Job candidates already know the importance of following up in the hiring process – but how often to do companies take out the time to do the same to their job applicants? It’s been discussed how giving candidates the cold shoulder can be considered unprofessional and discourteous (see: “Employers: Why You Should Follow-Up After an Interview”) but recent data from StartWire reinforces how detrimental it can be to a company’s brand.

A recent survey reveals the impact that frustrated job candidates can have on a company’s recruitment brand when they don’t receive any notification after submitting their hiring materials. Consider the findings below:

• 77 percent think less of a company that doesn’t respond to a job application


• 72 percent said they would be less likely to recommend companies’ products or services


• 58 percent would think twice about buying a product from a company that did not respond to their job application

Not only will leaving job candidates in the dark deter those who applied, but it could also limit future candidates, as those who are often dissatisfied will spread the word to their peers about your hiring process.

So what hiring practices do job candidates prefer? An overwhelming majority (90 percent) agreed that getting notice on their application status would make the hiring process less frustrating. An astounding 33 percent of Fortune 500 companies actually don’t provide feedback to job candidates. Consider implementing techniques to let candidates know where they stand – it will keep your talent pool and brand thriving.

Employers: Do you think your company’s brand could be affected by doing this? How would you let candidates know of their hiring status?

 

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Katie Lewis is currently a senior at Florida State University and will graduate in May 2012 with a B.A. in Editing, Writing, and Media. Minoring in Communications and attending her first meeting of the Florida Public Relations Association Student Chapter inspired her to pursue a career in public relations.