Lately, we seem to have so many methods for communicating with each other that we seem to have forgotten how to communicate. Who should you reach out to, how should you communicate with them, when is the best time to reach out? We end up overthinking and somehow we forget how to speak with people. My solutions to this problem are simple, and that’s why they work for me.
Make it easy on people. I like to tell everyone the best way to reach me. I am a recruiter, I spend a lot of my day on the phone. If you call me, you will probably end up in my voicemail. When I have 5 minutes, I can easily respond to an email. Returning a call when I only have 5 minutes isn’t always the best option for me. You may have to wait until the end of the day for me to be able to call you back. I understand that not everything can be handled via email, so I tell candidates, send me an email requesting a call. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][optinlocker]
Setting expectations is crucial. Some positions I recruit for I will have feedback within 24 hours. Others, it could take a week. By letting my candidates know when to expect feedback I save myself from emails and calls, and provide a better experience for the candidate. This also helps the candidate know when to follow up with me. If I told you I would follow up in 3 days, and it’s been 5, reach out. Everyone gets busy. And while I might have sent an email to the hiring manager to get feedback. I might have forgotten that they didn’t get back to me. A quick touch base email lets me know you are still engaged.
Everyone is busy. Everyone has multiple email accounts, phones, messaging systems and social media accounts. Don’t just wait to get a call or email from someone. Take the initiative and reach out.
Making these small changes has made a big impact for me. I now receive less emails and voice mails asking me what’s happening. My candidates keep me informed when they will be unavailable. It’s also easier to keep candidates warm for hiring managers who need more time during the process. Don’t let something so simple become so difficult.
By Caitlin Mandeville | People Science Talent Advisor II
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