Ed Note: The fall 2014 recruitDC event is just days away. The schedule is packed with great interactive content and I am honored to moderate the engaging talent panel. We’re sharing a sneak peek with you, where each of the panelists will provide their perspective of candidate engagement.  We are going to continue the series with Mike Bruni of Leidos.
How do you define candidate engagement? Why this is so challenging?

In recruiting terms, candidate engagement is the connection between candidate and recruiter as well as the rapport built between the two. It is the most important aspect of recruitment. First impressions are important and this sets the tone for the entire process.  This also includes the approach taken by a recruiter to identify and connect with a candidate.

For recruiters, it’s quite challenging as you need to approach different candidates using different methods and communication styles.  Recruiters face generational differences, skill differences, branding issues, etc. when approaching candidates.  I would say that engaging candidates is challenging, fun, and elusive.  It’s all three wrapped together.  Engagement includes the hunt, connection, and the ability to convince  a candidate to express interest in a particular opportunity.  The rapport that you build with a candidates sets the stage for the entire experience. [Read more…]