The job application system is beyond broken. LinkedIn has so many posts about it. I know I’m not unique here.
Here is an example: I applied for a role I was more than qualified for and then some. Here’s what happened. I was sent one of those so grateful-for-applying mumbojumbo craptastic auto-reply-thank-you-so-much-rejections. I should be done applying for roles I could do in my sleep.
Another example: I had applied for a role and an HR person reached out about it and asked me t0 use a calendar link to schedule something with her, which I did. It was for a role at a company I used to work at earlier in my career. Then, within 24 hours and in the middle of the night, I got a rejection for that very role we were going to discuss. I sent that to the HR person with direct feedback. I won’t be treated that way. I cancelled the meeting with her. It was a waste of my time.
I’ve had a few conversations with companies. Whether it’s an HR person or a hiring manager, more of these conversations are happening “in person” via Teams. I like that, except when I then get a rejection. I expect a personal outreach with a rejection before the standard rejection email. When the personal connection doesn’t happen, I give that feedback.
I am beyond being treated like an after thought after “meeting.” It’s a boundary for me. I will not be treated like I am not human.
What do I need to do to be noticed as a communications expert, especially employee communications and change management?
Maybe this means than I’m better than these roles. Perhaps it means it’s not me, it’s them. Actually, I know this.
I do question if it’s ageism. I haven’t colored my hair for years, so it’s a natural color – gray. The increased Teams meetings makes my hair color, and age, obvious. Maybe I should get a darker wig and wear it during Teams interviews.
Companies: Do better. Treat candidates like humans and be kind. It doesn’t take a lot. And fix your processes. Arranging a time to meet and then getting a rejection is unacceptable, pure and simple. Respect an individual’s time. Try to be human yourself, that’s feedback specifically for HR types and company leadership. And do not discriminate against my age and gray hair. It’s wrong. Again, do better.
