How to re-engage unsuccessful applicants for new vacancies

Sourcing compatible talent is one of the most challenging aspects of recruitment. From headhunting to referrals, every recruiter has their own opinion on how best to attract candidates. One thing that is rarely considered, though, is re-engaging previously unsuccessful applicants for new vacancies. Here we discuss how this simple method could change the way you recruit forever…

Why should I re-engage previously unsuccessful applicants?

Often in recruitment, there can only be one ‘winner’. Through process of elimination, employers whittle down their pool of applications to find either one, or a small number of compatible candidates.

This leads to a huge number of often promising candidates being set aside. For whatever reason, they weren’t deemed the most compatible candidate for the role. However – this doesn’t mean their skills offer no asset to your business.

*Unsuccessful doesn’t mean incompatible

Just because a candidate wasn’t chosen for the role doesn’t mean they weren’t considered a good, or even a great fit.

At the end of the day, the final selection has to be made – no matter how mutually compatible your shortlisted candidates are. It therefore stands to reason that your outgoing candidates may prove to be the ideal fit for a future opportunity! 

How to re-engage previously unsuccessful applicants

Previously ‘unsuccessful’ applicants can be a great asset to your future hiring campaigns. Here’s how you can keep them engaged for future vacancies with your business…

1- Keep in touch!

Communication is the main catalyst in any relationship. In order to re-engage unsuccessful applicants, you need to keep them informed about your company’s live and upcoming opportunities.

You can do this by building a database, or ‘talent pool’, of your previous candidates. With their consent, you’ll be able to keep them in the loop with all of your company’s career openings. These updates can even be circulated automatically any time a relevant vacancy is posted.

2- Identify their career preferences

Now, it goes without saying that relevance is key to re-engaging previous applicants. Don’t go sending them just any vacancy that opens within your company; make sure these are relevant to their skills, background, and expectations.

Keep a note of previous candidates’ preferences, such as their specialist area, desired seniority, and salary expectations. This will help you to identify the most suitable talent to re-engage when new opportunities arise, increasing the chance of a successful hire.

3- Why were they unsuccessful?

While ‘unsuccessful’ doesn’t always mean ‘incompatible’, there’s sometimes a good reason why candidates weren’t selected for the role they previously pursued. Make sure to only include the most relevant of your previous candidates in your talent pool.

Review the reasons why you previously rejected them – was it a genuine lack of compatibility, or did they only just lose out to a more experienced applicant. Only re-engage if you genuinely feel they could be the right fit for a future opportunity.

4- Nurture their performance through honest feedback

Sometimes even the best candidates miss a shot. Whether it was just a bad day, or a lack of confidence, their screening/interview performance didn’t properly reflect their potential.

This is why it’s so important to offer honest, detailed feedback to your unsuccessful applicants – especially if their skills and qualities match your company’s needs. 

This kind of constructive feedback can go a long way toward improving candidates’ interview performance, and helping them to fully project their potential. This is mutually beneficial – helping you to source the kind of talent your hiring managers need, and improving candidates’ professional skills in the process.

Introducing…

Talos ATS: The complete Talent Acquisition Suite

Want an easier way to attract, engage, and recruit the best talent? Talos ATS is the answer!

We’ve created the ultimate all-in-one hiring toolkit for in-house recruitment teams, providing all the latest features and automations that hiring tech has to offer.

Build talent pools of compatible candidates

Talos ATS makes it easier than ever to re-engage your previous applicants – create talent pools to stay in touch with your previous candidates, and engage them for future opportunities.

This means you’ll always have access to your sector’s most sought-after talent, without the need to source brand new candidates for every opportunity.

Intuitive hiring automations

The platform comes with a number of intuitive ATS automations, making life easier for your HR team, and promoting a positive candidate experience.

These include:

• Automated data streaming from application forms
• Automated screening & progression of your strongest applicants
• SMS/Email automations at each progression stage
• Workflow management & notifications for your hiring team

360-degree recruitment software

We’ve combined all the next-generation hiring tools into one user-friendly, mobile-compatible platform – making it easier than ever to manage hiring on the go.

Talos ATS is the only tool you’ll ever need to manage recruitment. Say goodbye to multiple software subscriptions, and hello to our user-friendly, all-in-one recruitment solution!

Discover the easiest way to attract, engage, and hire new employees: