Job Seekers Bill of Rights!

Job Seekers Bill of Rights

During this recession, job seekers can find a million articles and blogs online such as “How to Write a Winning Resume” or “How to Ace the Interview” or “How to Network Your Way to a Great Job”. If things aren't going your way, then you must be doing something wrong. The job seekers is expected to bend over backwards and jump through hoops, enduring endless humiliations, just for the chance at an interview. They spend hours sending resumes into black holes, waiting for a call back, wondering where they are in the process, and not hearing back after an interview. Wait a minute, that seems wrong! Even though it is an employer's market and jobs are eliminated daily, it seems that job seekers should be treated with a certain amount of respect. However, from what I read, that is not the case. Here is my Job Seekers Bill of Rights:

1. You should be treated as a professional at all times through the entire process.
2. Anonymous job postings should be banned. Job seekers need to know where they are applying.
3. Take the mystery out of “Resumes” - companies should post a sample of what they want on their website. That gives all of the applicants a level playing field. 
4. Companies need to send a timely acknowledgment receipt of a resume or online application.
5. A “no thank you” email notification after 30 days of application to a position.
6. Status update – if your application has been accepted for further review,  then you should be kept informed, provided with a contact person, and your questions answered promptly.
7. If you are working with a recruiter, internal or external, they should be on the same page as the hiring manager to avoid disastrous interviews, and keep you fully informed of the process and your status.
8. If you are “chosen” for an interview, the company should start the interview on time, and have you meet with the appropriate people, and answer all of your questions.
9. After an interview, you should be kept apprised as to the “next steps.” If you don't make the next round of interviews, you should be informed promptly.
10. If you receive an offer, it should be fair and close to what was advertised (no low-balling).

Maybe it's just a dream, but I would like to see the job search experience improve dramatically.

CareerCoach Kristi

Career Management tips and advice with RESPECT!! www.kristienigl.com