We’ve Got Your Back

Last week I sat in on a webinar about employment opportunities. It was extremely informative and well worth the time. I was appalled to hear that according to a national survey “job seekers felt losing a family member in death is less stressful than looking for a job”.  How sad is that?

The feeling didn’t come from a lack of job opportunities, it originated from their job search experiences and how they were treated. One of our “points of pride” here at Applied Staffing Solutions is how we treat candidates – we like to think we’ve got their back. Here are four tips every employer can use to help make job searches less stressful.

Be Kind

Kindness includes a warm greeting with a smile that reaches the eyes and says, “I’m glad to see you.” Even if you know immediately that the candidate isn’t right for your company, be considerate and give them a few friendly moments of your time.

Put Yourself in the Candidate’s Shoes 

Remember the Golden Rule and treat others as you would like to be treated. Do you remember what it was like when you were the one seated in the lobby, sweating bullets and hoping like heck you give all the right answers? Be compassionate to people who are trying to keep a roof over their head, food on the table and are mentally crying, “Pick me. Please, pick me!”

Grey is Great

If you aren’t open to hiring mature workers, please stop letting it show. I’ve listened to countless job seekers who are part of the aging workforce describe interviewer’s curled lips, sneers and amusement at their applying. Some of the many benefits to hiring baby boomers are their work ethic, knowledge, dependability, and incredible people skills. They can look you in the eye and carry on a conversation. Try not to doubt a person’s abilities based on their age.

Information is King

Supply job seekers with a complete job description, summary of benefits and the wage before the interview. If someone is qualified, skilled and talented, don’t low-ball the offer. Start the relationship off on a good note by seeing the value and worth of your new potential employee.

Written by Susan C. Fix, The Applied Companies Community Liaison Partner. Fix has worked 16 years in staffing services performing outside sales, recruiting, permanent and temporary placement coordination, career counseling, customer service and social media/business.