xperience of your company among their friends and family members. Perhaps they will form an impression of what your company is really like based upon how long they waitWhen you hire new staff, or put projects out to bid, do your advertisements state: ‘We regret only selected applicants will be informed.’?

Think about this policy from the applicant’s point of view. What a horrible fate to endure. As days go by, hope slowly withers and turns to anxiety, resignation or despair.

Would it be so difficult for your company to call, send a letter or a simple e-mail thanking unsuccessful applicants for their time – and wishing them all the best?

Unsuccessful applicants are active members in the ever-changing business world. They might apply for another position with you in the future. Perhaps they will talk about their experience of your company among their friends and family members. Perhaps they will form an impression of what your company is really like based upon how long they waite

from the applicant’s point of view. What a horrible fate to endure. As days go by, hope slowly withers and turns to anxiety, resignation or despair.

Would it be so difficult for your company to call, send a letter or a simple e-mail thanking unsuccessful applicants for their time – and wishing them all the best?

Unsuccessful applicants are active members in the ever-changing business world. They might apply for another position with you in the future. Perhaps they will talk about their experience of your company among their friends and family members. Perhaps they will form an impression of what your company is really like based upon how long they wait

so difficult for your company to call, send a letter or a simple e-mail thanking unsuccessful applicants for their time – and wishing them all the best?

Unsuccessful applicants are active members in the ever-changing business world. They might apply for another position with you in the future. Perhaps they will talk about their experience of your company among their friends and family members. Perhaps they will form an impression of what your company is really like based upon how long they wait

ul applicants are active members in the ever-changing business world. They might apply for another position with you in the future. Perhaps they will talk about their experience of your company among their friends and family members. Perhaps they will form an impression of what your company is really like based upon how long they waitxperience of your company among their friends and family members. Perhaps they will form an impression of what your company is really like based upon how long they waited for a reply…but never heard a word.

Key Learning Point

Quality service should extend to everyone, even those you choose not to engage or hire. Applicants demonstrate an active interest in your organization. Let them know you appreciate their effort.

Action Steps

Examine the full range of your company communications. Look for situations where people are left unknowing and out-of-touch; missing callbacks, late updates, absent acknowledgements and more. Find the gaps and close the loops. Your reputation will grow and your culture of quality service will improve.