Mastering feedback: Transformative techniques for exceptional hiring experiences

In the fast-moving world of talent acquisition, the way feedback is provided can distinguish between a mediocre hiring process and one that makes a significant impact. As companies aim to attract top talent and build positive employer brands, perfecting the art of feedback is becoming crucial. In today’s article, we encourage readers to discover transformative techniques and life hacks that can revolutionize the feedback process.

The way feedback is delivered can have a profound impact on a candidate’s perception of an organization, which could not only influence their decision to join but also their willingness to advocate for the brand.

A significant study conducted by the Harvard Business Review revealed that constructive feedback greatly influences employee engagement and performance. In a survey involving more than 1,000 employees, 72% felt that their performance would enhance if managers offered corrective feedback. Additionally, 92% concurred that negative feedback, when given appropriately, is effective in boosting performance.

Source: Global Talent Trends Report

To thrive in this field, recruiters and companies need to perfect the skill of giving valuable and constructive feedback. Below are some effective strategies to ensure your feedback makes a lasting impact:

Develop constructive feedback by focusing on details and being specific. Instead of making vague comments like "You weren’t the right fit," explore the specific reasons behind this decision. For example, if a candidate's presentation was lacking in enthusiasm, offer concrete examples of how they could add more energy or improve their delivery.

“When delivering final feedback, employing effective strategies is essential to ensure the feedback is not only constructive but also well-received. Start with positive aspects, be specific, focus on behaviors and skills, and provide specific recommendations on how the candidate can improve in the areas where they fell short.” - Senior Recruiter for International Projects at DevelopmentPeople

Customize your insights to match the specific needs of the role and the individual candidate: Emphasize how their skills, experiences, and personality traits either align with or differ from the job's requirements. For example, if a candidate is strong in technical skills but lacks the essential soft skills for teamwork, concentrate your feedback on enhancing those interpersonal abilities. This tailored approach will show your commitment to the candidate's success and help them recognize the importance of your feedback for their career path.

“I’ve found the Sandwich Method to be a practical approach. Starting with positive feedback sets a supportive tone, followed by specific constructive feedback, and ending with a positive note to soften the impact of the negative feedback and to end the conversation with a good feeling.” - Senior Recruiter for International Projects at DevelopmentPeople

Promote self-reflection and action planning: Feedback should be reciprocal. Urge candidates to consider your feedback and create action plans for their development. Offer resources, guidance, and support to assist them in their growth journey. Whether it's suggesting relevant courses, providing mentorship opportunities, or recommending specific projects to enhance their skills, empower candidates to take charge of their progress.

Diversify communication channels: Feedback doesn't always need to be delivered through a formal email or phone call. Embrace a variety of methods to accommodate different preferences and communication styles. Think about using video messages, personalized feedback platforms, or interactive feedback sessions. Providing these options makes feedback more accessible, engaging, and suited to the unique needs of candidates.

Find the appropriate tone: The tone is more important than the words themselves. Strive for a tone that is supportive, empathetic, and respectful. Even when discussing areas for improvement, keep a positive and encouraging attitude. Feedback should motivate growth, not lower morale. By finding the right tone, you'll foster a nurturing atmosphere where candidates feel valued and appreciated.

Take advantage of the right moments: Timing is crucial when giving feedback. Avoid waiting until the hiring process concludes to share insights. Instead, take advantage of the right moments to provide real-time feedback throughout the journey. Whether following an interview, assessment, or presentation, prompt feedback will keep candidates engaged, informed, and committed to the process.

Offer ongoing feedback: Cultivate a culture of continuous feedback by providing insights throughout every phase of the candidate journey, rather than just at the conclusion of the process. Whether following an initial screening call, a technical assessment, or a final interview, deliver timely and pertinent feedback to keep candidates informed and engaged. This continuous communication will enhance the candidate experience and build transparency and trust between the candidate and your organization.

Promote dialogue: Urge candidates to seek clarification, pose questions, and share their perspectives. By nurturing open communication, you will not only gain valuable insights into the candidate's thought processes but also foster a culture of trust and collaboration.

Equip recruiters with best practices: Recruiters serve as the primary representatives of your employer brand, and providing them with the right tools and methods is crucial. Offer thorough training on effective feedback strategies, incorporating active listening, empathy, and constructive communication. By equipping recruiters with these best practices, you'll ensure consistency, efficiency, and excellence in every interaction.

Promote a feedback-driven culture throughout the organization: Feedback is more than a recruitment tool; it's a fundamental element of a thriving organizational culture. Promote feedback across every area of your business, from recruitment to performance management. Cultivate open communication, transparency, and a growth mindset where feedback is welcomed as a driver for ongoing improvement. By integrating feedback into the core of your company culture, you'll create an environment where employees feel appreciated, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Final word

Essentially, offering valuable and constructive feedback in the hiring process involves a mix of clarity, personalization, positivity, empowerment, and consistency. By mastering these approaches, companies can enhance their hiring process, draw in top talent, and build a reputation as a preferred employer. Therefore, when you begin the journey of acquiring talent, keep in mind: feedback is more than just a courtesy – it is the foundation of your organization's strategic success.

DevelopmentPeople is a trusted HR business partner focusing exclusively on the international development and humanitarian sectors. Since 2007, we have provided HR consulting and global talent acquisition support worldwide, assisting non-profit organizations, consultancy firms, government, and major donors.

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