Let’s face it, we have all been there. We are excited about an interview, a client prospect, a new opportunity, a potential job offer, and then…..crickets. The sudden silence leaves us scratching our heads wondering where we stand, and perhaps if we are even in the running at all.

Poor communication and follow through, particularly once initial contact has been made in the hiring process, can result in hurt feelings, damaged reputations and missed opportunities. What does effective post-interview communication look like when considering prospective candidates? We explore here.

Ghosting – Will it Come Back to Haunt You?

Professionally speaking, “ghosting” is the new word for disappearing when someone is owed a response. Today’s candidate-driven marketplace gives job seekers many options. An indecisive, unresponsive employer will likely not be a priority for top talent to consider, and qualified employees may opt take their talents elsewhere. Poor communication in the hiring process can lead to serious business repercussions down the road.

According to a new report, only 2 percent of Fortune 500 companies are communicating the status of a candidate’s application post interview and throughout the entire hiring process. The study’s results also reference how a bad interview experience may impact the employer’s brand and ability to attract strong referrals and recruits, which eventually can negatively impact the company’s financial success.

Good applicant experience = positive long term effects

To the contrary, the same survey found that a good applicant experience can have positive long-term effects for organizations, regardless of whether or not the candidate is actually hired. One single interview may lead either to endless referral possibilities, or to years of negative press, depending on the outcome of that first meeting and its aftermath.

The bottom line is that happy applicants, candidates and employees are among an employer’s strongest advocates and advertisements.

Responding = Respect

· Treat people the way you want to be treated.

o Treating others with kindness and respect, responding within a reasonable timeframe, and most of all, never leaving anybody wondering where they stand once a decision has been made, are all key aspects to closing out the interview process.

· Play fair.

o Sharing honest feedback, which includes being forthcoming with good news, tactful with bad news, and always being as transparent as possible, is the best route.

· Listen.

o Invite candidate feedback throughout any point in the hiring process, and keep an open mind. The information you hear may prove to be valuable, and candidates will appreciate the opportunity to be heard.

In the eloquent words of Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Post-interview communication may be as important as the interview itself to consistently attract and hire top talent.

Questions on communication throughout the hiring process? Contact us.