Engaging Candidates is Like Cooking Bacon

Engaging Candidates is like cooking Bacon.

Sitting in a coffee shop with a limited menu and a large appetite, what do I order? As I read through my options I notice a side of local bacon listed. As I sit patiently, I smell the grill, wondering when I will finally get a bite. Finally, the moment has arrived and I get to bite into my perfectly cooked bacon. I began to think, how disappointed I would have been if this bacon was not so delicious…

Whether it is an email, phone call, LinkedIn message, Facebook message, or tweet, a carefully crafted engagement message can go a long way. Although you may have thought you had heard it all, here is why engaging your candidate is like cooking bacon.

1. The Undercooked Bacon – It is weak, often cold, not very appetizing, and lacks that smell that draws you in.

Your message can be too generic and not strong enough to really draw someone in. The initial reach out is all about how to get your candidate on the phone as quickly as possible and how to keep them interested. A weak message is often overlooked and lost amongst the numerous amounts of similar lacking engagements. Although the undercooked message is not desirable, it pays off to be brief versus showing your hand.

2. The Overcooked Bacon – It is too crispy, has been frying for much too long, reeks of smoke, and takes a lot of effort to chew.

The ‘overcooked’ message contains far too much detail. Paragraph after paragraph of information regarding the position, the company, the recruiter, etc. It is far too much to swallow and often requires far too much energy to endure during a busy day. The long message gives away all details, and leaves nothing to curiosity. Additionally, the candidate will not have the time to respond to the several questions that were included, nor the patience to follow through.

3. The Crispy Perfection – It has the perfect amount of savor, the smell draws you in, you don’t want to stop eating it, and you’re probably (if you’re like me) closing your eyes with each bite.

Yes, this is the crispy, chewy bliss you’ve been looking for. The message is brief, yet includes the crucial details (job title, location, and a personal detail) and is enough to leave the candidate wanting more. It is an easily read message and requires minimal effort to get to the next step of finding more. The candidate is curious, “why me?” Adding a single detail regarding the candidates experience can add a touch of care, and helps to make it personal. Avoiding the depersonalization that is sometimes included with mass emails.

Many individuals are different in how they like to be approached. Some are more traditional and appreciate the time that is taken to craft messages. Others are offended that someone thinks they may have the time to read a novel in the midst of their busy work day. However, with technology improving by the day and details constantly within reach it pays to be brief and dangle the bait. Take that extra second to cook your perfect ‘crispy’ engagement message and candidates will have to respond.

Emma Sieber is an Internal Recruiter at NSS RPO, a consulting firm that provides on-site and virtual recruiting professionals. Contact NSS RPO to learn about how we can help your organization meet and exceed it’s hiring goals.