How to win the 'intense' talent war

Offering candidates more money isn’t enough anymore

How to win the 'intense' talent war

When deciding between two offers, almost half of jobseekers say the best thing a recruiter can do is discuss why their offer better aligns with their career aspirations.

Research also found that only 5% of jobseekers said giving them more money would be the top move for causing them to accept one offer over another.

Additionally, despite all the technology transforming the talent acquisition industry, the study found that both candidates and recruiters believe the human element is critical to the hiring experience.

When asked for the top reasons why candidates are looking for a new job, Korn Ferry found most want:

  • - a better title or more responsibility (20%)
  • better salary (19%)
  • a new challenge and/or are bored at work (16%)

Candidates added that the best way to attract them to a job is when recruiters offer ample knowledge about the specific job, organisation and industry.

But if candidates are ‘unsure’ of the new job offer, only half (50%) say they can be convinced to take it on.

On the other hand, eight in 10 recruiters believe they can convince the candidate.

Regardless, the hiring process is still dependent on relationship-building, with 90% of candidates and 80% of recruiters saying it is either ‘very’ or ‘extremely important’ that the candidate likes the recruiter.

The worst way to treat the candidate experience is by ‘ghosting’ jobseekers. More than half (53%) of candidates say that the top way communications break down is when a recruiter ‘ghosts’ them by not calling them back or letting them know where they stand in the hiring process.

READ MORE: 'Ghosting': The nightmarish dating trend haunting HR

“Technology has allowed us to make tremendous strides in talent acquisition, such as the use of AI to source the best candidates for a role,” said Pip Eastman, managing director, Solutions APAC at Korn Ferry’s RPO and Professional Search business.

“However, it’s the positive interaction with a recruiter and/or hiring manager that can make or break a candidate experience.”