Okay, so this isn’t about sales and sales training BUT it is regarding a topic about which I am so very passionate that I simply had to write this post. Lately I’ve heard too many horrific stories from people that go on job interviews; yes take their time and do ALL the right things only to never, make that NEVER, hear back from the firm and person doing the interviewing. For shame!

So, you’ve just interviewed a prospective employee.  You had a productive conversation, and there’s definitely potential for this candidate.  However, you already know of more qualified candidates on the hiring radar.  Decision made: you’re going with someone else.

The interview is not quite finished: you must now notify this candidate of the bad news. Look, we know it’s an employers’ market (for the moment) and there appears a seemingly endless pool of well-qualified folks jockeying for the one open position. Owing to this, employers hold a responsibility-nay, an obligation, to all applicants who step through the door.

You were once the person being interviewed.  Remember the devastating feeling of rejection?  Remember the elated feeling of acceptance?  Remember the mum satisfaction of just hearing back?  Well, not much has changed in the world of hiring and, well, not hiring.

Treat all of your interviewees as you would expect to be treated yourself.  (“Do unto others…,” is the phrase, I think.)  Honor them with the respect they deserve as enthusiastic, emerging young professionals.  Commend their initiative.  Recognize their drive, their desire.  Communicate your decision as soon as you know it.  These are individuals who will less remember the interview than the person with whom they interviewed.

And like I said, YOU were once the person being interviewed.  Who knows when you’ll be the applicant again.