I was talking with a former Army recruiter recently, and he told me something I found fascinating. Since people can enlist months — sometimes even a year — before starting basic training, military recruiters have built an intentional candidate engagement process to keep recruits connected before they officially join. He called it “entertaining.”
Now, his version of entertaining involved bringing enlistees into the office once a week to do some pushups while chatting about concerns. Most businesses probably can’t (and shouldn’t) do that with job candidates, but his methods got me thinking: how can companies and recruiting firms keep candidates engaged during a lengthy hiring process?
The short answer: absolutely.
The long answer: let’s dive in.
Touch Points Matter
Recruiting best practices almost always include consistent touch points — ideally weekly — from the initial phone screening to the start date. These recruitment best practices exist for a reason, but too often they’re treated as a checklist rather than an opportunity to build trust and excitement.
Recruiters often send a quick Friday email: “We’re still waiting on feedback from the hiring manager — more soon.” That’s better than silence, but great candidate engagement requires more.
A personal touch goes a long way. Moving from an email to a quick text adds warmth and accessibility. Candidates are often thankful that they have access to recruiters outside of email. Or try a short video message — it adds personality and helps humanize your company’s talent acquisition process. Even small changes can elevate how candidates feel about your brand.
Other Ways to “Entertain” Candidates
Beyond adjusting communication, consider ways to add value and connection throughout the hiring process. Candidates frequently say they rarely hear from recruiters or hiring managers, which can lead to frustration and disengagement.
Think of it as pre-onboarding — start drawing them into your organization early. Share company updates, team highlights, or articles featuring your business in the news. Even sending relevant industry insights shows that your company (and your recruiting firm or HR team) values their engagement.
Small gestures like these help position your company as one that communicates thoughtfully — a major plus in competitive markets for top candidates.
Integrate Company Culture Early
One of the most common concerns hiring managers share with our recruiting team is how a new hire will integrate into the existing company culture. That’s a valid question — and one you can start answering during the interview process.
By weaving small cultural touch points into your communication — from tone and transparency to the content you share — candidates begin to understand how your company operates and what values drive it.
These early impressions not only help you assess fit but also show candidates what kind of organization they’d be joining. For a professional recruiting firm like TalentSpark, it’s an essential part of ensuring both sides of the hire align for long-term success.
Stay Engaged — Even When It’s a Waiting Game
Hiring processes can stretch out for countless reasons — leadership schedules, evolving role requirements, or external events like COVID-19. But even when things slow down, consistent, thoughtful communication helps maintain momentum and builds goodwill.
When candidates feel seen, respected, and included, they’re far more likely to stay invested through the final stages — and accept your offer when the time comes.
Partner with TalentSpark for a Better Candidate Experience
At TalentSpark, we understand how crucial engagement is throughout the recruitment process. Our Boise recruiting firm takes a relationship-driven approach to hiring, ensuring both clients and candidates experience clarity, consistency, and care from start to finish.
From executive recruiting to temporary staffing, our team helps companies design hiring strategies that attract and retain the right talent. Because in today’s competitive landscape, connection matters just as much as qualifications.
Ready to strengthen your candidate experience? Let’s talk about how we can help you keep your top candidates engaged — every step of the way.
