What is the #1 hiring mistake?
A problem that I see too often is how companies handle potential employees and the hiring process. It’s ironic as most of these companies pride themselves on customer support.
Here are the problems that I see too often:
- No follow up from the company (either that application was received).
- Quote timeframe when you plan to make hiring decision (if no timeframe is quoted, give timeframe for when you’ll hear back. No timeframe means if you’re a fit you’ll be hired ).
- Setting a timeframe for when applications are due is best practice.
- Do not hold applicants in the wind for more than a month.
Automate the follow up
I get it. Remembering to follow up is difficult. Sometimes you don’t have an expected timeframe for when the position needs to be filled. That’s ok. You still need to stay in contact with the employee. Another thing to keep in mind is if you don’t have an expected timeframe then you need to be processing applications as they come in and letting the applicants know they did not make the cut.
You can’t wait until you have all applications in to make the decision if there is no expected timeframe to fill the position. You have to make cuts in real time or hire in real time. Often times companies put “until position is filled” on the application. But, they are not processing the applications in real-time and letting the applicants know they didn’t get the position. This isn’t right.
Here’s an email script that you can use for your first follow up:
First off, I want to thank you for applying for the { position }. We appreciate you taking the time to apply, it means a lot to us.
We had several (you were one) incredibly talented people apply for this job, and that means there are some great people who could definitely do the job that we won’t be able to work with.
Yes, that sucks, and I’m sorry. BUT this doesn’t have to be the end. We’re growing fast and will be hiring a lot of people over the next few years. You could potentially work with us in the future.
Keep an eye out on new job postings here: { link to career page }
We appreciate you taking the time to apply, and hope we have the chance to work together at some point in the future.
You can use Yet Another Mail Merge to automate the sending of the emails through Google Mail.
Don’t be a Coward
I’ve seen too many companies not update potential employees about not receiving the position. It’s ruins the relationship between the company and applicant. Don’t do this.
If a person applied for a job at your company at least let them know they didn’t get the job. No response is not the answer. I realize some companies receive hundreds of applications for positions. You can automate the follow up process. You can segment the applicants and mass email all those that are not making it to the next step.
As an employer, you have the responsibility of following up with each applicant. Feel free to automate the task. Just do it. You make a point to follow up with each customer question, you should do the same for those that want to work for you. Not following up with a potential employee to let them know it’s not going to work out keeps your company/brand in a good light in the person’s mind.