I often hear the following complaint from our members: "Whenever I share a candidate with another member, it's as though my email went into a black hole. I never get an acknowledgment, feedback, or 'thank you, but...', just nothing. Why does this happen? And what can I do to get more timely feedback for my efforts?"
First of all, take a look in the mirror. Are you providing value-added information to your trading partner? As the old saying goes, “Don’t just throw something at the wall to see if it sticks.”
Improving Feedback Responses
- Establish Clear Communication Channels: Don't start sending candidates (or doing any recruitment activity) until you have SPOKEN WITH the job-side recruiter. This way, the job-side recruiter will know you are partnering with them (working on their behalf), and the candidate-side recruiter will immediately know the search's current status. (Is the job on hold? Has the salary changed?) Usually, the job-side recruiter will share additional details outside of the job description that will help you identify the best candidates. Ensure you have your partners' contact information and preferred communication channels. This might be email, phone, or even instant messaging apps.
- Set Expectations Early: At the outset of your partnership, agree on response times and the type of feedback you expect. This mutual understanding can prevent feelings of neglect.
- Add value to the process: When sharing a candidate, provide detailed information on why they are a good fit for the role. Highlight key qualifications and how they match the job requirements. Don’t just share a resume. Anyone can do that.
- Follow Up Strategically: If you have not received a response, follow up politely after a reasonable period. Sometimes, a gentle reminder is all it takes to get a response.
- Offer Alternatives: If you consistently fail to get responses, suggest a brief call to discuss expectations and improve communication moving forward.
Implementing these strategies can increase your chances of receiving timely feedback and enhance the overall efficiency of your recruiting efforts.