#154 - Easy Wins for Improving Candidate Experience

The ASHHRA Podcast

Back by popular demand, Bruce Mattos—Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Phoebe Putney Health System—returns to the show for a candid, high-energy conversation on one of the most frustrating issues in recruitment: candidate ghosting. But Bruce doesn’t just identify the problem—he offers practical, heartfelt strategies to elevate the entire candidate experience and drive long-term talent retention.

Whether you’re leading a TA team, managing hiring at a hospital, or just looking for ways to be more human in your hiring approach, this episode is a must-listen.

What You'll Learn:

🔹 Why Candidate Experience Is a Non-Negotiable
Bruce explains how the first impression sets the tone for retention—and how even executives will walk away from a new job if onboarding is sloppy. From interview prep to Day 1 welcome rituals, Bruce outlines how small touches make a massive difference.

🔹 Creative, Low-Cost Ways to Wow Candidates
Think favorite candy on the table, personalized music in the interview room, or a Starbucks meet-and-greet. Bruce and co-hosts Bo and Luke dive into the power of meaningful moments—and how simple, intentional hospitality can win top talent.

🔹 How to Prevent Ghosting—on Both Sides
Ghosting is rampant, but Bruce believes it’s a symptom of something deeper: a lack of value exchange. He shares how recruiters and hiring managers can maintain engagement with timely follow-ups, honest expectations, and genuine connection.

🔹 The Triangle of Trust
Bruce drops a framework that every recruiter should memorize: the triangle between candidate, recruiter, and hiring manager—with “relationship” at the center. Lose that, and ghosting becomes inevitable. Protect it, and magic happens.

🔹 Military & Sports Lessons Applied to Hiring
From college football recruitment to onboarding lessons from his time in the military, Bruce shares personal stories that reinforce a powerful truth: people remember how you made them feel. Not what you said—how you treated them.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Bruce’s combination of humor, heart, and hard truths will have you rethinking your recruitment approach before the episode ends. He’s a straight shooter with a servant’s heart—and he’s here to help healthcare HR pros not just fill roles, but build relationships that last.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with your fellow healthcare HR leaders.

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