How to be a responsible candidate?

If you are a recruiter, you will likely know what this article is going to be about. Experienced recruiters meet all sorts of candidates – from the sincere to the least responsible one. Sometimes, we even converse those who we think are sincere, but would remain uncontactable after. Trust us, this situation breaks our fragile hearts in the life as recruiters every single time.

If you are a candidate on the active lookout for jobs at the moment, read on to find out how you could be more responsible to your recruiters and stop breaking our fragile hearts.

Be Punctual

There is a reason why interviews have been scheduled at a certain time. Behind the scenes, is a lengthy process of coordination between the hiring manager and your availability for the interview. Being late not only reflects poorly on your interest in the role – but it also shows the attitude you take towards your work, and to others.

Time might not be important to you, as you are unemployed – but it matters to others.

Inform us if you have already found employment

During the process of job application, it is normal to have a surge in phone calls where recruiters are asking if you are interested in the roles you have applied for. It’s not because you are in high demand, but it is because recruiters (especially from agencies) are just making sure you are able to find your suitable employment in your shortest possible time.

If you have already found employment, it would only be polite for you to call your recruiters up and share with them that you have already found employment. This prevents any further interview arrangements to be coordinated, or for the hiring manager to even process and consider your application – which will only be a waste of time.

Let us know in advance if you are unable to attend an interview or any appointments

If we have already arranged an interview (and have already done all the back end coordination), you could share with us if you are unable to attend an interview or any appointment in advance. This helps us to reschedule our appointments, and free up our time slot in doing our day to day activities. In advance, not mean few minutes in advance but more than a day in advance. Please remember how many involved parties are going to be affected.

…& we would like you to take the initiative of informing us, instead of us calling you – only to know that you are unable to attend the appointment later.  This not only breaks our fragile hearts, but also gives us a shock as well.

Tell us if you are uninterested

You can have all the right in the world to share with us if you are not interested in the role – whether the interview has already been arranged or not interested in the temporary assignment an hour before

But don’t just “no-show” which makes all the affected parties wonder what happen to you. We have no time for mind-guessing games. If you are uninterested in the job, there are many others who would be more than willing to take this opportunity up.

Ultimately, one should choose to be gracious and not selfish. Because the opportunity that was given to you - but you had chosen to forgo today, could be the rice bowl for someone else