Lowering Cost Per Hire by Maximizing Completed Applications

Why Completed Applications Matter

For trucking companies, having a steady stream of qualified applicants is crucial. However, the application process can often become a frustrating roadblock. High drop-off rates mean lost opportunities and higher costs per hire. Mitch and Fran's conversation brought some profound insights on making the application process smoother and more effective.

Key Strategies for Maximizing Application Completions

1. Make Your Application Mobile-Friendly

Fran emphasized that over 90% of drivers fill out applications on their mobile devices. Ensuring your application is mobile-friendly is no longer optional—it's necessary.

• Avoid forms with 50 or 60 fields crammed onto one page.

• Design forms that are easy to scroll and interact with on small screens.

• Allow drivers to save their progress and return to where they left off.

2. Methodical Follow-Up

Engaging with applicants should be a structured process. Fran suggests the following:

• Call leads as soon as they show interest.

• Follow up with texts, emails, and calls at different times throughout the day.

• Develop a system that tracks all follow-up attempts to ensure no lead slips through the cracks.

3. Human Interaction Before Application Submission

Mitch compared strict application requirements to sending a marriage proposal before a first date. Building a relationship with potential hires before asking them to fill out extensive forms can drastically improve completion rates.

• Talk to candidates first to establish trust.

• Sell them on the job before you ask for detailed information.

• Find out their pain points and demonstrate how your company can address them.

Real-World Examples and Anecdotes

Fran shared insights from his experience at Double Nickel, including clients who initially saw massive drop-offs due to cumbersome applications. One client saw a big increase in completed applications by following Fran's advice to improve their follow-up system. Another client experienced significant drop-offs because they added unnecessary questions to the application, highlighting the importance of minimizing friction.

Mitch added an anecdote about a client who initially required potential hires to complete a personality test before having any conversation. They switched tactics to engage candidates first and then send them the test, resulting in a higher completion rate.

Conclusion

Incorporating these strategies can significantly lower your cost per hire by ensuring more applicants complete their applications. Making your forms mobile-friendly, following up methodically, and engaging with potential hires before asking them to complete lengthy forms can make a huge difference.

Happy hiring!

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