Prefer to listen to the blog? You can do that here:
Like all of us, Job Seekers appreciate communication. Maybe more so. So if you’re involved with employing people, let me ask a question: Why is it the norm to leave people hanging during the recruitment process, or after filling a position? What does it say about integrity and mutual respect?
OK, before I get shot down in flames with a barrage of “I’m too busy”, “There were so many applicants”, or “We’re busy on-boarding and training right now”, I get it. I run a business too. With less staff than I need for what there is to do.
I also know there are many versions of the upfront message “Due to the number of applicants we may not communicate with you if you are unsuccessful.”
However, aren’t there numerous efficient ways to make contact throughout the process and to finish with some form of “thank you for applying”? So what’s stopping them from being used more often?
Silence diminishes Hope
I’m asking because I’m constantly watching colleagues, friends and family deal with being ignored. You know the process… Finding something. Applying. Hoping to get an interview to show why they’re the person for the job. Then waiting… and waiting.
For many, this is the beginning of the end. The start of the pure silence. Nothing acknowledging the application. No contact about being unsuccessful.
“Ah, that’s it” I can hear some of you saying “… they didn’t even bother to contact the organisation or recruitment agency.”
I wish that was true. Because each of the people I’m referring to has made contact. Either before they apply. To check the application has been received. Or staying in contact for any updates.
Some have been rewarded by securing an interview, while others haven’t.
I got an interview!
For those that get an interview? There’s the usual combination of nerves and excitement because they’re at the next step. They know it’s up to them to show why they’re the right person for the job.
It’s tough when post-interview thoughts are “I think that went well”, “I like the people” and “I’d love to work there” – and the job goes to someone else. However, at least there’s someone to ask for feedback, right?
Sadly, that’s out the window too in many cases.
Emotional Health at stake
We say people are important. That we need to be kind. Respectful.
We have RUOK day. Enough evidence about the importance of kindness and communication. Plus notes at the end of many articles and news pieces about who to contact if you feel upset or impacted by a distressing story.
Yet Job Seekers of all ages and stages seem to be excluded. Under the guise of ‘building resilience,’ it seems OK to forget that Job Seekers appreciate communication. Ignoring the time, effort and hope that has gone into applying for a job.
The challenges of being unemployed are far-reaching. Affecting every aspect of life, starting with the core of what keeps us well and functional: Emotional Health.
- There’s the self-talk and self-esteem challenges.
- The assault on the ability to fulfil life roles and feel ‘enough’.
- Plus financial distress as the bills pile up and the cost of living increases.
All potentially de-stabilising wellness and wellbeing across all life areas.
Be a part of the solution
I can hear those voices again saying “It’s been like this a long time” or “No-one sends letters to unsuccessful applicants anymore.”
That may be true. It doesn’t mean you have to do what everyone else does. Does it?
What I see is an opportunity. One that benefits all involved in the recruitment process through showing mutual respect. Understanding that Job Seekers appreciate communication.
How?
Start by separating the person from their resume and application: regardless of age, experience or suitability for the role.
Then
For unsuccessful candidates who won’t progress past applying:
- Find a way to communicate with all of them: They won’t be left hanging. You’ll stand out from the crowd – and probably feel better too. Besides, their details are likely to be logged in a system somewhere, making it easy to do.
For applicants who progress – where a relationship is starting:
- Focus on one applicant at a time: While you are repeating conversations and processes, this applicant is applying and experiencing the process once.
- Show empathy: Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine how you’d feel if this was happening to you or someone you care about.
- Lead with mutual respect: Regardless of how they come across, each applicant puts their best foot forward to sell themselves to you. They start with the hope they will progress.
- Integrity and Reputation: Your reputation and that of the company or agency are on the line here. Do what you say you’re going to – and own up to your tardiness if you mess up. Job seekers are people – and people talk.
- Communicate: There are plenty of tools to automate communication and keep it personal.
- Be congruent: Extend the in-house wellness policies and approaches to Job Seekers. It shows you care about their wellbeing too.
- Respond to queries from applicants who ask for feedback: Constructive feedback delivered in a kind, respectful way often changes their internal dialogue from “What’s wrong with me?”, “I’m a failure” or “No-one will employ me because…” to “I know what to do better next time.”
Is there always a better way?
The steps from a position becoming available to being filled are pretty standard. It’s the applicants that aren’t. Each applicant is an individual with emotions who reacts and responds to life in their way. They are also filled with the hope of getting a job – whether it’s with you or not.
I realise each reader already understands what I’m saying. Some may agree, some may not – and that’s OK. Because I also realise some may not feel good about the process or its impact on Job Seekers, yet there are restraints on being able to do things differently.
So, here are three questions as I finish:
- If you were a Job Seeker, how would you feel in the same situation?
- If you asked for feedback after not getting a role, how would you feel if they said they would follow up, only to keep making – and breaking – promises to call until you give up asking them?
- If there was one thing – no matter how small – you could do differently, what would it be?
In those answers may lie the catalyst for finding a better way!
It’s a bit like signing off each email personally. It takes less time than you think – and means more than you may ever realise.
Until next time…
Anne
PS: If you’re curious about how we may be able to assist through our healthy conversations programs, let me know. We have a few spaces available for the Foundations program, or to start with individual mentoring and support.