Minimise Application Barriers for Higher Completion Rates

Introduction

In today's competitive job market, ensuring a seamless application process is crucial for attracting the best talent. Many potential candidates abandon job applications due to unnecessary barriers, leading to lower completion rates and lost opportunities for employers. This article aims to provide HR professionals and recruiters with effective strategies to remove application barriers, thereby improving the candidate experience and increasing application completion rates.

Remove Account Creation Requirement

One of the most significant barriers in job applications is the requirement for candidates to create an account before applying. This step can deter many qualified candidates who are unwilling to go through the hassle, leading to a high dropout rate. Instead, consider allowing candidates to apply directly, using email or a simple form, making account creation optional. Evaluate whether this requirement is truly necessary for your hiring process, and if it is, consider allowing account creation after the initial application submission. Testing the application process can ensure it remains as frictionless as possible.

Remove Login Requirement for Application

Similar to account creation, requiring candidates to log in before they can apply adds another layer of complexity. Many candidates may not have an account and could abandon the process rather than going through account creation. To counter this, consider allowing guest or anonymous applications. If a login is necessary, make it clear upfront with detailed instructions and consider requiring it only after the initial application submission to minimise friction.

Simplify Multi-step Application Process

Multi-step application processes can be daunting, with each additional step increasing the likelihood of abandonment. To streamline the process, review the current application flow, identify necessary steps, and consolidate related information into single steps. Adding progress indicators can help candidates understand how much is left, reducing perceived friction. Allowing candidates to save their progress and return later can also improve completion rates.

Streamline Consent Wall or Cookie Consent

While consent requirements such as cookie consent are crucial for compliance, they should not create unnecessary barriers. Review your consent requirements to ensure they are essential and consider making the consent process a single click. Position consent dialogs so they do not block the application button, and if possible, allow candidates to proceed without extensive consent. Testing the application flow can help ensure that consent requirements do not interrupt the process.

Fix Apply URL Redirects to Login Pages

It is crucial to ensure that apply URLs lead directly to application forms rather than login pages. Redirecting candidates to login pages adds unnecessary friction, which can be avoided by allowing candidates to start their application immediately. If a login is necessary, consider requiring it only after the initial application submission. Ensure apply URLs are stable and do not change based on authentication state.

Enable Guest or Anonymous Application

Allowing candidates to apply without creating an account or logging in can significantly increase completion rates. Evaluate whether account creation is absolutely necessary before application submission and consider allowing applications via email. Collect necessary information such as resumes and contact details without requiring registration, and optionally offer account creation after application submission for tracking purposes.

Add Progress Indicators to Multi-step Applications

Progress indicators can significantly enhance the candidate experience by showing how far along they are in the application process. By displaying progress both visually and textually, candidates are more likely to complete their applications. Ensure that your progress indicators are accessible and work correctly across all steps. Allow candidates to save their progress and return later if possible to further improve completion rates.

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, HR professionals and recruiters can significantly improve the candidate experience and increase application completion rates. Removing unnecessary barriers such as account creation and login requirements, simplifying multi-step processes, and enhancing transparency with progress indicators can lead to a more efficient hiring process. By focusing on these areas, you can attract more qualified candidates and ultimately make better hiring decisions.