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By Wendy Ferguson – BHRLR, CPHR – Ferguson HR Consulting
I posted this commentary at the end of 2016 and it went more viral than anything I’ve written to date. It really hit home to so many so I wanted to publish it again and especially now that we are seeing things pick up slightly in the energy industry.
At the time, and still today, I find the recruiting process in our province to be downright dehumanizing in the economic downturn. As an HR Professional, I have sat on both sides of the interview desk…both to seek employment for myself, but also to interview on behalf of my valued consulting clients.
Here is what I have seen: almost 100% lack of follow-up from every organization, HR professional, head-hunter or recruiter that I have come in contact with over the past couple of years. After one to several interviews, you may be left hanging indefinitely, even when they tell you it is down to you and one other candidate and it is a rush hire situation. No call. No email. Dead silence! I have seen this first hand and I hear it from my grateful interview candidates when I promise them a call back by a specific day to update them on the process, regardless of the outcome and I ACTUALLY FOLLOW THROUGH.
Regardless of the current employment market and the unprecedented number of applications, job seekers deserve respect. Looking for a job is stressful and not easy. So if I am lucky enough to have anyone read this, please do your interview candidates the courtesy of an update call, or at the very least an email. I’m not suggesting you follow up with everyone who applies…that wouldn’t be realistic. Rather those that have been interviewed. They need to know where they stand. And keep in mind, every time you dismiss someone as a human being in the process you devalue the organization you are working for. It’s just poor business practice. And business owners – be sure there are clear expectations regarding HR staff follow-up communications, or when the economy turns I can guarantee you will NOT be the employer of choice.
To my amazing clients – I’ve got you covered. Happy Hiring
About Wendy Ferguson
Wendy Ferguson is an Alberta based Human Resources Generalist and Consultant with over 15 years of combined experience in the areas of HR, Business Administrative Management and Marketing.
She has worked within a broad range of industries, including: oil & gas, architecture, law, information technology, engineering, accounting and business consulting firms. She works with companies on both a full time and part time consulting basis to help them address their HR management, recruitment and policy needs.
She is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). CPHRs are uniquely qualified to help you achieve your business goals. With proven expertise across nine key business metrics, a CPHR has the knowledge and the experience to address the factors that underpin the degree of your immediate and long term success.
For your HR requirements contact Wendy at wendy.ferguson@fergusonhrconsulting.com
Wendy’s Specialties:
HR Management
Employee Relations
Policy
Recruiting
Administrative Management
Senior Management HR Advisory
Alberta Employment Standards
Conflict Resolution
Team Building
Communications
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