My Call for a Better Recruitment Experience
Lately, I've found myself signing numerous petitions. Perhaps it's idealistic to believe they'll make a difference, but I can't help but cheer internally each time I digitally endorse efforts to protect endangered animals, build community playgrounds, or save beloved TV shows. Most of the time, I'm uncertain where these petitions end up for consideration. Maybe they're filed away in a database, or perhaps Oprah receives them. I like to think so.
Imagine a world where positive change could happen simply by raising a figurative hand. With that notion in mind, I've decided to launch my own series of "petitions." Drawing from my extensive experience in the recruitment sector, I believe the world, or at least my corner of it, would be better if the following were to occur:
PETITION #1: Individuals contemplating a career move may no longer cite "growth" as a reason. Growth is a vague term, akin to a child's height spurt over the summer or a teenager's vague response to a late-night inquiry. Reasons for seeking change must be specific, ranging from financial incentives to geographical preferences, job scope, responsibilities, or even personal dislikes such as an unattractive company logo.
PETITION #2: Employers must refrain from using "business meetings" as a reason to reschedule or cancel interviews. Interviews with potential hires, who could significantly impact a company's success, should be treated as valuable business engagements. And please don’t dare to mention that you are desperate for staff, but then can’t interview for weeks on end!
PETITION #3: Residents of major cities must cease complaining about traffic, commute times, parking, congestion charges, etc. These inconveniences are par for the course in urban areas, and job seekers should not feign surprise when faced with them during the hiring process. It's essential to be aware of such factors before pursuing new opportunities.
PETITION #4: Employers must offer remote work options for employees if they establish offices in remote locations with sparse populations. If your workplace is surrounded by more cows than people or lacks competition beyond former employees turned rivals, remote work should be on the table. (Refer to Petition 3. If approved, you're in luck, but the decision may still rest with you.)
PETITION #5: Eliminate discriminatory practices. While optimism and altruism are to be embraced, sexism, racism, and ageism have no place in the workplace. The focus should be on an individual's capability and willingness to perform the job, regardless of age, race, gender, or any other irrelevant factor. Human interaction should be valued over automated processes.
PETITION #6: You are desperate for staff, and have been looking for months. I present the perfect candidate, but they need to work flexibly due to childcare – you reject them without an interview. Their child will not always be a child, but you have just missed out on a potentially dedicated, loyal member of staff.
Embrace some flexibility, it may help your business to grow.
There's much more to address, but I urge you to support these petitions. Let's work together to create a better world!