Monday, July 15, 2013

Times Have Changed...Not Getting Any Feedback After an Interview?



Times have changed. How many times have we heard that? We have all heard this in reference to all sorts of scenarios and at different times throughout our lives. For example, when I was a kid my parents would tell me, “times have changed.” I don’t even recall why at the time that was said, but I say the same thing to my kids now. Mostly due to social media concerns. Also in regards to how dangerous it is for kids to even ride their bikes a block from home. The list goes on. Because frankly, times have most definitely changed.

When speaking with candidates I also often find myself saying to them “times have changed.” Times have changed because the process has changed from what it once was a few years ago. There was a time when we worked directly with the decision maker. Not so much any longer. Most of the contact goes through a talent acquisition department. There was a time when a resume was sent directly to the decision maker or even a Human Resources recruiter. We still present directly to these individuals today, but to a lesser extent than we once did. Instead today there are a also a host of portals that many referrals are required to be submitted through.

When it comes to feedback after an interview, or after the selection process is completed, again - times have changed.  We very infrequently get any type of feedback these days. Ever wonder why? Most candidates want feedback. As part of my job I like to be able to provide them feedback. It could be helpful to them in preparing for anther interview. Perhaps they could do something different. But just as with anything if we can’t get feedback, how are we supposed to improve? Think about students progressing through school with no feedback on how they were doing. How ineffective would that be?

So why have times changes in regards to gaining feedback after an interview or selection process?  Here is an excellent article from WSJ.com that speaks to this very topic.




Scot Dickerson, CPC
President
Capstone Search Group