Candidate relationship management (CRM) is a proactive recruitment strategy focused on building and nurturing relationships with candidates throughout the hiring process. Rather than treating recruitment as a one-time transaction, candidate relationship management best practices are ongoing, personalized communication that helps candidates feel valued and engaged at every stage of the hiring process.

This consistent engagement enhances the overall candidate experience, which in turn boosts the company’s reputation and employer brand. When candidates have positive interactions, they are more likely to accept job offers, refer others to the organization, and remain open to future opportunities—even if they weren’t selected for the current role. 

By investing in candidate relationships, organizations can reduce time to hire, improve quality of hire, and build long-term connections with top talent. A strong candidate relationship management strategy leads to a more efficient hiring process, deeper candidate loyalty, and a competitive edge in attracting skilled professionals in today’s talent-driven market.