Uber Your Recruiting: Driving Away from Uncertainty
Imagine you're standing on a busy street corner, desperately trying to hail a taxi. You've got an important meeting, and the ticking clock is mocking you with each passing second. Then, along comes Uber, with its revolutionary map tracking feature, and suddenly, you breathe a sigh of relief. You can see your ride approaching in real time, and you know exactly when it will arrive. This is the moment job applicants dream about — the moment when uncertainty vanishes.
Rory Sutherland, in his insightful book "Alchemy," praised Uber for eliminating the angst of uncertainty with its user-friendly map feature. And yet, here we stand, in the age of technological wonders, with recruiters still leaving candidates in a limbo of suspense and silence. What can recruiters learn from Uber’s map? A lot, as it turns out.
GPS for the Job Hunt: A Recruiter's Roadmap
The Uber app is more than just a convenience; it's a psychological soothing tool. It doesn't necessarily get the car to you faster, but it quells the agitation of the unknown. In the realm of recruitment, the application process often feels like shouting into a void, and that void is brimming with the anxiety of uncertainty. But what if recruiters could provide a "tracking system" for applications?
Giving candidates a timeline is akin to Uber's car icon gliding across the map towards its destination. It doesn't speed up the journey, but it provides something invaluable: transparency. Candidates might not mind waiting three weeks for a response if they know, reliably, when that response will come. They'll appreciate the courtesy of a timeline because nobody enjoys the purgatory of the post-interview phase.
No More Radio Silence: Clear Signals Ahead
Recruiters can take a page from Uber's book by setting and communicating clear expectations from the get-go. After an interview, give the candidate a specific timeline. Tell them, "We'll be making our decision by next Thursday and will inform you by end of day." If there's a delay, just like an Uber driver taking a detour, send an update. A simple message can diffuse the ticking time bomb of candidate stress.
Moreover, if candidates aren’t selected, let them know promptly. It’s the equivalent of an Uber driver canceling so the rider can quickly book another ride. Sure, it's disappointing, but at least they can move on to other opportunities without wasting time.
The Arrival Time: When Will My Job Land?
Speed is often the name of the game when it comes to hiring. If you want to secure top talent, you must act fast — just like how Uber prioritizes quick pickups. However, when it's a 'no,' many recruiters drag their feet. But here's the twist: a prompt rejection is also a form of respect. It shows that you value the candidate’s time and effort, and it leaves a far better impression than a prolonged silence.
"Candidates, Start Your Engines: Requesting Your ETA in the Interview Process"
Note to Candidates: As much as recruiters can learn from Uber’s timely updates, there’s a role for candidates to play, too. In the same way you might ask your Uber driver for an estimated arrival time, it's crucial for applicants to take the wheel at the end of an interview.
Be proactive and ask for your own timeline.
Inquire about the next steps and when you should expect to hear back. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and also sets a marker for your follow-up.
Remember, a smooth ride in your job search isn't just about waiting for updates — it's about signaling your intentions and mapping out your journey.
Conclusion: Destination Known
In recruitment, as in ride-hailing, uncertainty is the monster we must defeat. By providing candidates with a clear timeline and keeping them informed of their "ride's" progress, recruiters can transform the hiring experience. It's about respect, communication, and, ultimately, providing a service that leaves the candidate feeling valued, even if they don't end up "getting the ride."
So, recruiters, it’s time to shift gears and drive your recruitment process into the future.
Your candidates are waiting — let them know their ride is on the way.