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Candidate Experience Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a Candidate Experience Manager , you'll be the driving force behind designing, implementing, and continuously improving an exceptional candidate experience across Fenton's interview, selection ...

As a Candidate Experience Manager , you'll be the driving force behind designing, implementing, and continuously improving an exceptional candidate experience across Fenton's interview, selection ...

... individual candidate skills and qualifications; and (c) individual candidate experience ... Additionally, Thuma leverages current market data to determine compensation, so posted compensation ...

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Candidate Experience information

See California salary details

$16

$34

$49

How much do candidate experience jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for candidate experience in California is $34.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $39.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is candidate experience?

Candidate Experience refers to the overall perception and feelings that job applicants have about an employer’s hiring process, from the initial application through interviews and onboarding. It encompasses every interaction a candidate has with an organization, including communication, feedback, and the ease or difficulty of the process. A positive candidate experience can enhance an employer’s reputation and attract top talent, while a negative experience may deter candidates and impact employer branding. Many organizations now prioritize improving candidate experience to remain competitive in talent acquisition.

How does a candidate experience professional collaborate with hiring managers and recruiters to improve the recruitment process?

Candidate Experience professionals work closely with hiring managers and recruiters to ensure that every step of the recruitment process is clear, efficient, and positive for job candidates. They often facilitate communication between teams, provide feedback on interview processes, and help design touchpoints that make candidates feel valued and informed. By gathering candidate feedback and analyzing data, they identify pain points and implement improvements, such as streamlining interview scheduling or enhancing onboarding materials. This collaborative approach not only improves candidate satisfaction but also helps companies attract top talent and build a strong employer brand.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in candidate experience roles, and why are they important?

To excel in a Candidate Experience role, you need a solid understanding of recruitment processes, strong communication abilities, and experience in human resources or talent acquisition. Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS), HR management software, and common survey or feedback tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, empathy, and problem-solving are crucial to build trust with candidates and address their concerns effectively. These competencies ensure a positive and seamless experience for job applicants, enhancing employer branding and supporting successful hiring outcomes.

What is the difference between Candidate Experience vs Recruiter?

AspectCandidate ExperienceRecruiter
Primary FocusEnsuring a positive journey for job applicantsFinding, screening, and hiring suitable candidates
Work EnvironmentHR, Talent Acquisition, Candidate RelationsHR, Talent Acquisition, Staffing Agencies
Required CredentialsHR certifications, communication skillsHR certifications, recruiting experience
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across all industries to improve hiring experienceUsed in recruiting firms and corporate HR teams

Candidate Experience focuses on creating a positive journey for applicants during the hiring process, emphasizing communication and engagement. Recruiters, on the other hand, are responsible for sourcing and selecting candidates. While both roles are interconnected, Candidate Experience aims to enhance the applicant's perception, whereas Recruiters focus on filling roles efficiently.

What are popular job titles related to Candidate Experience jobs in California?

For Candidate Experience jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Candidate Experience job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,585 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Candidate Experience Manager

H.G. Fenton Company

San Diego, CA

$34 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team as a Candidate Experience Manager!

What You Will Do:

As a Candidate Experience Manager, you'll be the driving force behind designing, implementing, and continuously improving an exceptional candidate experience across Fenton’s interview, selection, and hiring processes.

With autonomy over your process and under the mentorship of the Director of Talent Acquisition and Development, you'll thrive in this high-energy role, making a lasting impact on the organization’s growth and success.

Why You Will Love Working at H.G. Fenton:

  • Candidate Experience Management: You’ll design, implement, and continuously improve Fenton’s candidate experience across all touchpoints, ensuring a positive, consistent, and compliant experience from initial contact to onboarding.
  • Systems and Processes: You’ll shape Talent Attraction systems and processes with the goal of streamlining, automating, and standardizing Fenton’s hiring procedures, ensuring efficient and consistent workflows.
  • HGF’s Employment Brand: Trusted advisor managing our employment brand through marketing, communication, and other hiring activities, effectively meeting and engaging candidates.

What You'll Bring:

  • Experience: Minimum of 1 year of recruiting support or equivalent experience. Customer Service and Sales Experience highly preferred.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to build rapport with candidates and hiring managers alike.
  • Recruitment Tools: Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), job boards, and social media platforms.
  • Proven Track Record: You’ll have a history of delivering excellent candidate experiences and achieving metrics.
  • Self-Leader: You are a self-motivated, proactive individual who takes ownership of your projects and is committed to delivering high-quality results.
  • A valid driver’s license is required as driving is an essential job function and no comparable alternative transportation options (e.g., ride-hailing, carpooling, bicycling, walking) can reasonably fulfill the role within equivalent travel time or cost.

Compensation:

The total compensation range for this position is $34/hr - $40/hr (inclusive of an annual bonus). Base pay may vary based on the candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience. Fenton’s goal is to ensure performance-based compensation that is motivating and competitive – and we adopt a pay-for-performance approach.   

Benefits worth highlighting!

  • 3 weeks of paid vacation, 11 paid holidays, and 48 hours of sick leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with company match and profit sharing
  • Education reimbursement and sponsored training programs
  • Discounted apartment housing (15–20% off Fenton communities)
  • Onsite gym, Padres tickets, San Diego FC Tickets, team-building events, pet insurance discounts, and more.

Our Compensation Philosophy

Fenton’s goal is to ensure performance-based compensation that is motivating and competitive – and we adopt a pay-for-performance approach.

About H.G. Fenton Company:

We are a family-owned Real Estate Company born in San Diego, operating for over 100 years. Our largest and fastest-growing operations are in multifamily housing and commercial property management, where our purpose is to provide quality products and services that enable our customers to live well and our businesses to succeed.

Through our commitment to our core values, we empower employees to make decisions that align with our culture, pioneer innovation, enhance the employee experience, promote professional development, and encourage work-life balance, ensuring our continued success for another 100 years.

Equal Opportunity Employer

H.G. Fenton is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process, please reach out to recruiting@hgfenton.com.