This “Time of Covid” Demands Empathy, Communication and Respect

This is a time of banding together, understanding others’ circumstances and treating everyone with respect. Looking for a job and applying for a job are anxiety provoking issues . . . especially if someone finds themselves in the position of currently being without work and any source of income. There’s no more insecure feeling . . .

Imagine how that anxiety is being compounded every hour of every day right now, as we hear more and more uncertainty about COVID-19. Social media is amplifying this pandemic and making wildly irresponsible predictions and projections about what could happen. Broadcast news is more measured, but endless . . . More anxiety provoking . . . Job seekers are understandably freaking out!

I currently have candidates in front of several Clients for new career opportunities. All of the candidates have received positive feedback on their initial conversations with those Clients. Now, after two weeks, we’re still waiting to hear what might be next.

I understand that nobody really knows what’s next or how to plan for that uncertainty. Nonetheless, I’d like employers to step up and do a much better job of communicating with their pending candidates. Yes, their candidates, they’re not someone else’s!

In most cases those candidates have spent multiple hours preparing for that initial interview, research everything they could find, on what they hope will be their new Employer. Employers have a nasty track record of communicating with job seekers. In some (most) cases, there’s (still) zero Employer response. With today’s technology, there’s just no excuse for no response!

I’d like to see more Employers treat candidates with the respect they deserve. Acknowledge receipt of that initial resume/application and thank the candidate for their time and interest. That’s just being civil.I’d like to see Employers periodically communicate the status of the search to their candidates, during the search. Candidates would be so incredibly relieved to know that (at least) they haven’t been forgotten about, no decision has been made and that they’re still in the running!

Even if an Employer’s not sure what’s next . . . like right now . . . communicate that to your candidates . . . explain that COVID-19 is affecting them in ways that they don’t know yet, but they’ll stay in touch, because they respectfully have interest in their candidates’ well being! The candidates will understand. They’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness. The social media buzz that could create for the Employer, could be a significant talent acquisition tactic!

My biggest peeve is at the end of the interviewing process, for those candidates who were not made an offer, are “just rejected” with a cursory, “thanks for your interest”. Employers should send their finalist candidates hand written thank you notes.

I hear those same Employers express impressed astonishment, when they receive a hand written thank you from a candidate. That’s a two way street! I can’t think of a more powerful final gesture, than that same Employer sending a thank you note to that candidate, who cared so much that they wanted to work for that Employer . . . talk about a powerful and effective talent acquisition tactic!

I’m surprised more Brands/Employers don’t see how simple, genuine and respectful it can be!