Recently a candidate I know through my volunteer work told me she asked the interviewer, "How long have you been working here?" This individual was simply being friendly, trying to engage the recruiter in conversation to understand the corporate culture and the interviewer. The recruiter responded, "I'm the interviewer. I'm the one asking the questions!" This individual was shocked, saddened and disheartened as s/he wanted the job and had heard wonderful comments from others about the company. She realized her face showed great surprise and that the interview was basically over at that point.

Sometimes in our rush with overwork, we may forget that candidates are humans with emotions and unbelieveable stress in their lives. That doesn't mean that we don't have stress. We do! The remark seems so harsh and uncalled for. If this is you and you read this, I know you must have been highly stressed that day because we work in HUMAN resources, not with rigid processes. I doubt the recruiter's remarks truly reflected the company culture.

Rudeness seems to be rampant this week. We've seen it all over TV. Let's hope the next time you want to speak sharply to a candidate ( and we've all been there), even if the individual asks a dumb question that we remember to treat candidates with dignity.

There! I got that off my chest. I feel better now.

Ruth Glover
CAREER CONSULTATIONS
www.hotcareers.com
www.morethanapaycheck.com