Only a quarter of employers prioritise candidate experience in their screening processes.
- A survey by Sterling highlights a lack of focus on candidate experience during identity checks.
- 44% of businesses rank accuracy as the top priority, whereas fraud protection is a concern for only 13%.
- Digital identity in background checks is being planned by over a third of businesses.
- Ensuring a user-friendly screening process is crucial to avoid high dropout rates among candidates.
Employers are being urged to better focus on the candidate experience during screening processes, as a mere 25% consider it a priority according to a survey conducted by Sterling during its webinar, “Identity-First: A Key Component of Successful Global Hiring Strategies”. The survey reveals a significant oversight on the part of many businesses, which could potentially hinder their ability to attract and retain top talent.
The survey further reveals that accuracy in background checks is considered the primary concern by 44% of the respondents, whereas only 13% of businesses regard fraud protection as a major consideration. This data suggests that while compliance is a major motivator, the way candidates perceive the screening process is equally important.
Sterling’s President International, Steve Smith, asserts that the candidate experience should be central to all screening operations. He emphasises that “The candidate experience should be at the heart of all screening processes, no matter what these involve.” Errors or inefficiencies in the process may lead to increased dropout rates, particularly if candidates find themselves having to repeat tasks or face a negative experience. Business leaders need to remember that the process is time-consuming for the candidates, who are not compensated for this effort.
The push towards integrating digital identity into background checks by over a third of businesses signifies a forward-thinking approach. Digital IDs promise to simplify the user experience, maintaining compliance and accuracy. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that some candidates may find digital checks challenging. Therefore, accommodating the needs of all users is key to enhancing the candidate experience and ensuring the completion of the screening process.
Employers must enhance candidate experience to boost engagement and completion rates.
