For Employers: Connection With the Applicant

Society is constantly in flux. At no point does culture remain consistent for long periods of time, especially since the Internet has become a household resource. With this functionality, however, came the side effect that nobody needs to directly interact with anybody anymore. How does this work, you ask? Simple:

Applicant: "Hi, are you hiring at this location?"
Employee: "You have to go on the website and fill out an application."

"The website" has become this fantastical Utopian catch-phrase that will guide any applicant to possible employment. In reality, however, it reduces all individuals to a line of text on a screen somewhere to be perused when necessary. There is no face, no voice, no handwriting to even start a connection between the one who hires and the applicant. Some potential employers even e-mail the applicant back, rather than making the attempt to pick up the phone, dial a ten digit number, and interact with the applicant! In all fairness to interviewers, however, I will say that letting an unrecognized phone number go into voicemail is slightly counterproductive. Likewise, the attempt to verbally contact an applicant is essential when establishing a connection between the applicant and the employer.

Consider, if you will, the following scenario:

Applicant: "Hi! Are you hiring for any positions at this time?"
Employee: "You have to go to the website to apply for a position. What is your name, so that we can find your application in the database?"

The above scenario acknowledges the applicant's interest, and while still redirects to "the website," asking for the applicant's name narrows down the search. It does not guarantee the applicant a position, should they not meet the workplace's criteria, but creates a connection between the involved parties.

If the first impression is the most important one between two parties, the wall of anonymity created by the Internet is the greatest obstruction to that vital first impression. Consider that every applicant has the potential to impact your company profoundly; it is beyond foolish to squander an opportunity so profound.

From personal experience, my first position was acquired because I asked for the Manager and asked for a follow-up on my application. The Manager told me to come in for an interview the next day and that he would have my application. Turns out my application had gone MIA, but this single man hired someone who moved through the ranks and helped build the brand to increase numbers beyond expectations. Not too shabby for a random, "Is the Manager here?"