Izzie Shmukler’s Post

This may be an unpopular opinion, however I feel it needs to be said: During the recruitment process, it's not just the candidate applying for the role that needs to prepare for the interview. The recruitment specialist/HR officer or manager responsible for this role need to prepare too. This is a significant first impression to an incoming potential hire so as a recruiter, its vital to put your best foot forward. Having candidates wait up to 15mins past their interview time shows your lack of time management. Walking into the waiting area and asking "Who's next" is unprofessional and shows that you have no idea what your candidate line up is. Asking substandard questions allude to having no idea who the candidate is or what their career history or skill set is. Read the CV. It is disappointing to be on the receiving end of this treatment as I would never do this to any future hire. Time is the one commodity we can never reclaim, so don't "waste" it - the candidate's or yours. I'll stop here for now, however I implore all recruiters to prepare, act with professionalism and treat potential hires with care. As much as you are looking for the best-fit, so are your potential hires.

The job market has shifted dramatically. Today, qualified candidates have options. In this environment, treating applicants like faceless resumes is a recipe for disaster. Here's why prioritising communication and feedback throughout the hiring process is essential: 👑 The Candidate Experience Matters: Imagine applying for a dream role, prepping for interviews, then...radio silence. Weeks go by with no updates. You reach out – nothing. This is a frustrating and disrespectful experience that leaves a sour taste in a candidate's mouth. Remember, even if they aren't chosen, a positive experience can turn them into a brand advocate. 👑 It's About Respecting People's Time: Candidates invest significant time and effort in the application process. Leaving them hanging shows a lack of respect for their time and professionalism. 👑 Avoid Burning Bridges: Remember, today's rejected candidate might be tomorrow's perfect hire for a different role. A negative experience can damage your employer brand and make it harder to attract top talent in the future. 👑 Consider the Repercussions: Think of the candidate who went through the interview process, only to be left hanging while the hiring manager vacationed. Now imagine they've been made redundant, and this is their only opportunity. The frustration and potential financial hardship caused by poor communication can be immense. So, How Can We Do Better? 👑 Clear Communication: Set expectations upfront about the application process and timelines. Let candidates know what to expect, including when they can expect to hear back, even if it's just to thank them for their interest. 👑 Prompt Feedback: Even if a candidate isn't chosen for the specific role, offer brief feedback on their application. This shows courtesy and can be valuable for their future job search. 👑 Utilise Technology: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can streamline communication and keep candidates informed throughout the process. By prioritising clear communication and timely feedback, companies can improve the candidate experience, build a strong employer brand, and ultimately hire the best talent.

Reflections on My Job Search Experience I've been actively seeking work over the past few weeks, and to be honest, I wasn't expecting such a chaotic process. It feels like recruitment is broken in so many companies, and often, the recruitment teams don't seem genuinely interested in the people applying. The variety of application processes is overwhelming: sometimes it’s just a CV, other times it's a CV and cover letter, or even more extensive applications with competency questions that can take half a day to complete. I make a real effort with every job I apply for, researching the company culture and tailoring both my CV and cover letter to suit. But despite all that hard work, I often get a generic "sorry you have been unsuccessful" message, with no feedback because of the number of applicants. Sometimes, I don’t hear back at all. When I do make it further in the process, I've asked for clarity on hybrid working expectations and requested interview notices to arrange childcare. Unfortunately, these requests are frequently ignored, leaving me feeling frustrated and like my time is being wasted. There have been a few positive interactions, though, where the recruiter was genuinely interested in me as a person. These experiences stand out and make a big difference. I also question why we still rely on traditional interview structures, especially when diversity is so important. Many amazing people get overlooked because they don't interview well. One of my best interview experiences involved a data-led exercise where I had to present insights. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate my skills without the pressure of selling myself. I believe we need to rethink and improve our recruitment practices to create a more inclusive and efficient system that truly recognises and nurtures talent.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of misleading information on job satisfaction and commitment. Transparency and setting realistic expectations are key to ensuring employees feel valued and engaged. Let's strive for honesty and clarity in all our interactions to foster a positive work culture where everyone can thrive. #Transparency #EmployeeEngagement #WorkCulture

