Dear recruiting manager,

I know we are facing a global pandemic but I am hearing far too many stories of people feeling ignored and invisible, particularly post interview. Feedback and contact seem to have disappeared into a black hole, alongside politeness and courtesy.

This pandemic shouldn’t affect professionalism, but it is.

If someone takes time out to attend an interview, whether that be online or face to face or an assessment centre, it is common courtesy to provide an update on how they got on. At least send them a rejection email or call them. Don’t ignore them, it’s rude!

As a recruiting manager,you probably kept your role throughout this pandemic, and may not be aware of the impact this is having on others. Working from home and not seeing colleagues may be the biggest hardship you are facing.

You may not understand that you’re not the first recruiting manager not to get back to your candidate. You may not see that some of your candidates have applied for literally hundreds of roles and your interview gave them hope.

Can I urge you during this pandemic not to play with people’s lives by using them as a benchmarking exercise?

Please don’t advertise externally if you have an internal candidate in mind. This is happening far too frequently.

You may not know that some of your candidates are fearing for the future, some live alone and your contact with them means that it’s the first time they have spoken to someone for weeks.

You may see them as a number, but behind everyone you ignore, could be someone who is emotionally struggling.

Feeling invisible and your lack of contact may be compounding their low mood and could even lead to depression and possibly suicide.

They may have bills, debts, be single parents, be main bread winners, suffering abuse or just lonely.

How hard is a simple;

‘Thank you for your time, unfortunately we won’t be taking you through to the next stage?’

I urge you get back to everyone you interview and at least have the courtesy to say no thanks!

Stop, my struggling friends feeling unworthy of your time.