When and How to Give Feedback to Job Candidates You Don’t Hire

Telling a candidate that they didn’t get the position they applied for is not a task that anyone enjoys.  As difficult as breaking the bad news can be, it's a necessary part of the hiring process.  All candidates (especially ones who made it through the various interview stages and were seriously considered) deserve to be informed of their status.  It’s professional and respectful.

Many organizations choose not to inform candidates of their status; or they inform them of the rejection but don’t offer any context or feedback.  This lack of transparency can be attributed to several reasons, including hiring manager workload or time constraints due to many applicants.  However, often it may just boil down to a case of not knowing what to say to the respective candidate.

This is unfortunate because feedback can be extremely helpful to job searchers.  It can give them greater insight into both their deficiencies and strengths.  For example, appropriate feedback may lead them to gain experience they lack, or develop better interview skills.  Responding and supplying feedback also demonstrates an organization’s commitment to professionalism and developing new talent.

If you’ve ever been at a loss of what to say in this scenario, the following tips will help you give feedback to unsuccessful job candidates.

1. Don’t Delay

Your organization is most likely fielding applications and reviewing resumes from numerous candidates which need to be moved efficiently and effectively through the hiring process.  To do so, make sure to inform unsuccessful candidates of their status right away.  This not only helps you and other hiring managers stay organized, it also helps candidates move on to the next open positions in the job market.

2. Everyone Deserves a Response

Regardless of their position in the process, unsuccessful candidates need to know that they are not being considered for the role.  Ignoring them may save time in the short run but it shows a lack of empathy for their continuing job search.  As candidates move deeper into the hiring process past the initial screening, a lack of response can show indifference or even disrespect.  Candidates who nearly reach the finish line in the hiring process could greatly use feedback that would benefit their future job search.

3. Stay Positive

Framing an unsuccessful application or interview negatively can make a candidate feel like they lack value.  Instead, craft your response to focus on the positive aspects of the situation.  For example: If the candidate didn’t proceed beyond the initial screening due to a lack of experience, your response could reflect your admiration for their scholastic and professional accomplishments and encourage them to focus on opportunities that align with their current level of experience.

4. Be Honest 

Sometimes candidates do not land the position because they did not interview well.  The candidate may have had a stellar resume filled with experience and necessary skills; however, they were unprepared for the interview.  Although your organization’s opportunity may no longer be available, your honest feedback now can help the candidate have more success in the future.

For example: If the candidate stumbled or didn’t seem focused on their answers, politely inform them of this fact.  Then, offer a solution that can help them improve their interview skills.  Recommend that the candidate write out their answers in advance and practice saying them out loud until they can comfortably communicate their answers clearly and effectively during their next interview.

5. Encourage Future Applications

After you have informed the candidate about their status in a positive way and offered clear, constructive, and honest feedback, it’s time to end your response on a high note.  Whether your response is via a written letter, an email or a phone call, let the candidate know that you are eager for them to have success in their future pursuits.  Be sure to encourage them to apply for future opportunities with your organization to demonstrate your interest in their professional development and accomplishments.

Conclusion

Providing feedback to unsuccessful job candidates offers them a sign of respect and a leg up in their job search process.  Be prompt, empathetic, honest, helpful and encouraging in your response.

Help is available to take the weight of the hiring process off the shoulders of your team!  An experienced staffing agency like Elite Personnel is ready to attract, vet and recruit highly qualified candidates for your company’s available positions.  Our team is extremely skilled at reviewing resumes and conducting interviews, as well as responding to unsuccessful candidates.

Contact our recruiting experts today to help make your hiring process easier for everyone!