In May, the New Zealand Association of Graduate Employers (NZAGE) hosted a forum featuring MYOB, the proud recipients of the 2023 NZAGE Best Candidate Experience award.

During this event, MYOB’s Emerging Talent Lead, Kristina Nutt, and Emerging Talent Consultant, Anna Dyer shared invaluable insights and strategies with our members, offering a deep dive into how they craft the best experience for their candidates. Thank you to everyone who tuned in!

Introduction to MYOB’s Candidate Experience

Anna and Kristina began by explaining MYOB’s purpose and evolution. MYOB has transformed from accounting software into a comprehensive business management platform. Today, MYOB supports over 1 million businesses in Australia and New Zealand, with one in three Kiwi’s being paid through their software.

The Future Makers Academy (FMA)

The Future Makers Academy (FMA), MYOB’s early talent program, is designed to attract, retain‌ and develop software developers in the highly competitive Australian and New Zealand markets. FMA considers the whole person, from application through onboarding and beyond, ensuring that graduates are well-regarded both within MYOB and the wider technology industry.

A significant part of MYOB’s strategy is to proactively invest in bridging the gender gap in technology. Their DevelopHer scholarship, in partnership with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), aims to bring women with little to no coding experience into the tech field, reflecting MYOB’s commitment to diversity.

Creating a Memorable Candidate Journey

Anna and Kristina outlined the steps involved in their candidate journey:

• Application Process: Candidates apply through a streamlined system where they can easily upload their resumes. MYOB provides timely communication at every stage, whether candidates progress or not.
• Blended Assessment: Utilising their partner, Sova, MYOB has created a competency-aligned assessment designed to be user-friendly and reflective of MYOB’s culture. This also includes a one-way video interview where candidates complete five interview questions which are then reviewed by a diverse team within MYOB. This approach helps ensure consistency and fairness in evaluations.
• Problem Solving Interview: This interactive stage involves a live problem-solving session with technical mentors and talent team members. Candidates receive tips and support to help them succeed.
• Offers and Feedback: Successful candidates receive offers via a personal call, while those who don’t progress are given the opportunity to receive feedback and discuss their experience.

Continuous Improvement and Candidate Feedback

MYOB places a strong emphasis on candidate feedback, often receiving positive responses even from those who don’t progress. This feedback loop helps them continually refine their process, ensuring it remains candidate-centric and efficient. Using Sova has significantly improved their time-to-hire and recruiter efficiency, saving over 320 hours of recruiter time annually.

Maintaining Engagement

MYOB’s “Keep in Touch” program ensures that candidates remain engaged from the moment they receive an offer until their start date. This program includes regular communications, office tours‌ and social events, which help new hires feel connected and valued even before their official start.

MYOB is making continual improvements, such as piloting in-person assessment centres to better evaluate teamwork and communication skills. Their commitment to providing an exceptional candidate experience hasn’t only won them awards but has also ensured a high quality of hires and strong retention rates.

By focusing on a holistic and inclusive approach to candidate experience, MYOB has set a benchmark in the industry. Their strategies and insights provide a valuable blueprint for other organisations aiming to enhance their own recruitment processes.

Our next forum event for NZAGE members is on 12th June at 12pm and will feature EY, winners of the 2023 Best Graduate Campaign award. Stay tuned for more details and opportunities to learn from leading employers in the industry.