Are you tired of feeling like you're running a marathon through a maze every time you apply for a job? As a Job Seeker who's been navigating the job market for the past couple of months, I know firsthand how challenging and overwhelming it can be. But it's time to shake things up and make the hiring process a whole lot more efficient for everyone involved! 🕒 Respect Our Time: Time is precious, yet it's often treated as expendable in many hiring processes. So, let's ditch the endless assessments and interviews that drag on forever. By respecting candidates' time, you're not just making the process quicker, but also showing that you value what we bring to the table. 💡 Fairness First: Fairness isn't just a buzzword—it's the foundation of trust. Let's steer clear of extracting ideas or work from candidates without acknowledgment. Assessments lasting more than two hours can be unnecessary and draining. Instead, let's create mindful short assessments that allow everyone to showcase their skills. 📋 Keep it Relevant: Are SWOT analysis and market research tasks truly essential for an admin role? Instead, assign tasks that align with the job requirements. By respecting the scope of the role, you're not just saving time, but also showing that you know what you're looking for. 🌟 Innovate the Evaluation Process: Let's take it up a notch and assign sample tasks, scenario-based challenges to the candidates. By embracing innovative evaluation practices, you're not only making the process more efficient but also showing that you're forward-thinking. 🔍 Candidate Examination: If you would like to examine or evaluate your candidate before hiring them, you can ask them for samples of their previous work or give them scenario-based tasks relevant to the scope of their job. However, only a few businesses are already implementing these practices. Still, more businesses need to do the same thing, as these practices demonstrate respect for both the candidate's time and the hiring process. 💼 Resource Flexibility: If you are struggling with tasks that your resources can't fulfill, consider hiring interns or freelancers on an hourly basis and avoid using candidates and giving them false hopes and promises. Let's prioritize integrity and transparency in the hiring process. Let's work together to create a hiring process that respects candidates' time, fosters fairness, and ensures transparency.

Being fully transparent when presenting a job opportunity is essential for both the candidate and the hiring manager. For the candidate, it provides a clear and accurate picture of the role, responsibilities, and company culture, helping them make an informed decision about whether the position aligns with their career goals and values. For the hiring manager, transparency ensures realistic expectations are set from the start, which can lead to a more successful and lasting employment relationship. When both parties have a complete understanding of what to expect, it fosters trust and increases the likelihood of a mutually beneficial fit. https://lnkd.in/gpkXAmht

What does your hiring process say about your company? Are you sending the right message? I have noticed that while employers focus on evaluating candidates, they often overlook that candidates are also evaluating them from DAY 1, based on their overall experience throughout the hiring process. The way employers handle the hiring process can significantly influence a candidate’s decision to join the company. Over the years, candidates have shared their thoughts with us about employers, and here are some of their voices: 📌 "Job descriptions don’t say much/too generic or are biased." 📌 "They expected me to attend an interview on the same day, saying the hiring manager’s schedule was full except for today." 📌 "They kept changing the interview time." 📌 "The interviewer seemed unprepared and didn’t share much about the company or the role." 📌 "The interview felt rushed, and I didn’t have a chance to share more details or ask questions." 📌 "They said they would get back to me but didn’t, even when I followed up." For candidates, how employers manage the recruitment process says a lot about the company. A positive candidate experience makes it easier to attract great talent in the future. As recruiters representing our clients, our conduct directly reflects our clients’ image. That’s why we ensure we: 👉 communicate, share and gather information respectfully 👉 provide feedback 👉 keep candidates informed throughout the process That said, we value specific information and timely feedback from our clients to share with the candidates. P/S What about you? Have you experienced such scenarios and how did it change your impression of the employer? Hi, I am Sandra. I am a recruiter, career consultant, and course instructor. If we are not connected yet, send me a connection request 😊

