Article I wrote for Hiring Managers: Feedback?

Persona Grata: Elevating the Hiring Process to Build Lasting Connections

Introduction

In a world where the hiring process can often feel impersonal and disheartening, it’s time for hiring managers to adopt a more thoughtful approach, ensuring that candidates walk away feeling valued and respected. This article explores the significant impact of meaningful communication with interviewees, even when they are not selected for a position.

Humanizing the Hiring Experience

Renowned author Rebecca Solnit in her book A Paradise Built in Hell highlights how crises often bring out the best in individuals, fostering resilient and compassionate communities. Yet, the recruitment landscape frequently contrasts with this ethos, often reducing candidates to mere numbers amidst a sea of applications.

The Current State of Hiring

Today’s hiring process typically unfolds like this:

1. Thousands submit applications online.
2. A small fraction proceed to an interview.
3. A single candidate secures the role.
4. The remaining hopefuls receive either an impersonal rejection email or no response at all.

For those who never progressed past the application stage, the impersonal response is understandable. However, for those who took the time to interview, the absence of thoughtful follow-up can be disheartening.

The Power of Personalized Feedback

Avoiding post-interview communication deprives candidates of closure and leaves them feeling undervalued. From personal experience as a hiring manager, I discovered the benefits of directly communicating with unsuccessful candidates. Initially, I was content to let recruiters handle these interactions, but I soon realized that this approach lacked the empathy and genuine connection needed to enrich the experience.

Transformative Conversations

In one hiring round, I personally delivered feedback to the six candidates who did not make the final cut. Contrary to concerns about awkwardness or potential backlash, the conversations were positive and productive. By expressing genuine appreciation and extending an offer to maintain professional connections, these exchanges became opportunities to build lasting industry relationships.

The Value of Constructive Interaction

Despite common practices of ghosting and automated responses, hiring managers have the chance to transform these interactions. While legal concerns may limit the depth of feedback, a simple acknowledgment of the candidate’s effort can make a significant difference. Encouraging an ongoing professional relationship can turn what might feel like a rejection into the beginning of a beneficial connection.

Conclusion: Cultivating a Network of Allies

The recruitment process should not only evaluate candidates but also foster professional networks. By embracing a more personal approach in follow-ups, hiring managers can

Background Check – Mars

Understanding Mars’ Background Check Process: A Guide to Employment Verification

When seeking employment, it’s crucial to understand the various components of a company’s background check process. For those interested in careers at Mars—a global leader in confectionery, food, and pet care—the question often arises: Does Mars perform employment verification during their background checks?

Employment verification is a common part of many organizations’ background screenings. This component typically involves confirming the details of previous employment, such as job titles, dates of employment, and sometimes the reason for leaving. But what about Mars? If there is any inconsistency in your job history, such as slightly adjusted employment dates prior to your current job, you might be wondering how this could impact your job application.

While specific details about Mars’ exact protocols aren’t always publicly outlined, it’s generally advised to maintain accuracy and transparency in your job history. Stretching employment dates, even by a few months, can potentially be flagged during a thorough background check, which might include reaching out to former employers for confirmation.

Ultimately, when applying to Mars or any organization, it’s best to be honest about your employment timeline. This ensures not only compliance with company expectations but also upholds your professional integrity. If you have concerns about your employment history, consider discussing them candidly during the interview process.

Why don’t HRs ever get back??

Why the Silence? Understanding HR’s Delayed Responses

In the job search process, few things are more frustrating than waiting for a reply from Human Resources. You send out numerous applications, customize your resume, and diligently prepare for interviews, only to be met with silence. But why does this happen so often?

Oversaturation of Applications

One primary reason is the sheer volume of applications HR departments receive. With advanced digital platforms making it easier to apply for positions, HR professionals often find themselves inundated with hundreds, if not thousands, of submissions for a single job posting. Sorting through this pile requires a significant investment of time and resources.

Complex Hiring Processes

The hiring process can be inherently complex, often involving multiple stages and stakeholders. HR personnel must coordinate with various departments, align with internal timelines, and ensure that each candidate receives fair consideration. This intricate process can lead to delays in communication with applicants.

Prioritization Challenges

HR departments also have numerous responsibilities beyond hiring, including conflict resolution, employee benefits management, and compliance with labor laws. They must balance these tasks alongside recruitment duties, which can sometimes result in a lag in their response times.

Tips for Candidates

For job seekers, patience and perseverance are key. Stay proactive by following up politely and expressing continued interest in the role. In the meantime, focus on expanding your job search and networking to increase your chances of success.

While the lack of responses can be disheartening, understanding the potential reasons behind HR’s silence might help in navigating this aspect of the job hunt with more empathy and strategy.

