- acknowledge all applications
- keep candidates informed of where they have reached in the applications process
- try to reduce the 'time to hire'
- inform unsuccessful candidates of the decision
- provide feedback if asked for it.
The very day I write this latest article for GRB, deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg begins a campaign to speak up for what he describes as "alarm clock Britain". He is describing Britons who get up on a morning and go out to work rather than depend on handouts from the state to get by.
Far be it for me to get embroiled in a political debate but the term "alarm clock Britain" does resonate. It reminds me of those days, long ago, when as a lazy schoolboy I had a morning paper round and my father routinely woke me up at 6 am to get ready to go out and deliver papers to a 100 or more households, whatever the weather, whatever my mood! At the time I would quietly curse my dad for his diligence but looking back now I am so grateful to him for instilling in me the work ethic and the discipline to never question whether to get up or not, to go to work or not.
Linking "alarm clock Britain" to the current state of the graduate market, I suspect that the vast majority of students who graduate this summer would dearly love to join to put their alarm clocks to good use. Obtaining a job, starting and getting into the routine of work is something that most of us have a basic desire for. Getting paid to do it adds to the attraction. One impact of the current tight labour market is the disadvantage facedby those who are trying to break into the world of work. The indications are that the graduate jobs market is improving slightly but it will still be the case that many graduates will struggle this year to secure that all important first toe-hold on the career ladder.
Anecdotally, I gather that the pressure on students to secure employment is such that some of them are breaking down during the selection process. That is how high they imagine the stakes are. One young woman who recently secured her first job expressed her delight by saying she had "won the jackpot".
Businesses are finding more and more people applying for vacancies. Last year AGR members received on average 69 applications for each graduate vacancy and that record total could be surpassed in 2011. It is incumbent on employers, to treat applicants with respect and dignity whatever the market conditions and especially so when the market is so competitive.
There are a number of very simple, one might say basic , things that employers should do:
