The Key to Successful Hiring: Securing Candidate Buy-In During Interviews

Employers are increasingly struggling with declined job offers. With the current trend of extended hiring processes—often stretching beyond three months—it’s crucial to examine why candidates are turning down offers. This reflects directly on your employer value proposition (EVP) and external branding.

So, how can you improve your offer acceptance rate? The answer lies in optimising the entire candidate journey. Here are five strategies to consider:

• Balance virtual and in-person interviews

While Teams interviews are convenient, relying solely on virtual meetings often leads to declined offers. Include at least one in-person meeting to allow candidates to experience your work environment firsthand.

• Streamline your interview process

Keep it simple—two stages are ideal, with a maximum of three if including assessments or presentations. A prolonged interview processes can signal indecisiveness and lose candidate interest.

3.Organise a post-offer “meet the team”

Invite candidates for an informal “meet the team” coffee after extending an offer. This helps alleviate new-job jitters and reinforces your company culture and EVP.

• Demonstrate efficiency in your recruitment process

Maintain a quick turnaround between interview stages. This shows your interest in the candidate and highlights your streamlined recruitment process.

• Make informed, competitive offers

Base your offer on the candidate’s requirements and market rates. Lowballing candidates after a lengthy process can damage trust and lead to declined offers.

In a tough marketplace and war for talent, employers need to remember, the interview process is a two-way street—it’s your chance to sell your company to top talent. By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only improve your offer acceptance rates but also enhance your employer brand.