Deepak Subramanian

The numbers don't lie. Offer decline rates are on the rise, costing companies time, money, and top talent. Recruiters are on the front lines of this battle, but it's time to rethink the traditional sourcing playbook.&nbsp;In this article, we'll dive into why candidates say "no" – and what recruiters can do to turn those declines into enthusiastic acceptances.Here's a breakdown of key actions recruiters can take during the candidate sourcing phase to minimize offer declines later:1. Target the Right Candidates<ul><li>Precise Job Descriptions : Clearly outline essential skills, responsibilities, and the type of person who would thrive in the role.</li><li>Ideal Candidate Profile : Define the experience, education, and personality traits you're looking for.</li></ul>2. Sell the Opportunity<ul><li>Highlight Company Culture :&nbsp;Emphasize the mission, values, and what makes your workplace unique.</li><li>Growth Potential :&nbsp;Discuss opportunities for career development and advancement.</li><li>Showcase Benefits : Go beyond the standard to mention perks and unique aspects of your benefits package.</li></ul>3. Set Realistic Expectations<ul><li>Salary Transparency :&nbsp;Be upfront about potential salary ranges based on experience.</li><li>Honest Job Preview : Don't oversell the role, provide an accurate idea of the challenges involved.</li><li>Company Reputation : Address any negative online reviews or concerns the candidate may have.</li></ul>4. Build Candidate Trust<ul><li>Responsiveness : Reply to inquiries promptly and professionally.</li><li>Respectful Communication :&nbsp;Treat candidates as valued individuals, not just leads.</li><li>Candidate Experience : Ensure every touchpoint from sourcing to offer is positive and informative.</li></ul> "Remember: Sourcing is about quality, not just quantity. A smaller pool of highly-qualified, well-aligned candidates will always lead to lower offer declines than a wider net filled with less suitable prospects".

Tired of Offer Declines? Recruiters Need a New Playbook

Offer decline rates are on the rise, costing companies time, money, and top talent. What can recruiters do to turn those declines into enthusiastic acceptances?