An unfortunate reality of recruiting is that many top job candidates don’t apply for some open positions because the application process is too complicated or arduous. Below are a few tips on how recruiters and employers can improve their application process:

1.     Make the initial application process a quick one.  Job applications that take lots of time to complete lose many top job candidates.  Top job candidates don’t feel compelled to file out time consuming applications because they are being pursued by other employers who don’t require time consuming forms or processes. 

2.     If you’re using an automated online application process make sure that it is streamlined, efficient, bug free and only requesting the necessary information you need to make a decision on who you want to interview.  Top job candidates often bow out of application processes that take too long or that crash, freeze or in any way create a technological nuisance for the candidate.

3.     Follow-up quickly with job candidates who apply for your job posting. The quicker the reply the more likely you are to snag the best job candidates. Recruiters and employers who can respond to top job candidates within 24 to 48 after they apply for a job will make a great impression.

4.     Communicate a realistic job process timeline to job candidates before they apply.  While it is important to follow-up with job candidates, it is also important to communicate what they can expect in the application process. When will they receive a response?  Will you respond even if they are not selected for an interview?  How long before they will get an interview?  Think about the questions that job candidates have and make those answers accessible to job candidates.