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Advising Applicants that someone else was selected
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Advising Applicants that someone else was selected
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There is a colleague in our office who is responsible for notifying applicants that another person was selected for a particular position - we have a policy of calling applicants not chosen but who we
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Advising Applicants that someone else was selected
posted at 6/18/2009 11:44 AM EDT
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Posts: 57
First: 6/16/2006 Last: 7/20/2010 |
There is a colleague in our office who is responsible for notifying applicants that another person was selected for a particular position - we have a policy of calling applicants not chosen but who were called in for a second or third interview. This person will call and leave a VM if he cannot get in touch with the applicant. The message is appropriate and professional however, there are some of us who feel this shouldn't be left on a VM. He says if he asks them to call him back, the applicant thinks they have the job. Would appreciate any input. |
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Advising Applicants that someone else was selected
posted at 6/19/2009 2:55 AM EDT
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Posts: 245
First: 2/5/2003 Last: 10/7/2009 |
If an applicant gets to that point and are not selected, I send them a letter thanking them for their interest but that we have selected a different candidate.
I do not think calling them is a good idea as it could lead to lengthier discussions with the not chosen applicant than you want. Leaving a message is not something I would recommend either. |
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Advising Applicants that someone else was selected
posted at 6/19/2009 6:11 AM EDT
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Posts: 57
First: 6/16/2006 Last: 7/20/2010 |
Thank you very much for your input. We've actually drafted a letter to send to these applicants. The deciding factor came today when a call was made and the person receiving the news was questioning everything from 'was my hair too messy' to 'I can do the job, really, just give me a chance'. Yikes - you are exactly correct... these calls could leave to a lengthier discussion. |
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Advising Applicants that someone else was selected
posted at 6/19/2009 6:30 AM EDT
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Posts: 3870
First: 2/12/2002 Last: 11/2/2009 |
Lengthy discussions are dangerous, not just because of the "was it my hair?" questions but because your representative might just say something, undoubtedly with all good intentions, that'll get played back at you in a discrimination complaint. |
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Advising Applicants that someone else was selected
posted at 6/19/2009 7:24 AM EDT
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Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
I agree with the other two. We stay away from phone conversations. They are way too awkward and dangerous.
And sometimes we send the letter via email if that is how we have sent and received communication from them throughout the process. |
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Advising Applicants that someone else was selected
posted at 6/19/2009 9:00 AM EDT
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Posts: 464
First: 6/30/2004 Last: 11/22/2010 |
The last time I directly discussed this with the unsuccessful candidate it was a very difficult and uncomfortable process.
I was hiring a controller. It just so happened that the final two candidates were friends of mine and each other (small world story). One candidate was clearly a better fit. No question in anyone's mind. The other candidate called to discuss and because of the friendshp, I spoke with him. The conversation was so difficult that words cannot really cover it. We went through a couple of the 5 stages of grief during the call. At the end of the conversation, he ended our friendship. The story just illustrates the kinds of issues you might have to deal with. The danger is that you say something that opens you up for some Title VII claims. If you say something like the candidate we selected had fresh perpective and demonstrated a high energy commitment. The unsuccessful candidates might say h, so you chose someone younger and cheaper? Ok, ok - I am stretching here, but those of you who have been through these conversation know what I am pointing at. |
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