The Art of Communication: Rediscovering Professional Etiquette
These days, professional relationships are often managed through email threads, LinkedIn messages, and virtual calls. However, as professional etiquette seems to be dwindling, a worrisome trend is emerging: an increasingly transactional approach that often undermines the significance of human connections.
You may have even experienced this yourself. More candidates are either ghosting employers or coming forward to share their frustration at employers and recruiters for failing to respond to their interest in a position or sending out a professional rejection email post interview.
So, let’s explore this alarming trend, focusing on two key scenarios – ‘selective’ communicators in your network and employers who overlook interview follow-ups with candidates.
‘Selective’ Communicators and the Erosion of Professional Etiquette
You’ve likely encountered them – professional contacts or former colleagues who seem to disappear when you reach out, only to re-emerge when they need something from you. They appear to operate on a benefit-driven hierarchy, leading to a breach of professional etiquette.
This habit is not only irksome, it’s discourteous and counterproductive. It erodes the bedrock of a professional relationship, namely mutual respect and timely communication.
There’s a tacit agreement that an attempt to communicate warrants at least an acknowledgement. This doesn’t mean an immediate comprehensive response is required, but a simple acknowledgement like “Got your message. I’ll get back to you soon” makes a big difference.
This acknowledgement indicates that your time and effort have been noticed, a crucial factor in maintaining professional etiquette. It shows the recipient values the relationship, whether or not they require something from you at that moment.
Employers, Interview Follow-Ups, and the Professional Courtesy Gap
Similarly, a widespread issue exists among employers who neglect the crucial interview follow-up with candidates. This lapse in professional etiquette is not only unprofessional but can also damage a company’s reputation.
Consider the situation where a job offer arrives six months after an initial interview. The audacity of expecting a candidate to accept an offer following such a delay in communication is staggering. The absence of updates, and the radio silence, followed abruptly by an offer, displays a lack of professional courtesy and respect for the candidate.
Interview feedback is key for all candidates and more so for the unsuccessful ones. The feedback given after an interview will help the candidate to identify areas of improvement as well as strengths, this insight will enable them to be better prepared for the next round of interviews.
The hiring process is not a one-way street. Both parties are evaluating their fit for each other. As candidates are expected to follow up post-interview, employers should also provide timely updates, even if they’re not positive. This practice is a matter of professional courtesy and reflects the values of the company.
Candidate Ghosting and Job Offers
Professional ghosting isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, employers have been ghosting candidates for decades, long before the term “ghosting” originated. Poor communication, an unstructured and lengthy recruitment process and a lack of appreciation of the time invested by the candidate, in my option is the main reason candidates ghost employers and recruiters. And for the first time in decades, candidates now seem to have the upper hand which is being driven by historical low unemployment rates and a war for talent between organisations across the UK. This phenomenon means candidates are being more selective about choosing their next role and they are not shy in walking away from companies that don’t align with their core values.
As a people centred and value’s lead organisation, we also understand the importance of keeping an open dialogue with all our candidates and clients, where honesty and transparency is the key building block of that relationship. We work to agreed interview timeframes to ensure all parties have clear indication of the process and expectations, which is why it’s deeply disappointing when you are ghosted by a candidate when all they need to do is to let us know that they are not interested in the role or that they have had a better offer elsewhere.
A top tip to candidates is you never know when you will need to be in contact with that same recruiter or organisation in the future so it’s important not to burn your bridges with that contact or person responsible for hiring within the organisation.
The Repercussions of Ignoring Rejection Emails
What some employers often overlook is the risk associated with not sending rejection emails. Failure to communicate post-interview isn’t just discourteous; it poses a potential threat to the company’s reputation. In today’s age, platforms like Glassdoor allow candidates to share their experiences publicly, creating a narrative about the company’s professional etiquette (or lack thereof).
Moreover, the first-choice candidate may not always work out due to various reasons. In these instances, employers may have to revisit their pool of interviewed candidates. If this pool has been tainted by a lack of communication, attracting a strong second choice becomes more challenging.
Every candidate leaves with an impression of your organisation. They share these experiences within their network, influencing your company’s perception. By ensuring clear and open communication, even when delivering bad news, you protect your reputation and preserve valuable professional relationships for future opportunities. The simple act of sending a rejection email can significantly impact your employer’s brand.
Essentially, maintaining professional courtesy isn’t merely a good practice, it’s a strategic decision for enduring business success.
Rekindling the Flame of Professional Courtesy
Given these concerns, how do we revive professional etiquette in communication? We must recognise that every professional interaction matters, irrespective of its immediate relevance to our needs. We must comprehend that timely and respectful communication is essential for strong professional relationships that may yield unexpected benefits in the future.
Especially in the corporate realm, we need to encourage and exemplify the behaviour we wish to see. Follow up after meetings, respond to emails, and acknowledge messages. The respect you display towards others is a reflection of your character and positively impacts your reputation.
Similarly, employers need to realise that their approach to candidates during the hiring process mirrors their organisational culture. A timely follow-up, transparent communication, and respect for the candidate’s time can significantly contribute to maintaining a positive brand image and attracting top-notch talent.
In conclusion, professional courtesy isn’t just about good manners, it’s about acknowledging and respecting the worth of others. As the adage goes, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” Amid our hectic digital existence, this golden rule is more pertinent than ever. Upholding professional etiquette in communication might seem like a small effort, but its impact on professional relationships and overall business success can be substantial.
