Making Etiquette Easy:Responding to Job Applicants

Image from Resume Tips 365

We've covered topics about how to conduct proper business etiquette when being interviewed as a candidate, but there is a whole other side to the interviewing table--the employer. In today's digital age, the image you project and the way you handle job queries and applicants can have widespread effects on how the company is perceived by many.

· Make it Personal. For as impersonal as many company job application sites are, it is important for any applicant to feel like they will be able to connect with a real person during the process. If at all possible, provide a name for the applicant to address their resume/CV to, even if the email account is generic (i.e. info@________.com).

· Be clear about job expectations & requirements. When posting jobs online, it’s your company’s responsibility to be upfront and clear about job expectations and requirements prior to receiving submissions. The more specific you are in the description, the smoother the process.

· Always respond to an inquiry. One of the biggest downfalls of online applications for candidates is the uncertainty that their materials have even been received. If you anticipate a large volume of applicants, the first item of protocol is to ensure that you at least have an automated response letting applicants know their materials have been received. If possible, the most professional measure is to send individual emails to candidates, whereby you can notify them ‘personally’ that you will be considering them or keeping their resume on file.

· Be flexible with interview schedules. When you do decide to take your pick out of the crop of resumes and begin the interview process, make sure you are understanding of their time constraints. Don’t expect someone to be able to come in on the same-day and be willing to work around his or her current job schedule. As bad as they want the job, it may be impossible for them to get to your office for a same day interview.

· Allow the Interviewee to ask questions. Many employers can get wrapped up in the interview process, treating it like a company presentation. Make sure to engage the interviewer and ask relevant questions that allow both of you to see where they would fit into the company picture and what kind of partnership this might form.

· Follow up on interviews. Unfortunately, I’ve heard far too many stories of candidates going in for one or more interviews, only to be left hanging afterwards. It’s vital to a company’s reputation to, at the very least, let a candidate know the position has been filled or that they are not being selected for the role. This not only shows your proactive care for potential employees, but also frees you up from getting continuous calls about the status of an individual’s application.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina