eCommerce Recruitment: Do you know candidate expectations?

What do candidates expect from the eCommerce recruitment process? It's a competitive world of talent and people are definitely more selective than they were 4 years ago!

In our 2023 eCommerce salary survey & insights report, we wanted to delve into candidate expectations and their approach to the recruitment process. How long do they expect it to last? What deters them from continuing a process? These questions, and more, are about to be answered! 

How long should the eCommerce recruitment process take?

To really get a clear view, we also asked eCommerce leaders to answer this question. Are those doing the hiring on the same page as those doing the applying?

As we can see, there are not too many differences in expectations. The most significant difference is a 5% gap between employers and employees for a recruitment process lasting less than 4 weeks. It demonstrates the importance of setting hiring expectations at the start. If you can offer a complete process that lasts 4 weeks, great! If it does need longer, you need to keep candidates informed at all times.

What deters candidates from pursuing a role further?

When candidates are applying for eCommerce jobs, remember that this is only the start. It doesn't mean they are already sold on working for your company. Now, candidates are very selective about opportunities. They want benefits and a work-life balance that really suits them. We asked respondents what would make them decide a role is not for them further into the recruitment process... 

• Salary changes/poor negotiation (66%): This is a big no-no in recruitment. A big reason the person applied is probably because of the original salary on offer. If this suddenly changes, you will have a hard time keeping any original applicants engaged.
• Culture Clash (58%): Transparency is key in recruitment, from both sides of the hiring table. Highlight your culture at every stage of the journey - don't just show off a pool table and call it a day! The more the candidates learn, the more they realise if the culture is really for them.
• Poor communication (53%): From recruitment expectations to salary negotiations, communication is vital in all aspects of the hiring process. As we mentioned, always keep candidates up to date and try not to delay the process without letting them know why.
• Taking too long (49%): You are not the only company this candidate has applied for. Furthermore, they are likely already in a role - they won't wait around forever.
• Unclear job spec (45%): The best thing you can do at the start of the process is to write a clear and concise job advert. What do you do, what skills do you require and what will the day-to-day look like? Don't allow the scope of the role to become confusing later in the process because your initial job advert did not highlight the key requirements. 

A candidate has two offers - what is their deciding factor?

As we mentioned, a candidate is likely in a few processes. Furthermore, they will always compare a new offer to their current package. They won't leave their current situation for less. Here are the top 5 answers from respondents when we asked what the main deciding factors are for them.

• Best company culture: 79%
• More remote working opportunities: 60%
• Highest salary: 57%
• More flexible hours: 45%
• Management style: 38%

Looking for more eCommerce recruitment insights?

There is so much more to explore in the full eCommerce salary survey report! Simply click below to download a free copy. If you want to talk to the team, fill out our contact form and we will be in touch!