How do you treat candidates not selected for the job? Walk me through your process.
"It is essential to me that I treat every candidate with care and respect. Even if they are not right for my clients' job opening, it does not mean that they won't be a fit for a similar role with a different client. If a candidate loses out on the job, I call them right away. Nobody likes to be left hanging. Most of the time, they will ask why they were not selected. If I have been provided feedback from the client, I will share it with my candidate. I try my best to have helpful and actionable advice readily available when I call."
Recruiters speak to many candidates in a day and often interview handfuls of people for one role. Show the interviewer that you treat your candidates with respect and that you are unafraid to be forthright with them when they don't get the job. The hiring authority also wants to see that you have excellent coaching skills and the ability to give your candidates actionable feedback to help them in their job search.
"Part of being a successful Permanent Recruiter is to gain and keep the respect of my talent pool. When I find out that a candidate was not selected, I will pick up the phone and call them. I tell them the news and ask them if they would like feedback. If they are open to feedback, I will offer a 15-minute coaching session, helping them prepare for their next shot. Then, I document everything that has happened. Next, I spend about 30 minutes uncovering new opportunities for that specific candidate. I like to shop great candidates for other clients and companies who may have an interest in their skill set."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I believe it is important to treat the situations with care as it is very disappointing for the candidate and often a blow to the ego. More often then not, I will give the bad news on a call and give them feedback if they're open to it. If I can't reach them for any reason, I would then go to email with the opening to schedule a call for more feedback. If they're open, I will give candidates honest feedback to better prepare them for the next opportunity.
Rachelle's Feedback
Kindness, care, and open feedback are critical parts of closing off with a candidate. Good process!
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