It is amazing what you learn and hear from people looking for work. Needless to say most are frustrated with the process and the lack of communication they receive from companies. Most notably human resources.
I had coffee with two friends the other day who are out of work and have been applying to companies. The main issue they have, and I will say I have heard this for years and years, is they do not hear back from companies when applying through the company website or HR. No response, not even that they receive their resumes.
The other main gripe is that the process takes forever. I am sure the companies are looking for the exact right person who checks off each and every box needed. I can tell you from experience that if you are looking for an exact look-a-like then you are not diversifying your human capital experience.
So what is the take-a-way from this HR? (1) make sure your website or third party recruiting process has an auto response, not only for the initial response but a follow-up after so many days to let the candidate know they are still in the running. (2) diversify when looking for candidates and I don't just mean from a EEO prospective but from a job experience prospective as well. (3) speed up the process. (4) Communicate, communicate, communicate much like in real estate location, location, location.
All of the issues these two prospective candidates have makes HR look bad and that is not good for them or the company. Remember, for the most part you are the face of the company. If you can't do these simple things then I would tell all candidates to go around HR and direct to the hiring managers.
