Why is it that we often read so much about how another Recruiter has failed to provide a candidate with the proper respect?

Why is that that we rarely see articles written to candidates worldwide asking them to please extend the same form of etiquette that they expect from us?

I guess one would first have to define what common courtesy is and why it’s needed in a society. For more on that check this out.

Quite frankly, there’s no excuse for a lack of open and honest communication between the candidate and their Recruiter.

I’m sure many of my fellow Recruiters reading this are nodding in agreement with the absurd idea that we’re somehow supposed to be transparent EVERY step of the way, but it’s perfectly acceptable for a candidate to withhold some key information from us because “that’s part of the process” or “their right to do so.”

Even so, I would like to give candidates the benefit of the doubt.

Perhaps they simply aren’t that familiar with how Recruiters operate and what our daily professional lives entail. That being said, hopefully, this will help:

• A vast majority of us only get paid if you get hired. Understanding this truth is probably key in attempting to eliminate bad candidate behavior. Don’t commit to an interview (much less a second, third or fourth) unless you are truly interested in the position. If you’ve already accepted a position with another employer please tell us and do not waste our time or our client’s time by continuing on in the process.
• We’ve chosen you over many other candidates. In fact, we may have even fought to get you an interview and/or to keep you in the process. I’m convinced that most candidates think that all we do is push Resumes onto our client’s desk and once we’ve done that our job is over. If you’ve already accepted a position with another employer please tell us and do not waste our time or our client’s time by continuing on in the process.
• Finding the right candidates takes a unique skills set and is often time consuming. I’m convinced that candidates think that we have access to an endless supply of qualified professionals. I’m also convinced that many of them think that all we do is find the candidate and that the screening, interviewing, and assessments only begin once the candidate reaches the employer. If you’ve already accepted a position with another employer please tell us and do not waste our time or our client’s time by continuing on in the process.

It’s really quite simple.

We go out of our way to make sure we provide you with as much information as possible (there’s that transparency concept again) so that you can truly make an informed decision. In essence, we are more than willing to jump through as many hoops as possible for you.

All we ask is that you consider where we’re coming from and be as clear, open and honest with us as we are with you.

If we ask you whether or not you’re interviewing with other companies please tell us the truth. Knowing that information can help us speed up the process on your behalf.

If we call you every other day to see make sure you’re still on board and to verify that nothing’s changed since the last time we spoke to you please tell us the truth. Again, if something’s changed we can contact our client, inform them of the circumstances, and expedite things on your behalf.

If we call you the day before (or morning of) your next interview with our client to help you prep please tell us the truth - - that you’ve already accepted another position - - and don’t role-play with us for 30 minutes when you already know that it’s all for nothing. This is a complete waste of time.

Geez, it kinda sounds like I’m writing from personal experience doesn’t it?

Taking a step back, I guess I would also have to admit that although frustrating I’m glad that individuals like the one described here pulled this BEFORE they were even presented an offer and hired by my client.

The idea of common courtesy centers on the realization that there are other individuals outside the realm of oneself.

Common courtesy will continue to be uncommon as long as individuals lack the realization that they are not alone in their surroundings.

In a world where the mission statement is sadlyt becoming “Me, MySpace, and iPod” I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised.

That doesn’t mean that we can’t try to make a difference and change things.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 3rd, 2007 at 2:27 pm and is filed under Archives, Pet Peeves, December 2007. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.