Really?

When will companies get it? Once again, I'm talking about candidate respect in the job search process. A friend of mine had three interviews within two weeks. After a month has passed, since the last interview, he has heard nothing from any area of the company and no response to his several initiated contacts.

What's this all about? Please someone tell me. I'm sure it's the same companies that wonder why they have poor associate morale and retention. If the U.S. economy ever improves, watch out for the mass exodus from these companies.

This is a blog posting of complete frustration. HR need to translate to "Human Respect."

Ethics and Learning

My heading of this blog mentions my intent to continue learning. Here is a new lesson I wish to share.

As the economy worsens and companies continue to layoff people, it appear ethics are taking a hit, too.

I had two interviews with a recruiting firm, which garnered me an audience with two company executives. The company was an outsourcing firm, which landed a contract with a new client. They were seeking to staff around 35 people, including a manager to lead the team.

Throughout the process they never revealed the client. At one point in the interview, I conveyed with a smile,  "I charge clients for the information he was seeking." He responded, "Then we won't hire you." I gave a lengthy answer to the question.

Well, I didn't get hired. I don't believe, because of my directness. After all I can only be me, which has contributed to my success. The real problem lies in their lack of disclosing the final client.

Here's my lesson:

• Don't continue the job process without knowing who you will be working for.
• Chances are if they won't reveal the client, then you probably won't fit in their or their clients culture anyway.
• Do an internet search, using whatever information you can glean in the first or second interview. Chances are you will discover their client, of which you can determine if you care to proceed.
• Non-disclosure of this type of information is a big red flag.

In my situation, the internet search indicated a known problem client. The previous outsourcing company lasted less than one year. Chances are the same will happen to this new outsourcing company.

All-in-all, it was a waist of time for several individuals.

Company Reputation

Who represents your company? Is it your PR department, Marketing, the C-suite?

You might be surprised at the answer, although it shouldn't. Just as you search the Internet about a prospective employee, a diligent  candidate will search the Internet on your company. What will they find out about you? Have you checked this yourself? You better.

There are multiple sites, where company information can be gleaned, including opinions/ratings. People will use their social networks to inquire about your company or post information, if they currently work for you. They know people are not shy about expressing their feelings, using their social networks. Social networking is fast and powerful. Any, let me repeat, ANY, contact, inside and outside, reflects on your company. If you're consumer based, this reflection is amplified.

Given that over 80% of the current workforce, would quit their job, if the economy was better. How will this effect you, when the economy gets better?

Think about the next time you tell one of your associates, "you're lucky to have a job" or you interview a candidate for the third time and never follow up with them, how this will impact on your company. This impact may be now or later, but will affect you.

Did you answer the question correctly?

From Silly to Absurd

The economy has redefined many job descriptions and I've written about position consolidation before. This one takes the cake. I spoke with a recruiter yesterday looking for the following  skill sets in one person.

Account Executive
Industrial Engineer
Brand and Marketing
Digital Pre-Press
Consumer Products
Graphic Design
[Discipline] Engineer

I'm afraid to ask, "how many more disciplines can you get in one person?" Okay, I can't resist. They forgot plumber and physical therapist. Now it's complete.