7 Ways to Keep Candidates Interested (and Excited!) 

By Caitlin Finlay 

Hiring the right candidates is a two-way street. Just like companies want to find the best candidates, job seekers also want to feel like they’re being treated with respect and appreciation. A bad hiring experience can turn a great candidate away, even if they were initially excited about the job. 

So, how do you ensure candidates stay engaged and feel valued throughout the hiring process? Here are seven simple but effective strategies to keep them interested and excited about joining your team. 

1. Keep Communication Clear and Frequent 

Nobody enjoys being left hanging—especially when they’re applying for a job. Let candidates know what to expect at every step. Send a confirmation email when they apply, give them an idea of the hiring timeline, and check in regularly with updates. Even if there are delays, just letting them know what's going on makes a big difference. 

You don’t need to call every candidate daily, but small tech-based touches can help. Automated messages, chatbots for quick questions, and easy scheduling tools make the hiring process smoother. Some companies even use text messages to keep candidates in the loop, which can feel more personal than an email. 

2. Keep the Hiring Process Moving 

A slow hiring process is one of the biggest reasons candidates lose interest. If the process drags on for weeks without updates, people will move on. Keep things moving by streamlining steps, cutting out unnecessary interviews, and using tools that speed things up. 

If your interview process is lengthy, be sure to express gratitude for candidates’ time and patience. A simple thank-you goes a long way, but you can take it a step further by offering a small token of appreciation. For virtual interviews, consider sending lunch vouchers, and for in-person meetings, providing lunch can make the experience more enjoyable. 

Companies like Reimbi make it easy to reimburse candidates for meals, helping you create a more positive and professional hiring experience. 

3. Make the Process Personal 

Treat candidates like real people, not just names on a resume. Use their name when you talk to them, mention something specific from their application, and take a moment to understand their background. This shows you actually care about them as a person, not just as a potential employee. 

4. Highlight Your Company Culture, Growth, and Opportunities 

Give candidates a real sense of what it's like to work at your company. Share behind-the-scenes videos, introduce them to future team members, or offer a virtual office tour. Show candidates why your workplace is a great place to build their career.  

Top candidates don’t just want a job. They want a future. During interviews, talk about how employees can grow at your company. Share examples of how others have moved up or developed new skills. This makes candidates more excited about joining long-term. 

5. Ask for Feedback and Listen 

The hiring should be a two-way conversation. Ask candidates what they think about the process and be open to making changes. If several people mention that a step in the process was frustrating, it’s probably time to fix it.  

6. Be Honest and Transparent 

People can tell when a company is just saying what they think candidates want to hear. Be honest about the job, the company culture, and any challenges that come with the role. This builds trust and makes candidates more likely to stick around. 

7. Make Rejections Kind and Helpful 

Not every candidate will get the job, but that doesn’t mean they should be left with a bad impression. Send a kind rejection email with some feedback to keep the door open for future opportunities. A positive experience can make a candidate more likely to apply again or recommend your company to others. 

A good hiring experience doesn’t just help candidates; it also helps your company attract and keep top talent. By keeping communication clear, making the process personal, and showing appreciation, you can turn job seekers into future employees who are excited to be part of your team. 

Ready to wow those candidates? At TalentRemedy, we help companies like yours find and retain top talent faster and smarter. Our expertise makes hiring more efficient, especially when it comes to in-demand talent. If you're looking for a tailored hiring approach that delivers real results, let’s talk! Reach out to us at info@talentremedy.com or 703-362-0175 to explore how we can streamline your recruiting process and help you find the right fit without the guesswork.