Organizations, Job Seekers and Technology

For several years, I’ve heard from candidates and how disappointed they are after having a phone or face-to-face interview with an organization, because no one ever took the time to get back to them.  Unfortunately, this is a very common experience for job seekers today.

Technology is so readily available now and sites like Facebook, Yelp, Glassdoor and more, allow anyone to vent their frustrations.  Today, if a job seeker becomes dismayed with how they were treated, they can easily express their dissatisfaction with just a couple of key strokes and a click of the mouse.  As mentioned in my previous article (Understanding the Generation Gaps), younger generations have no issue venting their frustration online and this will become more commonplace. 

Yes, the Recruiting Department is often overloaded with processes and lots to do, but part of their responsibility is the “people” side of the business. This common courtesy, which is a very important one, should not be placed on the back burner or ignored.  An organization wouldn’t dream of not following up with a customer and job seekers are customers. 

In the past, statistically if someone had a bad experience, they would tell twenty-four people about their encounter.  However, with the advancement of technology, I would multiply that risk a thousand-fold.  On top of that, it remains out on the web for all to see not only now, but in the future!

I recently spoke to an organization who had received a poor rating through Yelp, which not only had a negative impact on their future customer base, but their ability to attract and retain employees.  On top of that, it was a current customer who pointed out the rating to the organization and the manager was horrified!  They immediately, had to develop a strategy of overturning the poor rating, which took time and money.  

So whether or not you are dealing with a customer or a job seeker, treat them with dignity and respect and remember how you would want to be treated.