I'm in the unique position of seeing the hiring process from both sides, and while it’s the hiring companies who pay me, I love hearing feedback from candidates too. It never ceases to amaze me what takes place during interviews and the hiring process. Sometimes it can be a strange dance and, like a dance, occasionally some toes get stepped on.
Here are some of the things that candidates have brought back to me about hiring managers over the years.
The good:
- Hiring managers who come prepared to an interview, engage with thoughtful questions and take the time to get to know candidates as people, not just a talking resume.
- Being upfront about the process – the hiring time frame (including any unexpected delays or developments), required assessments, references needed, how many interviews, follow up procedures and all the details that keep this dance moving.
- This is a bit outside the hiring managers’ control, but candidates love to hear great word-of-mouth about great employers from social media, friends and family, simple as that.
The bad (with editorial comments from yours truly):
- Keeping qualified candidates on the hook as “back-up plans”. Say “yes” or “no” already!
- Failing to provide feedback in a timely manner or not at all. If you interview someone, get back to them. Don’t be a tool.
- Asking them to work for free (for a “trial period”) or low-balling the outright offer. How would you feel if you were already jumping through hoops and then they burst into flames?
- Advertising that you’re hiring for a job and you’re not – or have a candidate in cue – but want to just see who’s out there. Yes, develop the reputation early for being disingenuous - good move.
As a hiring manager, why should you care?
Beyond the obvious point that these candidates may become employees of your organization and that you want to make sure that they are starting on a high note, there’s a compelling case to be made for good PR out there in the job market. These people, both those that you hire and those you don’t, are out there talking about your company whether you like it or not. Why not actually have some good word of mouth being spread around?
Just my two cents...what I really want to know is what you think. Any stories about awesome interview experiences? Or candidates who showed up in a bathrobe and 15 minutes late? Just keep it anonymous!
