Waiting for feedback...

Whilst candidates think that waiting seven days for a decision following an interview is ‘reasonable’, it seems that companies aren't on the same wavelength with the fastest responses averaging 17 days in the South East and 36 days in Scotland! This, research* has suggested, is why nearly a third of candidates feel obliged to accept their second choice job.

So why are companies so slow? Could it be inefficiency, or the fact that they are so busy, or the fact that they are waiting to meet more candidates? Even possibly that they don’t want to give bad news out?

Some of the projects we have worked on can have considerable delays following candidate interviews, mainly due to international travel and business commitments. In many cases it is not a problem for the candidate as they too, are very busy. However, it often happens that when the client eventually comes back and wants to see the candidate again, or even offer them the job, they are surprised and shocked when the candidate advises them that they have accepted a job elsewhere or don’t want to work for that company.

The last thing that a company wants or needs is a reputation for treating candidates ‘badly’ as this can soon get around their industry, making it much harder to sell them to a potential candidate in the future.

Candidates are no different to the rest of us in that a decision – whether yes or no – is better than a wall of silence and no feedback whatsoever.A decision at least acknowledges that they took the time and effort to come and see you and showed interest in your company.

A great rejection can enhance your reputation, particularly when compared to a lengthy delay and no rejection or feedback at all.

*Research from Shortlister