Those in recruiting know what phases in the requisition process move quickly, and where the common delay points are: getting through all the candidates (external and internal), waiting for the hiring manager to decide, approvals of all sorts, assessment results & debriefs, that last decision-maker’s input knowing they shot off to Hawaii right after the interviews and they’re likely on a beach with a Mai Thai in their hand . . . and you’re like, “Come on! Just reply ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to that email . . . please!”

This is when the recruiter or whomever is interfacing with the candidates helps save the day. How do they do this? Keep. Candidates. Warm.

If you as a recruiter can elicit these four words of response from your candidates, you may end up being the all-star closer and hero: “Thanks for the update!”

It is so easy to extend a quick gesture to the candidates you’ve got in play, yet so easy to let it slip amidst your 100 other tasks. Don’t let it! Set up reminders in your ATS, in your Outlook, your personal cell phone, sticky notes on your monitor, whatever you need to do.

Let’s break down these four words “Thanks for the update” and what’s behind them that drives so much value:

• Candidates want to work where they are wanted, valued and appreciated. With a quick gesture to update, you’re continuing to show interest, which in turn increases their appreciation and interest in you.
• You’re demonstrating that your company is organized and on the ball. You’ve got it together. You move quickly. If there’s a delay, you know it, and you handle it. Boom.
• You’re keeping your company in a strong light when you may have competing companies also pursuing the candidate. The candidate is going to pay attention to this, and compare their experiences. Stand out.
• It’s one more personal touch point, and rapport-builder. Those “warm fuzzies” add up. And if you’re like most recruiters who do this job because they like working with people, it should be a personally enjoyable moment for you anyway, right?

I compare the gesture of keeping candidates warm to a nice and welcoming coat of paint in a house that you’re selling. People appreciate it when they see it, and they emotionally start heading in the direction you want them. When that paint is vomit brown or 80s retro, and/or the employer drops off the radar after an enjoyable interview . . . man, that homebuyer and that candidate really notice. These small gestures are so easy and the ROI is ten fold. It’s a small amount of time and effort that can make the difference between a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ at the end. No brainer . . .

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