Why Your Hiring Process is a Maze (And How Design Thinking Can Turn It into a Superhighway)

Ever get that nagging feeling that your hiring process is more like a labyrinth than a welcoming path? I did—especially after a candidate joked that applying to our company was like “solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.”

That was my wake-up call. If the best talent felt lost and frustrated before even walking through our doors, something had to change.

But how do you untangle a process that’s been knotted up for years?

Enter design thinking—the not-so-secret weapon that’s revolutionizing everything from tech gadgets to user experiences. And guess what? It’s high time we brought it into HR.

The Aha Moment: When HR Meets Design Thinking

Can we talk about empathy for a second? Not the fuzzy, feel-good kind, but the hardcore, step-into-their-shoes empathy. The kind that’s the first step in design thinking.

I once sat down and tried to apply for a position at my own company—as if I were an outsider. Spoiler alert: it was painful. Endless forms, confusing instructions, radio silence for weeks.

No wonder candidates felt lost.

So, what’s the big idea with design thinking in HR? It’s about reimagining the candidate journey by truly understanding their experience, identifying pain points, and creatively solving them.

Walking a Mile in Their Résumés

Ever thought about how many hoops candidates jump through just to get an initial interview? According to recent studies, the average job seeker spends over three hours completing a single application. Multiply that by the number of positions they’re applying for, and it’s a full-time job just to find a job.

Doesn’t seem fair, does it?

By applying design thinking, we start with empathy:

Empathize: Understand the candidate’s experience.
Define: Identify challenges in the current process.
Ideate: Brainstorm solutions without limitations.
Prototype: Create a simplified version of the new process.
Test: Gather feedback and refine.

It’s a human-centered approach that puts people before protocols.

Breaking Down the Barriers: From Clunky to Clarity

Let’s get real. Our Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can sometimes feel like black holes. Candidates submit their applications and… nothing.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

At Machine Hiring, we’ve started rethinking how our ATS can serve not just us but the candidates as well. By integrating AI-powered candidate matching, we’ve streamlined the process, making it more intuitive and responsive.

Why should you care?

Because time is money, and top talent won’t wait around. They have options—plenty of them. If we don’t engage them quickly and effectively, someone else will.

A Story of Transformation: Jane’s Journey

Let me tell you about Jane—a software engineer with a knack for innovative solutions. She applied to two companies: one with a traditional hiring process and one utilizing design thinking.

At the first company, she spent hours filling out redundant forms, got generic acknowledgment emails, and waited weeks with no update.

At the second, she applied through a streamlined system that took 15 minutes. She received personalized updates at each stage and even feedback after her interviews.

Guess where she accepted an offer?

Candidates remember how you make them feel during the hiring process. It’s their first impression of your company culture.

Are You Ready to Challenge the Status Quo?

Here’s a question: Why do we accept frustration as part of the hiring norm?

Maybe it’s time to flip the script.

By adopting design thinking, we challenge the traditional processes that have long been considered “good enough.” We prioritize the candidate’s experience, leading to higher satisfaction and better retention rates.

Did you know: Companies that provide a positive candidate experience improve their quality of hires by 70%?

That’s not just a statistic—it’s a game-changer.

The Ripple Effect: Beyond Hiring

Design thinking doesn’t stop at hiring. It influences onboarding, employee engagement, and even retention.

By continuously empathizing with employees, we can:

Create more effective training programs.
Develop policies that actually meet team needs.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement.

It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued every step of the way.

Implementing Design Thinking: A Quick Guide

Ready to dive in? Here’s how you can start:

Gather Feedback: Collect honest input from recent candidates and new hires.
Mapping the Journey: Outline every touchpoint a candidate has with your organization.
Identify Pain Points: Highlight areas of frustration or confusion.
Brainstorm Solutions: Get creative—no idea is too outlandish at this stage.
Prototype: Implement small changes first. Maybe it’s as simple as updating your job descriptions for clarity.
Test and Iterate: Gather feedback on the changes and refine accordingly.

At Machine Hiring, we used this approach to revamp our communication strategy. Candidates now receive timely updates, and our engagement rates have skyrocketed.

The Skeptic’s Corner: Addressing Concerns

“But isn’t this just adding more work?” some might ask.

Sure, reimagining processes takes effort. But consider the payoff:

Reduced Time-to-Hire: A smoother process moves candidates through the pipeline faster.
Higher Acceptance Rates: Candidates are more likely to accept offers when they feel valued.
Enhanced Employer Brand: Word gets around. A positive experience attracts top talent.

Isn’t that worth the investment?

Remember, the candidate experience is a reflection of your company’s values.

Unexpected Transition: From Candidates to Customers

Here’s a twist: What if we treated candidates like customers?

Companies spend millions on customer experience. Why? Because happy customers lead to business growth.

Similarly, happy candidates—whether hired or not—become ambassadors for your brand. They talk, they share, they influence.

An exceptional candidate journey can turn a rejected applicant into a future client or advocate.

The Power of Storytelling

Everyone loves a good story.

What’s the narrative your hiring process tells? Is it a thriller full of suspense and unanswered questions? Or is it a well-paced journey with clear milestones and a satisfying conclusion?

By infusing storytelling into the candidate journey, we create a more engaging experience.

At Machine Hiring, we incorporate our company story into the hiring process, sharing our mission and values upfront. Candidates feel connected before they even step through the (virtual) door.

A compelling story can turn applicants into lifelong fans.

Bringing It All Together: The Superhighway Ahead

So, how do we transform that maze into a superhighway?

Empathize with your candidates.
Define the real challenges in your hiring process.
Ideate without limitations—think big!
Prototype solutions and don’t fear failure.
Test and embrace feedback.

By embracing design thinking, we not only improve the candidate journey but also enhance our overall HR strategy.

Imagine a hiring process that’s efficient, engaging, and even enjoyable. A process that attracts top talent and reflects the innovative spirit of your organization.

The Challenge for HR Leaders

Ready to take action?

As CHROs, HR Directors, and HR Managers, it’s on us to lead this transformation.

Let’s ask ourselves:

Are we willing to disrupt the status quo?
Can we commit to a candidate-centric approach?
Will we leverage technology to enhance human connection?

At Machine Hiring, we’re not just talking the talk. We’ve integrated design thinking principles into our ATS system, enhancing AI-powered candidate matching while keeping the human touch.

Because in the end, it’s about people connecting with people.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Change isn’t easy, but staying stagnant is riskier.

By reimagining the candidate journey through design thinking, we pave the way for a future where hiring is not a hurdle but an opportunity—for both the candidate and the company.

So, next time you find yourself staring at a convoluted hiring process, remember:

You have the power to turn that maze into a superhighway.

Ready to start your engines?

Looking to revolutionize your hiring process?

Discover how Machine Hiring can help you create a candidate journey that’s efficient, engaging, and effective. Request a free demo today.