How can I improve the quality of applications I receive?
Learn how to attract qualified candidates.
To get you started, here are some quick tips to attract higher quality candidates:
- Define clear, specific job requirements in your postings
- Use targeted job advertising across relevant platforms
- Implement prescreening questions to filter out unqualified candidates
- Consider using skills-based assessments early in the process
- Leverage employee referral programs to tap into quality talent networks
- Embrace new strategies like hiring events, email or text campaigns, or
- Switching up your sourcing channels
Your 3 Step Plan for Attracting and Converting Qualified Candidates:
Step 1: Review your job postings
Start by going top to bottom through your job posting to ensure you're attracting the right candidates.
Review Your Job Title
- Make it specific and searchable
- Include key qualifiers that matter to candidates
- Add compelling benefits when appropriate
- Avoid vague level indicators or internal jargon
Review Your Job Description
- Lead with what's in it for the candidate
- Use specific, measurable requirements
- Update keywords every 3-6 months
- Keep language conversational but professional
Review Salary, Benefits, and Company Culture
- Include salary ranges (44% more candidates apply when you do)
- Highlight competitive benefits
- Showcase authentic company culture
- Ask yourself: Are we competitive in our market?
Step 2: Focus on where you're posting
Now that you're confident in your job posting, be strategic about where you distribute it.
Be Targeted and Purposeful
- Choose job sites based on your industry and role type
- Research where your ideal candidates spend time
- Focus on quality job boards over quantity
Adapt and Reallocate Budget
- Track performance by source
- Move budget from low-performing sites to high-performing ones
- Test new channels based on data, not assumptions
Ignore Volume, Focus on Quality
- Ask: Is the right applicant in the pile?
- Measure success by qualified candidates, not total applications
- Optimize for engagement, not just views
Step 3: Move quickly to connect with your best prospects
Once quality candidates are applying, speed and targeted engagement become critical.
Focus Your Energy on Engaged, Qualified Applicants
- Prioritize candidates who show genuine interest
- Don't waste time chasing unresponsive prospects
- Use scoring systems to identify top candidates quickly
Use Automation to Get to Candidates Faster
- Automated confirmation emails
- Scheduled follow-up sequences
- AI-powered initial screening
- Streamlined interview scheduling
Connect Directly With Candidates
- Direct messaging on professional platforms
- Proactive sourcing of passive candidates
- Targeted hiring events
- Text campaigns for quick updates
- Personal video messages from hiring managers
Want to dive deeper into the details?
📖 Read our eBook, "The Next-Gen Recruiter's Guide to Quality Hiring With JobTarget Solutions" >
📋Review our job posting SEO tips for the AI era >