A word of caution for recruiters who ghost candidates
I start this chat acknowledging that I know what it's like to be in TA and understaffed, exhausted and struggling with your workload. I've been there very recently. But a quick reminder to close out your candidates. Specifically, those you've submitted for interviews.
This isn't some content creator crap. I'm only posting this here. If you don't like it, move on. Sorry if this is long - I'm wordy.
For those who hung in there and are following, I was laid off recently and unexpectedly. I haven't been on the job market for years. It was sorta unexpected and really shitty/scary because I know what it's like out there.
A few months before, I'd been interviewing someone for a role. I screened them and liked them immediately. Unfortunately, they didn't end up being a strong enough fit - just not senior enough for the position. So I emailed them, told them where things landed, and asked if they were willing jump on a quick call to walk them through the why. That candidate was really grateful as to how I handled the rejection and mentioned that they'd been ghosted by most of the recruiters they met with in the past. They were just grateful for the insight and information...
About 5 months later, my company lays off a shit ton of people unexpectedly, including me. I immediately start working my connections and thought I'd reach out to this candidate as we really hit it off and were in a similar industry. We talked and caught up and I learned they found a new job at a local company.
About 3 business days later they call me. They have a freelance gig referral for me. I interview, I take it. This week was my first week. I'm literally employed again about THREE WEEKS LATER.
Lesson is to keep your connections strong. Do right by your candidates. It's a really small world out there and yes, we're short staffed, but it pays off - and worst case, it just makes people feel like human beings.
Really grateful to keep working and again, I know how hard it is out there. Hang in there and keep your side of the street CLEAN with your candidates. I'm sure I'll get shit for this post, but just a quick and gentle reminder - treat your candidates LIKE GOLD. If comes back ten fold.
Small world.