There’s no denying the importance of researching a company as a job seeker; it’s a way to get to know what the business does, its mission and ethos, and what to expect from the company culture. Not only does this give candidates an idea of what to expect, but it shows preparedness and eagerness during the interview stages. But, it’s not solely up to a candidate to conduct this research during the hiring process.
Though a lot of information can be found online – for example, company successes and benefits are relatively easy to find, as are insights from existing employees – applicants shouldn’t have to do all of the work. If you ask us, it’s your responsibility to share company information during the hiring process. A lot of employers leave candidates to their own devices, hoping they find relevant and detailed company information online, but that’s not guaranteed.
Instead of expecting candidates to do their own research, what if you provided them with a ‘cheat sheet’ of information, listing everything they should know about your business? Not only does it show that you are happy and willing to share information with them, but it helps you to target the right prospective employees. In this blog, we have taken a look at why you should be sharing company information with candidates, what information you should be sharing and the benefits of doing so.
The Benefits of Sharing Company Data with Candidates
There are a lot of advantages that come with sharing company data with candidates, including:
- You’ll Give Accurate and Up to Date Information – There’s a lot of information online, but there’s no guarantee that it’s all correct. When a candidate is researching a company, they have a tonne of information to sift through, a lot of which is likely to be out of date and wrong. It makes a lot more sense to ensure that candidates have access to the right information, giving them an accurate and up to date overview of the company.
- You Can Set Clear Expectations – Unclear expectations can lead to staff dissatisfaction and high turnover rates, but setting clear expectations lets candidates know what to expect from the beginning. By providing information about job roles, performance expectations, career development opportunities and the direction that the company is going in, you can help applications to understand what is expected of them and what they can expect in return.
- You’ll Save Time and Money – The hiring process can take a while, especially if you are hiring for a senior position, so narrowing down your candidate pool early can save you valuable time and resources. Providing detailed company information to help candidates to determine if their values and goals align with yours. Not every candidate will be ideal for your company, and this reduces the chances of you wasting time and money on interviewing people who aren’t likely to be a good fit. It’s more efficient for them to decide the job isn’t right for them, rather than proceeding to an interview that won’t result in a good match.
- It’s a Way to Build a Connection – Sharing company information early in the hiring process is a good way to start building a connection with a potential employee. This showcases your company culture in a way that is engaging and positive, and it gives them more information than the facts they might find online. With so many employers out there, first impressions really do count, and this is a good way to make a strong first impression. Among all of the people who apply is the ideal person to join your team, and building a connection could stop you from losing them to a competitor.
- It’ll Enhance the Candidate Experience – The job market is highly competitive and candidates often have multiple options to choose from. A positive and informative hiring process can significantly enhance a candidate’s view of the company. When you share company information, it demonstrates respect for their time and effort, which contributes to them having a positive overall experience. This could be what it takes to sway an impressive candidate into choosing you over a competitor.
- You’ll Attract the Right Applicants – Honesty about the business helps to attract candidates who are genuinely aligned with your vision and culture. When potential employees have a clear understanding of the company’s values, work environment and long term goals, they are more likely to apply and accept a job offer. You don’t want to spend a lot of time interviewing and onboarding someone, only to later realise that they’re not a good fit.
- It Creates a Better Onboarding Process – When candidates have a good grasp of company information before they start, the onboarding process becomes a lot simpler and smoother for everyone. Applicants come in with a clear understanding of the company’s structure, policies and culture, which helps them integrate more quickly and effectively into their new role. Not only does this boost productivity and engagement, but it makes the onboarding experience a lot more enjoyable, and makes starting a new job less daunting.
What Company Information Should You Share During the Hiring Process?
There’s a lot of information to know about any company, but there are some key details that are most important to candidates and future employees.
- Company Mission and Values – A company’s mission and core values are a key part of its identity, and sharing this information helps candidates to understand what drives your organisation and whether their values align with yours. A clear mission statement and detailed values give candidates insight into the company’s purpose, culture and priorities. It’s a way for them to see if their mission and values align with yours.
- Company Culture – Company culture includes everything from the working environment and workplace norms, to expected behaviour of employees. Providing information about your company culture – including information about team dynamics, office environment, work-life balance and social activities – will let candidates know if it’s somewhere they can see themselves professionally and feel comfortable. It’ll give them an idea of how well they will fit into the existing team and workplace.
- Benefits and Perks – Sharing information about the benefits and perks your company offers is key. This includes annual leave, staff discounts, pension schemes, sick leave and financial benefits. It’s also a good idea to highlight any unique perks such as flexible working hours and remote working options, as these benefits can be significant deciding factors for candidates who have multiple job offers to choose from.
- Work-Life Balance – The importance of work-life balance has surged in recent years, so let candidates know about your company’s view on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This can include policies on flexible working hours, remote work options, holiday policies and any support systems in place for managing work and personal life effectively.
- Company Achievements and Goals – Candidates want to join a company with a promising future, somewhere that’s going to take their career to the next level, somewhere they can grow. Highlight your company’s achievements, awards and milestones. Sharing future goals and plans can get candidates excited about the direction the company is taking, making them want to be a part of its success story.
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives – A lot of candidates prioritise working for companies that value diversity and inclusion. Share your company’s efforts to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, including any specific initiatives, employee resource groups or partnerships with organisations that support diversity.
- Career Development Opportunities – Candidates are often looking for more than just a job, they are looking for opportunities for professional growth and development. Share information about any career development programs the company offers, such as training sessions, mentorship programs and career progression options. Ambitious candidates want to see that you have a commitment to employee growth.
As an employer, you hold the key to a successful hiring process, and this relies on you being transparent and forthcoming with company information. Sharing company information during the hiring process not only attracts the right talent, but it also builds a foundation of trust, sets clear expectations and fosters a positive work environment. By committing to transparency, you can create a more engaged, satisfied and productive workforce, and you don’t have to worry about candidates finding incorrect information online. Sharing company information with candidates can lead to long term success for both your company and your employees. To find out more about attracting top talent and growing as a team, contact Profici.
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