EMPLOYERS GAIN RESPECT THROUGH FOLLOW-UP

Job-seekers have long understood the value and importance of the follow-up letter thanking a prospective employer for their time during an interview. It is a common courtesy for job-seekers to extend this follow-up letter and it helps the employer gain a better perspective of the candidate's professionalism and leaves a lasting impression.

So why don't employers extend the same courtesy?

Most of us have already been there you spend hours preparing for a job, learning about the organization, practicing your interview, polishing your resume, and sweating through the process. You believe you did a great job and that you have a good opportunity to get this job. And you wait....and wait...and wait.

Employers have typically not been very structured in their own follow-up communications after an interview. Many employers have no process for follow-up with candidates who are not extended an offer. They assume the person will eventually figure it out. But they under-estimate the value of this important corporate courtesy! What does it say about their organization?

RESPECT

When employers take the time to notify candidates of their standing after an interview, they are showing respect for the individual. In return, they are gaining respect for their organization! This follow-up reflects positively on them and the value that they place on people as individuals. It indicates that they value their associates and potential hires. Future opportunities at the company may require someone with the skill of the candidate who was declined. With this type of positive attitude towards the organization, the candidate is more likely to want to be associated with your organization. This leaves a positive impression on the candidate.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Notifying potential candidates that a decision has been made to hire someone else is a good way to support time management for both sides. This enables the candidate to resume the job search more aggressively without the weight of the pending decision of this particular organization. Although it is not the feedback they wanted to hear, it does provide them with the knowledge that they need to move forward. In return, it frees time for the hiring manager as well. It eliminates the unnecessary interruptions and calls from interview candidates seeking information about the status of the job. Their attention can be focused on the new hire and moving forward.

REPUTATION

Companies that follow-up with interview candidates have a much better reputation in the marketplace and the community. Word of mouth communication is a valuable tool to let others know how a company operates. If people believe they have been given appropriate consideration and timely notification of a decision, they will share that knowledge with friends, peers, and family. The reputation of the company is enhanced by this simple strategy of outreach.

Employers who take time to follow-up with interview candidates regarding the status of a pending job are creating a better impression of their organization. It is a common courtesy which shows respect for the individual and in return gains respect for the company. Having a positive reputation in the local community is an important asset to any organization and that reputation can be enhanced by showing respect to the applicants and the individuals

Learn more about this author, Zoey Day.
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