Application Process: DOs & DON'Ts to Capture Talent Effectively
A smooth and engaging application experience can make or break your chances of capturing top talent. Here are the essential DOs and DON'Ts to keep in mind when designing your job application flow:
✅ DOs
Design for mobile-first.
In 2025, over 90% of ad traffic comes from mobile devices. Ensure your mobile experience is flawless by thoroughly testing responsiveness, load times, and usability on different screen sizes.
Build nurturing funnels.
Not every candidate is ready to apply today. Offer low-barrier entry points like newsletter sign-ups or “stay in touch” forms to start engaging passive talent. Use retargeting, notifications, or email to move them further along the funnel over time.
Use multiple, well-placed CTAs.
Include “Start Apply” or similar calls to action at the top, bottom, and within long job descriptions. Clear and repeated CTAs reduce friction and prevent users from getting lost or needing to scroll back up.
Be transparent about salary.
Whenever possible, include salary or salary ranges. It helps set clear expectations and attracts more qualified, serious applicants—leading to better funnel performance.
Track key application metrics.
Set up basic analytics to measure application abandonment rates, average time to complete an application, and drop-off points. These insights are invaluable for optimizing your funnel and comparing performance over time.
❌ DON'Ts
Don’t overload your forms.
Long, complex applications are conversion killers. Keep fields to a minimum. Only ask for essential information and avoid duplication with data already available in the candidate's CV.
Don’t over-request what's already in the CV.
With modern AI, rich insights can be pulled directly from resumes. Don’t ask for full employment histories or long descriptions if you already request a CV.
Don’t include intrusive chat features.
Avoid embedding chat windows or pop-ups in the application process. They can be unstable, distract users, or disrupt flow. If using a chatbot, host it separately and A/B test its actual impact on conversion.
Don’t clutter the page with generic visuals.
Stock images that aren’t authentic or relevant to your company culture can hurt credibility and user experience. Use real, purposeful visuals—or none at all—to keep the focus on the content.
☝️ Pro tip: A simple, intuitive, mobile-optimized experience with just the right level of transparency and engagement can significantly boost conversion rates. If you need help auditing your application flow, contact your Customer Success Manager.