7 Candidate Expectations Recruiters Should Fulfil in 2025

Are you tired of reaching out to candidates only to hear crickets on the other end? Are you ready to become a candidate whisperer and truly understand what the top candidate expectations are from recruiters? 

Well, you’re in luck because we’ve got the inside scoop on the top 7 Candidate Expectations that recruiters should fulfill to ace their hiring game –

7 Candidate Expectations recruiters should be aware of in 2025

1. Detailed Job Advertisement

A detailed job post is like a breath of fresh air for job seekers. It gives them a crystal clear understanding of the job, from the responsibilities to the qualifications and expectations. 

According to a survey, 67% of candidates said that salaries were one of the top factors they looked for in a job advertisement, followed by fringe benefits (63%), location (59%), commute time (43%), and employee reviews (32%).

There’s nothing more frustrating than feeling like you’re in the dark when it comes to job hunting. 

Detailed Job advertisement helps them weed out any positions that are not the right fit for them. Thus, saving them time and effort. In addition, by providing all the “need-to-know” information in one place, a detailed job post allows candidates to hit the ground running if they decide to apply.

Also, read our blog on the candidate experience survey.

2. Open and honest communication

Effective communication is vital to maintaining a positive candidate experience. Research shows that candidates appreciate timely updates and regular follow-ups during the recruitment process. Going silent for an extended time can result in losing interest from the candidates’ side, and you, as a recruiter, lose credibility. So, it is crucial to be proactive in reaching out to candidates and keeping them informed throughout the process.

When communicating with candidates, it is important to be transparent and honest about the status of their application, any expectations, and any other details that might be important. Concealing information or providing false expectations can lead to mistrust and dissatisfaction. Remember that trust and goodwill is a two-way street. You expect candidates to be candid and honest with you, and it’s only fair that you extend the same courtesy to them.

Also Read: Why do Candidate Ghost Recruiters

3. Simple and mobile-friendly application process 

With the fast-paced nature of today’s world, candidates also expect a quick and efficient hiring process. Unfortunately, research shows that up to 60% of job seekers have admitted to abandoning a job application because it takes too long to complete. Ensure that your application process meets the needs and expectations of today’s job seekers.

It is important to put yourself in their shoes and evaluate their journey. One way to do this is to apply for your jobs and see firsthand what can be done to improve the candidate experience. By streamlining the application process and making it simple and easy to complete, you can boost candidate engagement and increase the number of direct applications.

Remember, a lengthy and complicated process may deter qualified candidates from applying, so it’s essential to keep the process as smooth and seamless as possible.

Also, eight out of ten online users expect websites to be mobile-friendly. So to stay ahead of the curve, you need to have a mobile-friendly website and job application process.

Think of it this way, if a potential candidate stops by your site and your job application isn’t optimized for mobile, they’ll take their business elsewhere. As a result, you could miss out on a huge pool of talented job seekers. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Ensure your website and job application process are up to snuff and ready to meet the demands of the modern job market.

Also check, 14 Key Recruiting Metrics Recruitment Agencies Must Track

4. Prompt responses

Waiting is the worst, and candidates know it. That’s why prompt responses are so important. Candidates appreciate recruiters who respond to their inquiries promptly, which helps build trust between the two parties. So, make sure you’re on top of your inbox and invest in technology to establish a system for tracking and responding to candidate inquiries.

Recruiterflow has your back in streamlining the recruitment process and ensuring prompt communication with candidates. With Recruiterflow, you’ll be able to keep all your candidate inquiries in one place, never letting a potential hire slip through the cracks.

By providing quick and efficient responses, you’ll show that you’re all-in to delivering a top-notch candidate experience. This will set the stage for a winning placement and a long-lasting relationship with your candidates.

Want to learn how to make the most of recruitment automation; Read our blog: How Does Automated Recruiting Work and Why Do You Need It?

5. Potential for growth

Potential for advancement is an important factor for many candidates when considering a new job. Candidates want to know what opportunities are available for growth and development within the company. Recruiters should provide clear and accurate information about the company’s potential for advancement and growth opportunities.

6. Work-Life balance

Candidates place a high value on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They want to ensure that the job they are applying for will allow them to achieve this balance. A survey conducted by Statista found that an overwhelming 72% of job seekers rated work-life balance as a very important factor when evaluating a new job opportunity.

Also, check our blog on how to market the most placeable candidates.

Recruiters should be transparent about flexible work, remote options, and PTO policies to inform job seekers and improve work-life balance. Additionally, recruiters can improve the recruitment process by facilitating introductions between job seekers and current employees for insights into company culture and work-life balance. It’s essential for recruiters to provide clear information about the company’s perks and benefits, whether they organize business travels and team building, etc.

7. Honest and timely feedback 

Candidates understand that recruiters have many other candidates to manage, but they still expect to receive feedback on their applications. They want information about the status of their application. Whether they have been rejected or are moving on to the next stage. They also appreciate being informed of additional requirements or relevant updates throughout the recruitment process.

By providing clear and timely feedback, recruiters can help keep candidates engaged and improve the overall candidate experience. According to a survey by Glassdoor, 84% of job seekers said that receiving honest and transparent feedback during the recruitment process would make them more likely to consider future job opportunities with that company. 

Also, read Recruiting Horror Stories

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the needs and expectations of candidates is crucial for recruiters to be successful in their efforts. Recruiters can enhance candidate relationships and improve placement success by providing clear communication, honesty, timely feedback, and support. Recruiters can improve the recruiting process and achieve better results by understanding candidate needs and addressing them effectively.