Recently I have received several applications which seemed to demonstrate the correct set of skills, the right level of interest and they had been tailored to suit the job role I had advertised. But amongst these applications I have not ever been able to reach almost half of them. I don’t understand why so many candidates apply for a new job opportunity only to then fly off the face of the earth!
Can you tell me why?
I’ve begun theorising what the possibilities might be; generally, I am able to contact applicants within 24-48 hours of receiving their details. Surely that doesn’t leave too much time for everything to change? I follow up via email because if something has changed, I’d like to think they would let me know at least via email so that we can keep the door open. Very rarely do I hear anything at all. It must be…
- The candidate wasn’t that interested in the first place.
- The candidate is not keeping track of their applications.
- The candidate was offered another position in the meantime.
- The candidate went rogue.
Now, can I tell you why these candidates frustrate me?
The candidate wasn’t that interested in the first place.
You have wasted my time and tarnished your reputation by lazily approaching your search. Should you wish to approach me in the future to assist with another job search, I won’t be available to help.
The candidate is not keeping track of their applications.
You’ve shot yourself in the foot here; a job search should be targeted, and should you miss the opportunity to impress your preferred employer or should you confuse different opportunities, it quickly indicates a lack of organisation, attention to detail and direction (which are some of the most common soft skill requirements!)
The candidate was offered another position in the meantime.
Congratulations; this is a blessing for you though a curse for me. But why are you still sending out applications when you have already attended second interviews? Obtain your feedback from these opportunities before approaching new ones with your application. Do your best to align two or three job opportunities during the same timeframe so that you can make an informed decision after exploring all opportunities equally and thoroughly.
The candidate went rogue.
If you want to blacklist yourself with potential hiring managers, this is the way to do it. We get it, things change, sometimes life happens, and you’re thrown off course. These things DO happen but if you communicate with us that you need to put things on hold, or that you are changing the direction of your career, or that you aren’t in the right frame of mind to interview and present the best version of yourself, WE GET IT. By not telling us, our minds begin to wander and the thousands of excuses we’ve been told over the years begin reeling through our heads, assuming the very worst!
So please, candidates:
- Only submit your CV in application for roles that you are highly interested in.
- Keep track of your applications & interview time-frames doing your best to align two or three opportunities alongside each other.
- Communicate your decision, even with those you choose not to progress with at the time.
- Follow up with those who’ve reached out to you during your job search and update them.
I’m hoping that after reading this you might be more inclined to take my call. Maybe, just maybe you’ll have the courage to tell me what’s changed; I’ll sleep better at night and you’ll save yourself your reputation. Maybe we can remember our manners, to have respect for each other and to treat other people in the same way we would hope to be treated ourselves.
Written by Molly Shoesmith, Operations Manager at GKR London Property Recruitment.
