Top Ten Ways to Keep in Touch With Applicants

I think sometimes my desk is very similar to an HR or Hiring Manager's. (Although you're definitely better at 401k administration :) Unfortunately, we are both likely receiving a ton of resumes, regardless of whether or not we have an opening. And as unemployment continues to rise, understandably candidates are following up until they get a personal response.

With things eventually turning back to a candidate market, (more jobs than qualified people) it makes it important to keep in touch with applicants and ensure that they have a favorable impression of your recruiting process. But, who's got the time? With staffs running leaner than ever, its unlikely that you can call or email everyone.

I certainly don't implement all these strategies, but here are ten unique ways to keep in touch with applicants, and make sure that they remember your organization down the line:

1) Connect on Linkedin--With two clicks, you can invite an applicant into your network. With the site's profile feature, it can keep you posted of their current employment status.

2) Use a Job Account Database--Typically used at larger companies, if you post your positions on the web, you can allow candidates to create a profile indicating the type of positions they are interested in. Then, as the roles become available at your company, the candidate will be notified.

3) Invite Them to a Charity Event--Having a company function or event in the community? By inviting applicants, they get to meet employees face to face, and are reminded of the organization's philanthropic mission.

4) Conduct a Mock Interview--I know time is an issue here, but an applicant would likely welcome the interview practice, and what a great way for first time hiring managers to get comfortable as the interviewer.

5) Utilize a Recruiter--You know I had to slide this in somewhere! Rather than implementing any of these, feel free to hand off the process. We can be an extension of your HR Department and promote your brand to all candidates.

6) Subscribe to a Newsletter--Anybody who sends in a resume with email can be added to your newsletter list, so applicants can stay up to date on company product updates and news.

7) Offer a Referral--If you don't have an opening but have a hiring colleague that is looking for someone, a referral will be much appreciated by a job-seeker. Chances are your generosity will come back to you when you have trouble filling a position in the future.

8) Send a Birthday Card--OK, I'm reaching! But who doesn't like to hear from someone on their birthday? With automated programs, you can send out thousands of birthday cards from your company with no work on your part.

9) Give Some Resume Advice--With unemployment between 9%-10%, there are a number of candidates that are out of work for the first time in their careers, and have limited experience writing a resume. As professionals who see a ton on a day to day basis, your advice on wording or organization would likely be very much appreciated from a first-time job seeker.

10) Follow on Twitter--Just a quick note on Twitter again coming off last month's newsletter: Twitter continues to grow in popularity, and by "following" a candidate for free you can stay up to date on their job search and overall career progression.

Thanks for reading! Please visit our QPS Professional webpage for the latest open orders I am working on.

Trivia! Last month's answer regarding the Brewers' hurler that threw the first pitch at Miller Park???

Jeff D'Amico (We could use him back in his prime this season)

Congrats to last month's winner!

This week's question: What community was recently announced as the "Best Place to Live" by CNN Money?

All correct answers emailed to me by 5:00 Monday will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to lunch time favorite Chili's, courtesy of QPS.

Hint: You could definitely make it in a day trip :)

Regards

Dave