WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY....


FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT: WHY THE CANDIDATE APPLICATION EXPERIENCE MATTERS MORE THAN EVER Comment by WAYNE CARTMEL, Founder & CEO at MyNewTerm


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very education leader knows how challenging recruitment can be. While the importance of recruitment in shaping a school’s success is widely recognised, one critical element is often overlooked: the candidate experience. From the moment someone decides to apply for a role, they begin forming opinions about your organisation. A clunky, outdated or overly complicated process can be enough to deter even the most committed applicants,


particularly in today’s competitive job market. Small frustrations, big consequences


We’ve all seen it: downloadable word documents, applications that can’t be completed on mobile, or repeated requests for the same information. Many schools still rely on lengthy, offline paper-based forms, even for roles that typically attract a small number of applicants. While these systems may feel familiar or manageable internally, they often create unnecessary frustration for candidates. It’s all too common to hear applicants say they’ve abandoned school applications, or decided not to apply at all, simply because the process was overly time- consuming and repetitive. This was exactly my experience when I was a teacher applying for roles. In a market where strong candidates have options, both within and beyond the sector, losing them at the first hurdle can have a lasting impact.


Streamlining isn’t just about speed Improving the candidate experience doesn’t mean lowering standards or compromising on compliance. It means removing avoidable barriers that prevent great people from applying. An education-specific Applicant Tracking System (ATS) can fully support the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education, including capturing full employment history and automatically flagging any gaps. At the same time, it delivers a mobile-friendly, user-centred experience. Candidates can apply from any device, save their progress, and receive real-time updates on their application status, instead of being left in the dark.


A reflection of your values


The application process is often a candidate’s first interaction with your school or trust. A smooth, respectful and transparent journey creates a strong first impression and increases the likelihood of re-engagement in the future, even if the applicant is not successful the first time.


Timely communication is a key part of this experience. Acknowledging applications, providing updates at each stage, and


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offering closure when candidates are unsuccessful all demonstrate professionalism. Even when the outcome isn’t what they hoped for, candidates remember how they were treated. With the right tools, much of this can be automated while still maintaining a personal touch.


Don’t overlook support staff


While teacher recruitment dominates the headlines, data from MyNewTerm this academic year shows that over 60% of school vacancies are for support roles. These include teaching assistants, administrators, and cleaners, all of which are vital to day-to-day operations.


Many of these applicants come from outside the education sector, where applying for jobs is often much simpler. If your application process requires downloading and formatting bespoke word forms, many candidates will move on to other opportunities. In today’s mobile-first world, not everyone has access to a laptop or desktop. A streamlined digital process helps ensure more people can apply, increasing both access and reach.


A strategic advantage


Today, thousands of schools and MATs trust MyNewTerm to digitise and streamline their recruitment process. These employers benefit from faster hiring, clearer communication, and stronger candidate engagement.


Candidate experience is no longer an afterthought. It reflects your values and plays a key role in your recruitment strategy. Without compromising on compliance or standards, you can offer a thoughtful and accessible process that helps attract the people who will shape the future of your school community. After all, first impressions really do count.


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