Manage Jobseeker Enquiries Professionally

If you decide to advertise a job with your company name or logo, brief your team on managing enquiries. At the very least, your team should know what jobs are being advertised and who is managing the applications.

• I’ve often phoned employers to discuss an advertised vacancy and received a very unprofessional response. If applicants receive a similar response, it immediately damages an employer’s brand, which is ridiculous when they spend so much time and money trying to portray themselves as an “employer of choice”.
• Simply asking the caller, “Are you applying for the job?” is sufficient to clarify the reason for their call; they don’t need an interrogation.
• Never try to fob off an applicant by asking them to send an email. If they’ve taken the time and initiative to call, take their call. 
• They may ask for basic information you forgot to include in the advert – this feedback helps you improve it.
• Often, they’ll just want confirmation that you have received their application and any updates. To prevent this, send acknowledgement emails and include a statement similar to, “If you haven’t received a response within 14 days, this may sadly mean your application has been unsuccessful”.

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Additional Resources

• Recruiting Book; The Secrets of Great Recruitment: How to Recruit Great Employees.
• Downloadable PDF guide; Simple Steps to Shortlist Applicants Efficiently & Fairly.
• Article; How to Shortlist Candidates for Interview and Avoid Costly Mistakes.
• Article; Shortlisting Applicants: A Simple Guide to Shortlisting the Best Applicants.
• Article; How to Review Modern CVs: Hiring Managers Beware.
• Article; What to Do When Current Employees See Your Job Advert.