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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? 

▶️Check out our on-demand webinar, "From Overwhelmed to Optimized: Cutting Through Application Noise With Smart Solutions" > 

📖 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 >