As a consultant here at Pentasia, I’ve witnessed significant changes in how top talent responds to the recruitment experience in the iGaming sector. Attracting exceptional candidates now goes beyond a great job description and competitive pay—it’s about offering a recruitment experience that resonates with their expectations and values. 

A statistic from a PwC Future of Recruiting survey recently caught my attention: 49% of candidates have turned down job offers due to a poor recruiting experience. That’s a staggering number, and it should give any company pause. While the iGaming sector is known for its fast-paced, high-energy environment, it’s also one where the candidate experience often serves as a preview of life within the organisation. If we don’t get the recruitment experience right, we may lose out on the industry’s best talent before they even set foot in the door. 

Recognising the Impact of a Poor Recruitment Experience 

Two of the biggest frustrations candidates face during the recruitment process are extended timelines and poor communication—both of which can leave them feeling undervalued and frustrated. 

An unnecessarily long recruitment process, with multiple interview rounds or lengthy delays between stages, can cause talented candidates to lose interest. When candidates are kept waiting without clear timelines, it signals that the company may not be organised or considerate of their time. In fast-paced sectors like iGaming, where skilled talent is in high demand, this can result in candidates accepting offers elsewhere before your process is complete. 

Equally damaging is the experience of being “ghosted” by recruiters. Candidates who receive no follow-up or feedback after an interview are left in limbo, wondering about their status and feeling dismissed. This lack of communication can lead candidates to feel disrespected and may prompt them to share their negative experience within their networks, potentially discouraging other high-calibre candidates from applying. 

Ensuring timely, transparent communication and a streamlined recruitment process isn’t just courteous—it’s essential for building a positive reputation and attracting the talent your company needs to thrive. 

The Evolving Recruitment Experience in iGaming 

It’s no secret that iGaming is competitive and ever-evolving, but the industry’s growth also demands a shift in how we approach talent acquisition. In the past, perhaps we focused solely on getting people into roles quickly, sometimes with less emphasis on candidate experience. Today, however, the companies thriving in talent management are those that prioritise the candidate journey, viewing it as an extension of their employer brand. Recruitment is no longer just about filling positions; it’s about developing relationships and ensuring that the process is engaging, transparent, and human-centred. 

To help your company deliver a best-in-class recruitment experience, here are four principles to guide you. 

1. Put Candidates First: A Human-Centred Approach

The recruiting process is a candidate’s first glimpse into your company’s culture. If candidates feel they’re valued from the beginning, they’re much more likely to see themselves as part of your team. At Pentasia, we encourage clients to: 

Communicate frequently: Ensure candidates know where they stand at every stage. Regular updates are reassuring and demonstrate that your company values their time. 

Offer authentic connections: Give candidates chances to connect with potential team members and leaders, allowing them to experience the culture firsthand. This is particularly valuable for iGaming, where team dynamics often play a central role in day-to-day work. 

A well-rounded, people-first approach leaves a lasting impression—even on candidates who may not end up with an offer. 

2. Invest in Smart Technology for a Seamless Process

Technology can make the recruitment experience smooth and efficient, but only if it’s designed with candidates in mind. Many companies use systems that automate tasks like uploading CVs or tracking interview feedback. But a standout experience requires more than just efficiency—it demands engagement. 

Consider integrating high-tech experiences like virtual reality (VR) or immersive simulations for roles where insight into the day-to-day environment is valuable. For example, VR could provide a preview of what it’s like to work in a live iCasino environment or on a fast-paced development team. In addition to streamlining administrative tasks, tech can also be used to showcase your company’s unique working environment and culture. 

3. Value Every Candidate’s Experience—Even Those You Don’t Hire

A recruitment experience that respects every candidate’s time, interest, and potential leaves a positive impression, regardless of the outcome. Candidates who are not selected may still leave with a positive view of your company—one they’re likely to share with their network. 

In a highly connected industry like iGaming, word-of-mouth reputation matters. According to PwC, 56% of candidates would discourage others from applying if they had a negative experience. A respectful process, clear communication, and constructive feedback can go a long way in safeguarding your brand reputation and encouraging more talent to consider you in the future. 

4. Leverage Expert Support to Enhance the Experience

Developing an engaging, candidate-centred recruitment process requires time, resources, and, often, specialist skills. Partnering with an experienced talent consultancy like Pentasia brings added value, especially for high-growth companies or those looking to scale quickly. 

With the expertise of a human captial partner, your candidate experience can become a key differentiator that boosts quality of hire, accelerates time-to-hire, and strengthens overall candidate and hiring manager satisfaction. 

Transforming the Recruitment Process into a Competitive Advantage 

With 49% of candidates willing to walk away due to poor recruitment experiences, it’s clear that experience matters. Companies investing in a thoughtful and engaging hiring journey are not just improving the recruitment process—they’re building a reputation that attracts top-tier talent over the long term. 

Every candidate interaction shapes your employer brand. If you would like to discuss how we can help you elevate your recruitment experience to attract and retain top talent, please reach out to our team today.