Creating a blocked contact of recruiters who bail on scheduled calls

Dealing with Unreliable Recruiters: My New Strategy

In the modern job market, interacting with recruiters is a common part of the process. Unfortunately, I’ve recently had the rather unenviable experience of dealing with those who fail to show up for scheduled calls. It’s frustrating to have a recruiter reach out, arrange a call for the next day, and then simply vanish into thin air when the appointment arrives.

To manage this issue, I’ve started maintaining an organized list of those who’ve left me hanging. These contacts are now blocked to ensure I no longer waste time on unproductive communication. Blocking their numbers might seem a bit drastic to some, but it’s important to protect my time and energy.

There’s something deeply unsatisfying about being treated like a checkbox in someone’s cold call quota or feeling like my time didn’t matter. The current standards of professional etiquette in this space are startlingly low, and I can only hope those who practice such disregard eventually face the consequences. Ideally, the professional world will regain its respect for others’ time and efforts. After all, everyone deserves a fair level of courtesy and commitment in their professional interactions.

never done an interview like this but I think the first round has like 4 interviewers

Facing the Unknown: Preparing for a Multi-Panel First-Round Interview

Stepping into the world of interviews can be daunting, particularly when confronted with an unfamiliar format. Imagine this: the initial round featuring a panel of four interviewers. It’s understandable to feel a bit unnerved by the prospect. However, let’s explore why there might be less reason for fear than you think.

Embrace the Challenge

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that panel interviews are quite common across various industries. They offer multiple viewpoints and allow interviewers to gauge your compatibility with different team members. The key here is to view this as an opportunity rather than a hurdle.

Be Prepared and Stay Calm

Ahead of the interview, equip yourself with knowledge about the company and the role. Research each interviewer’s background if possible, and anticipate potential questions. Preparation builds confidence, helping to mitigate anxiety.

Use Interaction to Your Advantage

During the interview, engage with each interviewer equally. This demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in diverse settings. Remember, they are not just evaluating your answers, but also your interpersonal skills and poise under pressure.

Final Thoughts

While the anticipation of a multi-person interview might seem intimidating, it is, in essence, a valuable chance to showcase your adaptability and readiness to contribute to the organization. With thorough preparation and a positive mindset, you’ll find this experience less daunting and more as a stepping stone in your career journey. Celebrate this opportunity for what it is—a chance to shine and make a memorable impression.

Recruiting HR accused me of lying, thought I didn’t

Navigating Misunderstandings in the Recruitment Process: A Personal Experience

Applying for a position in a specialized field can be daunting, especially when faced with unexpected obstacles and communication breakdowns. In my recent pursuit of an overseas opportunity, I encountered a challenging situation that left me confused and disheartened. Here’s a detailed account of what transpired and how I’m contemplating moving forward.

The Application Journey

Recently, I applied for a job through a recruitment agency, eager for a chance to work for a company I admired. The position required a niche skill – not my primary expertise, but one I possess and knew was in demand. Despite the role being advertised for months with minimal interest, perhaps due to its location, I was motivated to pursue it.

With a new job starting soon in my hometown, time was of the essence. I reached out to the recruitment agency to inquire about the status of my application, only to find that they, too, awaited feedback from the employer. Seeking a more direct approach, I requested permission to contact the company’s HR team directly. The agency agreed, and I proceeded to email and call the HR representative.

The Miscommunication Breakdown

Armed with the HR contact information available online, I attempted to bridge the communication gap. However, what followed was a series of misunderstandings, likely exacerbated by the nuances of phone conversations. The HR personnel accused the recruitment agency of sharing unauthorized contact details – an accusation I clarified was not accurate. Yet, despite my efforts to rectify the situation, I was accused of dishonesty, a claim I firmly deny.

I believe this issue arose purely from miscommunication, with no ill intentions on anyone’s part. Nonetheless, my attempts to explain were dismissed, and the opportunity seemed to slip away due to what felt like an unfair misunderstanding.

Reflecting on the Process

Adding to my concerns was my performance on the technical test, which was only loosely related to the rare skill in question. The recruitment agency assured me the test’s importance was minimal due to the scarcity of the skill. Still, my lackluster performance lingered in my mind as a potential contributing factor.

With another job lined up but considerably less inspiring than the international position, I’m at a crossroads. Should I accept the current situation and move on, or take a bold step to seek resolution?

Considering the Next Steps: An Appeal to the CEO?

Part of me contemplates reaching out to the company’s CEO via LinkedIn to discuss my situation

Got a rejection I didn’t anticipate today and I’m so bummed

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Job Hunting: My Unexpected Rejection Experience

Today marked a difficult milestone in my job search journey—I received a job rejection that I did not see coming, and it has left me feeling quite disheartened. After submitting around 350 applications, my fortunes had recently turned; within the last few weeks, I had been invited to interviews with four different companies.

