The hiring process is more than just filling a vacancy. Every interview, email, and conversation shapes a candidate’s perception of your organisation—and, in today’s connected world, your employer brand.
At BGTS, we believe recruitment is a two-way process built on mutual respect, transparency, and humanity. Candidates invest significant time and energy in the process; the least we can do is ensure their experience reflects the value they bring.
Here are five things every candidate deserves from the hiring process.
Preparation
Candidates often spend hours—sometimes days—preparing for interviews. They research the company, the role, and even the individuals they will meet. They refine their CVs, rehearse answers, and prepare examples to demonstrate their skills.
As hiring professionals, preparation is the minimum we owe in return. That means reading CVs in advance, understanding the candidate’s background, and familiarising ourselves with their experience. This not only shows respect, but also signals that we see them as more than just an application in a system.
Failing to prepare sends a clear message: their time doesn’t matter. And once that trust is broken, it’s difficult to rebuild.
Presence
Preparation is just the first step—presence is what makes a conversation meaningful.
Being present means giving candidates our full attention, actively listening, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions. It’s about showing genuine curiosity in their story, not just ticking boxes.
We’ve all been in their position, scanning for clues in tone, facial expressions, and body language. If we appear distracted, we risk undermining their confidence in real time. Just as we expect candidates to be engaged, they deserve the same from us.
Transparency
Uncertainty is one of the most challenging parts of a job search. A clear, transparent process helps reduce that stress.
This means explaining each step: how many interview rounds there are, who they’ll meet, what timelines to expect, and what feedback will be provided. Even if the outcome is a rejection, timely and respectful communication can leave a positive impression and keep the door open for future opportunities.
Transparency builds trust, and trust encourages candidates to stay engaged with your organisation.
Humanity
Every candidate brings a unique story—sometimes alongside challenges we can’t see. They may be a parent balancing childcare, a newcomer adapting to a new country, or someone managing burnout.
Nerves, fatigue, or difficulty expressing themselves don’t mean they lack capability or interest. They mean they’re human. Our role is to create an environment where candidates feel safe enough to perform at their best—not to judge them in their most anxious moments.
Empathy isn’t an optional extra in recruitment—it’s essential.
Respect
In a digital-first world, every candidate interaction has a ripple effect. One poor experience can influence how they speak about your company, whether they recommend you to others, and if they ever consider applying again.
Respect is demonstrated in timely communication, clear feedback, and the way we treat each person—regardless of the outcome. Candidates may forget the specifics of a conversation, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
Your hiring process isn’t just about finding the right talent—it’s also about strengthening your employer brand. And respect is at the heart of both.
Final thoughts
Recruitment isn’t just about evaluating talent; it’s about building relationships. When we prepare, remain present, stay transparent, show humanity, and act with respect, we create a candidate experience that reflects our values and attracts the right people for the long term. Explore open positions at BGTS today!