Workplace Respect

This is a great article about workplace respect. However, if you are not yet hired, how do you go about showing respect? First of all, respect goes both ways.

The candidate needs to respect the employers hiring process. It may not be ideal, it may be way to long, it may be ridiculous, but it is their process. The candidate must be prepared for meetings. I have asked many candidates to research a company and they have not done so. This is so important. One must be familiar with company culture, leadership, portfolio, etc. If you are not qualified for a job, please don’t apply. It may seem like an obvious statement, but not everyone understands this. I had a belly dancer apply for a hotel General Manager role. No, she did not have hotel experience. Finally, one must also remember to say thank you. Whether by snail mail or by email, it is not enough just to say it at the end of the conversation.

The hiring company also needs to respect the candidates time as well. Having a lengthy process is not respectful to the candidate nor to the company. It can be a waste of everyone’s time. Can you imagine as a company leader having to interview several candidates for a management position? All told, you and your team could lose countless hours interviewing, discussing the interview, reviewing all the candidates for nothing. This time adds up. Quite frankly, it’s also pretty obvious when someone is not a fit. Don’t keep putting them through the interview process. Kindly let them know you will no longer be pursuing them. Be respectful of their time and yours.

Industries are small and people talk. It’s not a secret if candidates are being dragged along. It’s also not a secret if a candidate applies over and over again.

So yes, respect goes both ways and both sides must do better. Be transparent about time frames. Follow up. Say thank you.