Of these, I successfully advanced to the second round with three of them, but there was one opportunity in particular that truly captured my enthusiasm. The position boasted competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a work culture that seemed tailor-made for me. The recruitment team was responsive and efficient, which made the whole process feel promising and well-aligned with my aspirations.

However, after completing two interviews and a comprehensive written assessment, I was met this morning with an unexpected rejection email. I had genuinely believed I would progress to the next stage of interviewing. This setback has left me feeling as though I am back at the beginning and deflated my spirits considerably.

Compounding my disappointment, the other three prospective employers have yet to respond, even though three weeks have passed since our last interaction. Despite my initial optimism about these possibilities, I am now bracing myself for the eventuality of receiving more rejection notifications.

Initially, reaching the interview stage provided a spark of excitement, offering a glimmer of hope in my extensive job search. But now, the process seems to have shifted to a more disheartening experience. It is challenging to maintain positivity after investing so much time and effort, only to meet with silence or rejection.

I wanted to share my experience, as I am sure others have faced similar setbacks in their career pursuits. Here’s to hoping that perseverance will eventually lead to the right opportunity.

If they want to play AI games, play them back.

Navigating the World of AI: Turning the Tables in Digital Games

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence has become integral to many aspects of our lives, infiltrating sectors from healthcare to entertainment. Among the intriguing applications of AI is its use in gaming, where it not only enhances the user experience but also introduces unique challenges for players.

As AI continues to develop more sophisticated strategies within virtual realms, it’s time that we, as players, rise to the occasion and learn to outsmart these digital opponents. Imagine the thrill of not only engaging with AI-driven entities but also devising innovative strategies to triumph over them. This is where the blend of human creativity and strategic thinking can truly shine.

The key to succeeding in this AI-dominated space lies in understanding the algorithms and mechanics behind these systems. By gaining insights into how AI reacts and adapts within games, players can begin to anticipate moves, predict outcomes, and ultimately, turn the tide in their favor. This dynamic creates a fascinating interplay between man and machine, where strategic ingenuity meets technological prowess.

So, rather than simply playing along with AI games, why not challenge yourself to play them in reverse? Engage with these systems on their own turf, and transform what could be a digital duel into a captivating intellectual exercise. In the process, you might discover new tactics, enhance your problem-solving skills, and, most importantly, find enjoyment and satisfaction in mastering the art of AI interaction.

As we stand on the cusp of an AI-driven era in gaming, the opportunity to redefine and reshape our digital experiences is limited only by our imagination. Let’s embrace the challenge and reinvent the rules of the game.

Hurt, Tired, Broken, Hurt

Navigating Through Pain and Exhaustion

Life has a way of testing our resilience, throwing challenges our way that can leave us feeling weary and worn out. Today, I find myself grappling with feelings of hurt and exhaustion—a common experience, yet deeply personal and overwhelming.

It’s one of those days when it all seems a bit too much. The accumulation of life’s trials has left me feeling broken and tired. In moments like these, it’s important to acknowledge these emotions, not to dwell in them indefinitely, but to understand and process them.

We often push ourselves to the limit, and before we know it, fatigue and stress take their toll. Expressing these feelings, even just writing them down, can be a meaningful step toward healing. It’s crucial to remember that everyone has days like these, and seeking support or simply taking the time to rest can be incredibly rejuvenating.

Thank you for taking the time to read this reflection. If you’re feeling the same, remember you are not alone. Let this be a gentle reminder to care for yourself amidst the storm.

Is this a scam?

Navigating Online Interactions: How to Identify Potential Scams

In today’s digital age, the convenience of online transactions and communications is undeniable. However, this convenience often comes with its own set of challenges, particularly the risk of falling victim to scams. Navigating the vast landscape of the internet safely requires a keen eye and knowledge of common red flags that may indicate a scam.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The first step in protecting yourself is recognizing warning signs. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often appearing legitimate. Look for inconsistencies in communication, such as poor grammar or urgent requests for personal information. Legitimate organizations typically maintain a professional tone and are transparent about their processes.

Verify Before You Trust

Always take time to verify the sources of any suspicious communication. Whether it’s an unexpected email from a renowned company or an intriguing message from a stranger, do your research. Check official websites, contact their customer service directly if needed, and cross-reference information before engaging.

Protect Personal Information

One of the cardinal rules when navigating potential scams is safeguarding your personal and financial information. Be wary of sharing details unless you are completely sure of the legitimacy of the recipient. Secure your online accounts with strong, unique passwords, and use two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Trust Your Instincts

Often, our intuition can be our strongest asset. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and exercise caution. Taking a moment to pause and evaluate the situation can save you from potential scams.

Conclusion

The internet can be a wonderful place for learning and connecting, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant. By recognizing red flags, verifying information, protecting personal data, and trusting your instincts, you can navigate online interactions more securely and avoid the traps set by scammers. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in safeguarding your online experiences.