It's the little things that matter. When you've poured your heart into a job application, each day of silence can weigh heavy. Yet, so often, candidates are left in the lurch, puzzling over whether their application has vanished into the ether. It's a simple act, really—acknowledging an application. But this act carries weight, symbolizing respect and consideration. In a bustling job market, it distinguishes those employers who genuinely care from those who overlook the basic courtesies. Imagine applying and actually receiving timely communication. It's like a breath of fresh air. Suddenly, you know where you stand. You feel valued, even if it's just to say, 'We've received your application'. It's the assurance that your efforts weren't for naught, that at the very least, your potential future employer recognises the time and energy it took to apply. The repercussions of ignoring an application extend beyond mere frustration. In today's interconnected world, company reputations are constructed—or dismantled—on such foundations. Candidates talk. Experiences are shared, amplified through social media channels and word of mouth, so much so that a company's image in the eyes of prospective talent can be bolstered or bruised by these seemingly insignificant interactions. Moreover, in the UK job market, where competition is fierce and opportunities abound, candidates hold appreciable power. They're not just looking for jobs; they're assessing potential new homes for their skills and aspirations. Every touchpoint with a company shapes their perception, forges their decision. So here's the takeaway: Timely communication can set a strong precedent for the employer-candidate relationship. It's a hallmark of transparency and mutual respect, fostering a positive candidate experience and potentially a robust talent pipeline. Because, as businesses, isn't that what we're striving for? A reputation as an employer who values every application, who recognises the human behind every CV. That's an image worth cultivating. Let's remember, a candidate's journey with a company begins long before the first handshake. It starts with a simple acknowledgment. #CandidateExperience #HRBestPractices #RespectInTheWorkplace

It's the little things that matter. When you've poured your heart into a job application, each day of silence can weigh heavy. Yet, so often, candidates are left in the lurch, puzzling over whether their application has vanished into the ether. It's a simple act, really—acknowledging an application. But this act carries weight, symbolizing respect and consideration. In a bustling job market, it distinguishes those employers who genuinely care from those who overlook the basic courtesies. Imagine applying and actually receiving timely communication. It's like a breath of fresh air. Suddenly, you know where you stand. You feel valued, even if it's just to say, 'We've received your application'. It's the assurance that your efforts weren't for naught, that at the very least, your potential future employer recognises the time and energy it took to apply. The repercussions of ignoring an application extend beyond mere frustration. In today's interconnected world, company reputations are constructed—or dismantled—on such foundations. Candidates talk. Experiences are shared, amplified through social media channels and word of mouth, so much so that a company's image in the eyes of prospective talent can be bolstered or bruised by these seemingly insignificant interactions. Moreover, in the UK job market, where competition is fierce and opportunities abound, candidates hold appreciable power. They're not just looking for jobs; they're assessing potential new homes for their skills and aspirations. Every touchpoint with a company shapes their perception, forges their decision. So here's the takeaway: Timely communication can set a strong precedent for the employer-candidate relationship. It's a hallmark of transparency and mutual respect, fostering a positive candidate experience and potentially a robust talent pipeline. Because, as businesses, isn't that what we're striving for? A reputation as an employer who values every application, who recognises the human behind every CV. That's an image worth cultivating. Let's remember, a candidate's journey with a company begins long before the first handshake. It starts with a simple acknowledgment. #CandidateExperience #HRBestPractices #RespectInTheWorkplace

Recently, a friend shared a job posting from a recruiting company that explicitly mentioned they wouldn't be able to respond to unsuccessful applicants. This sparked a quite passionate discussion among our group about the implications of such a practice. Interestingly, they decided not to apply for the position, citing the company’s approach to handling applicants as a key factor in their decision. Insights: Respect for Effort: The unanimous feeling was that if an organisation can't take the time to acknowledge the efforts of applicants, it sends a message about how little they value those efforts. Applying for a job is a significant commitment, often involving a considerable investment of time and energy. Organisational Values: We discussed how this lack of feedback could reflect on the organisation’s culture. If an organisation doesn’t respect potential employees during the hiring process, it raises concerns about how they might treat their employees after they’re hired. Candidate Experience: The recruitment process is a two-way street. Just as companies evaluate candidates, candidates evaluate companies. A respectful and communicative hiring process can be a strong indicator of a company’s values and how they treat their people. Takeaway: For organisations, it's crucial to foster a recruitment process that is transparent and respectful. Providing feedback, even to those who don't make it, can go a long way in building a positive reputation and attracting top talent. Remember that first impressions count. To job seekers out there: The grass might be greener, but red flags are still red. Don't let rose-tinted glasses fool you. Your dream job probably doesn't start with you looking the other way while an organisation advertises their lack of respect. #recruitment