CAREEREALISM just published a very interesting blog post, explaining to job seekers “Why HR’s Just Not That Into You“ Interesting article! However…
Having worked in HR myself, pre-Internet, I can understand how people in HR feel, at least to a certain degree. However, I’m not letting HR off the hook for 2 reasons, both of which are really in the self-interest of every employer to consider:
1.) Today, it’s very easy to use technology to manage many of the problems that technology creates.
Like using an autoresponder. It automatically sends out email in response to an action:
* Receive a resume or application, triger an autoreply that thanks the person for their interest and acknowledges receipt.
In these days of spam filters and technical glitches, it’s nice to know that something was received, rather than just wondering or, perhaps worse, following up ad nauseum to find out if the resume/application was received. Just take the uncertainty out of the equation.
* Send out a message when a job is filled. “Sorry you weren’t the candidate chosen, but the position has been filled. Thank you for your interest. Your resume will be on file…”
Not personal but also not leaving the job seeker hanging out there wondering what happened, still hoping for a good outcome.
There are inexpensive autoresponder solutions out there, and they have been there for years. Yes, they require some set-up and management. Ask anyone on your ecommerce Web team how to find one and set one up.
Autoresponders are MUCH better than ignoring job seekers, again, removing the uncertainty, because… (see # 2)
2.) Technology can create a much bigger problem for the employers who treat job seekers so carelessly and rudely.
Customer service, including the way an employer treats job applicants, isn’t much of a secret any more, and it will become less of a secret in the future.
Be rude to applicants, and they have many tools and venues to “out” that rudeness, very publicly, causing great damage to an employer’s image in the marketplace. Hasn’t happened yet, but it will.
Bottom Line
Employers who treat job seekers with casual rudeness are making a mistake that will be very expensive for them some day soon.
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