Redefining the Job Applicant User Experience

The Problem

In 2015, the Western Digital UX Director came to me and asked if I’d be interested in redefining the job applicant experience as he and other leaders were frustrated with the unnecessary complexity of the current process. I was happy to take on the challenge. His only directives were to focus on the user experience, lean heavily on LinkedIn, and be ready to present to the VP in a week.

Constraints

• I had one week to interview, gather feedback, research, design, and present my findings.
• Very little access to real users/applicants.

The Solution

After interviewing the stakeholders and users, I researched WD’s current job applicant and interview process. The results were telling and in need of major reform. I put my findings and suggestions into a Keynote deck. These are the highlights:

• Make it easy for candidates to find jobs. Create LinkedIn job postings that include keywords and that show up in other related job results.
  
• Make it easy for candidates to apply. Allow anyone to apply directly from LinkedIn instead of forcing them to create a detailed Taleo profile on the corporate jobs site first.
  
• Treat talent and interviews with respect. Take them seriously. Make sure all steps are clear and the candidate always has a host when interviewing in-person.

I presented my research and suggestions to the VP during his next weekly meeting with managers and the HR recruiter. They were impressed and agreed that the new process was much simpler, removed unnecessary roadblocks, and should be implemented immediately. The HR recruiter requested a copy of my research deck and worked with hiring managers to implement the changes.

Lessons learned

1. Keep it simple
   This project had a quick timeline and a lot of tasks to get done. Taking detailed notes, creating an organized plan, and focusing on keeping the process simple for the user ensured it’s success.
   
2. Look at the big picture
   It was important not to just focus on improving the application submittal process but also consider other factors like using keywords, and providing a host who treats the candidate with respect during the interview process.