Forbes recently posted top workforce trends for 2017. I was delighted to see at the top of the list that companies are focused on strengthening their candidate and employee experience. There are several ideas around this that make it so powerful and relevant.
First, a great candidate experience means first understanding the power of common courtesy. Being respectful of others matters for it reflects on who you are as a person and how your company brand is experienced. Our candidates tell us stories of prior interview experiences that make your hair curl and yes, we need more leaders to learn about being respectful of others.
Second, a great experience also means reducing the candidate's efforts to obtain feedback that matters to them. I am not saying that we need to give everyone all of the granular data but where is common courtesy in this step? We have heard stories where someone might be a contender for a cool role, interview, return for many discussions and then never hear what happened in the end, assuming there was an end to the process. This happens to external partners of the company as well. What gets in the way of closing loops? I know everyone is very busy but it matters in building real connections that do result in good business. Just like Zappos ability to connect to customers, track their questions, address challenges, every step of that journey is intended to be pleasant and respectful.
Third, relationships matter to your business. These are relationships with candidates, parents of candidates, service providers that know candidates and it goes on from there. You may not see a need for that candidate today or that service provider, but most likely you will tomorrow or next year.
How often are we creating experiences that connect everyone to what your desired intention is? Posting a job is one thing but offering an experience that turns the whole process upside down to say, "share your skills and passions with us, we want
to know you" even though we don't have a job now, we want to know who you are, is powerful. By seeking connections, there is a longer lasting benefit to everyone. A great experience means a lot to those you want to work with, fans, loyal employees and even appreciative partners."
Last thought: A week ago I met Matthew Emerzian, the founder of Every Monday Matters. He created a not-for-profit organization committed to creating a new normal where individuals and organizations understand how much and why they matter. His book and education programs are taking off. He captivated a room of business leaders looking to bring "purpose" into their culture. Matthew said, "we have lost our ability to engage with each other." He shared such a simple and powerful message that we all matter and can change from the inside out. Let's look at both candidate experience and courtesy.