10 minute read
By Archita Kapoor, HR Auditor, Top Employers Institute
As part of Top Employer Infinite Computer Solutions commitment to creating a world-class employee experience—one where every candidate feels valued and confident in their decision to join the organisation—the India team introduced an innovative pre-onboarding initiative: the HOPE Team.
At the heart of the HOPE Team’s mission is a commitment to delivering a seamless, engaging, and supportive candidate experience. From the moment an offer is accepted through to an employee’s first day, the team ensures candidates remain informed, connected, and excited as they transition into their new role.
This specialized core team at Infinite Computer Solutions plays a vital role in the hiring process by ensuring candidates stay informed, engaged, and supported throughout their notice period.
This is just a snapshot of Infinite Computer Solutions innovative best practice; you can find the entire practice in our HR Best Practices database, which is exclusively available to Top Employers. Get inspiration and insight into the approach, challenges and learnings experienced by certified Top Employers. Access it now via the Top Employers Programme if you are Certified or learn more about it here!
Why the HOPE team was needed
HOPE stands for HR, operations, prerequisite, and engagement. In the fast-paced and competitive IT industry where candidates typically have a 90-day notice period, it’s crucial to keep them engaged and committed to their new opportunity. The HOPE team was created to maintain constant communication with prospective new hires/ candidates, addressing their concerns, and providing timely follow-ups.
Their team’s dedicated focus on consistent engagement, query resolution, and proactive communication makes all the difference in ensuring that top talent is retained and successfully onboarded.
How the HOPE team came together
The HOPE team consists of five full-time employees, including a team lead, who all have a background in talent acquisition, so they truly understand the recruitment process involved. Infinite Computer Solutions smartly allocated the team members according to business units, so that the team can support onboarding for 250-300 candidates per month.
From the moment the candidate successfully clears the HR interview, the team steps in to build a strong relationship with each candidate. They initiate discussions about the offer, answer all candidate questions, and provide the necessary guidance to help candidates decide and accept the offer.
Once the offer is accepted, their role does not end. They continue to assist candidates by guiding them through the onboarding documentation process and ensuring they are fully prepared to start their new journey at Infinite Computer Solutions
Key touch points for the HOPE Team:
- Candidate Engagement from the start. The Hope Team gets involved with candidates right from the moment they clear the HR interview establishing a strong, ensuring that every candidate feels valued and informed.
- Offer to Acceptance. The HOPE team offers guidance once an offer is extended; they immediately step in to guide candidates through the offer- acceptance process ensuring that all candidate concerns are addressed.
- Regular Follow-ups. During the candidates’ notice period, the scope of the team’s work lies in keeping candidates engaged during this 30 to 90 day period by ensuring timely follow ups, Hiring manager check ins, instant query resolution.
- Onboarding Process. The HOPE team offers support after the offer is accepted and continues to play an active role in helping candidates through the onboarding documentation process, guiding them and preparing for their first day within the organization.
- Ensuring High Offer-to-Join Conversion. One of the primary KPIs for the HOPE team is ensuring a monthly conversion rate of at least 70% from offer to joining by proactively supporting and nurturing candidates to make sure they follow through on their commitment.
What HOPE team achieved
Post implementation, the HOPE team got credibility not just as a follow-up team but as trusted advisors who ensure that every candidate’s experience is smooth, transparent, and enjoyable during the crucial pre-joining phase. Key results were candidate excitement while joining the company, high offer to joining conversion rates, and reduced offer drop-off rates.
Quintessential Take-Away
For organizations recruiting in markets or countries with a long notice period, bulk hirings and high candidate dropouts, this is a great example to keep candidates engaged and building candidate trust while continuing to focus on Employee delight.
If you’re in HR, the HOPE Team is an inspiring best practice that demonstrates how a thoughtful pre-onboarding experience can strengthen candidate engagement, reduce the risk of offer drop-offs, and create a lasting first impression. It’s a reminder that the employee experience begins the moment a candidate says “yes”—not on their first day.
