commuting or relaxing at home. In 2021, nearly 70 percent of job applications were completed from mobile devices, and that number is only going to keep growing.
What is the best way to improve the application experience for mobile users? Offer mobile-optimized forms that are easy to navigate on smaller screens. This way, on-the-go candidates can fill out the application smoothly without zooming in, scrolling excessively, or dealing with formatting issues.
A responsive design that adapts to various screen sizes and simplifies the input process can make all the difference in keeping potential candidates engaged and reducing drop-off rates. At the same time, mobile-friendly forms can enhance your employer brand, showing that your company is tech-savvy and considerate of candidates’ time and convenience.
Cut Out Redundant Information Requests
There’s nothing more frustrating than filling out the same information over and over again. Whether it’s repeating personal details or answering similar questions across different sections of the form, these redundancies create unnecessary friction, leaving candidates feeling overwhelmed.
To streamline the process, audit your application to eliminate repetitive questions and consolidate similar fields. By focusing on collecting the essential information only once, you’ll respect candidates’ time and improve their experience. This can also speed up the process, making it easier for candidates to complete their applications without feeling bogged down by repetitive tasks. In turn, you’ll reduce abandonment rates while showing your organization values efficiency and respects candidates’ efforts.
Use Autofill to Reduce Errors and Effort
Autofill is a game-changer when it comes to simplifying the application process. Standard autofill features help reduce the time and effort required to complete an application—and the numbers back this up. One study found that users who used autofill had a 71 percent completion rate, compared to 59 percent for users who didn’t use autofill. This technology automatically populates fields with data from candidates’ resumes, social media profiles (like LinkedIn), or previous interactions with your company.
Autofill accelerates the application process while reducing the likelihood of errors, as candidates don’t have to manually enter their information. By offering an autofill option, you make the process more convenient for candidates, especially those applying to multiple jobs or filling out long forms. This small update can significantly improve the candidate experience, encourage more submissions, and help you attract top talent more efficiently.
Make the Application Process Work for You
A smooth and efficient application process is a must-have for attracting top talent and reducing candidate drop-offs. A streamlined process not only helps you attract more candidates—but it also positions your company as an employer of choice that values candidates’ time and effort.
At Main Street Recruitment, our experts can help simplify your hiring process and create a seamless candidate experience with personalized recruitment marketing. Download our recruitment audit checklist and schedule a discovery call with our team to build a stronger, more efficient talent pipeline.
