The importance of keeping applicants happy

We’ve all heard the anecdotes of hundreds of applications flooding in within hours of a job ad going live. And, as the current recession deepens, more and more of us are likely to disappear under a mountain of CVs.
It’s virtually impossible for lean HR departments - already under headcount pressure - or a small company, to deal with that kind of influx.
Unfortunately those applicants – all of them – expect a response. Their CV is fired off in seconds by email and they expect to hear back almost as quickly.
When the feedback fails to arrive, hours, days and even weeks later, they begin to get disgruntled. Of course, it’s understandable from both perspectives. But, from a company point of view, it could be damaging.
The volume of social networking websites and forums available on the internet gives candidates endless avenues to vent their frustration. And, as everyone knows, people are quick to criticse and not so quick to praise. If a prolific blogger, tweeter or forum poster isn’t happy with the way the recruitment process has been handled they WILL share that.
Within minutes those comments can be right round the world – and the company’s reputation with them.
We’re geared up to deal with a high volume of applicants because it’s what we do.
If you’re launching your own search to fill a vacancy, please please please ensure your hiring strategies are in place first.