In today’s competitive job market, it’s disheartening to see a lack of basic courtesy extended to job applicants. While businesses often receive a high volume of applications for each open position, failing to acknowledge or respond to these applications demonstrates a lack of respect for job seekers.
With readily available technology, there’s no excuse for leaving applicants in the dark. Email programs can easily send automated responses confirming receipt of applications and outlining the notification process for interviews. Even traditional postal applications can be acknowledged with a generic letter containing similar information.
Unfortunately, the lack of communication often continues after the interview stage. Applicants are frequently given a timeframe for follow-up, only to be met with silence. Candidates who have progressed to the interview stage deserve the courtesy of knowing the outcome, whether the position has been filled or the process is ongoing. The search is narrowed, so the number of communications should be manageable.
Treating applicants with respect is also crucial for public relations. A candidate who has a negative experience with an organization is likely to share it with their network. That applicant may later become a key figure in the business world and remember how they were treated. Remember that job seekers are potential customers and should be afforded the same level of customer service as anyone else.
© 2006, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved.