When a job has been open for almost a year, and several candidates have pulled themselves from contention, it’s a good time to examine your process. Are weak communications, lack of feedback, and scheduling problems to blame?
This week’s heartbreak in the office came when an interested, available candidate pulled out midway through the interviewing process because the lackadaisical scheduling and slow response time made him feel that the company was not really serious; he accepted an offer from another company. The hiring manager was shocked that her “first choice” candidate had moved on, as she had been planning to make an offer…eventually.
In general, when the lines of communications are open and people know what is happening, it is easy to get buy-in all around. When calls are not answered, emails are unopened, and feedback is not shared, candidates become anxious. Qualified candidates will not wait for weeks between steps. They will find a position with a company that values their time and treats them with respect.
