Letter to a Candidate

Dear Candidate,

this letter is for you.?

In the past six years of my life I′ve been?lucky?enough to spend a great deal of time in meeting lots of professionals?on a daily basis,?people?from all over the world and with all sorts of backgrounds. The majority of them are candidates, people that for one reason or another are looking for?a new opportunity?in their life. Yes, someone exactly like you have been, are or will be at some point in your life.?

?I know that some of you might think that working in Talent Acquisition means reviewing?a bunch of CVs and cover letters, talking?to?few people only, ignoring the rest, making detached decisions?purely?focused on business.?You might think that we don't take the human aspect into account, and that our only purpose is to fill a requisition.?I understand where this comes from, in your shoes I would think exactly the same.?

?Talking to family and friends, I've heard about unpleasant hiring experiences and negative feedback about recruiters.?Just to give you an example of these comments:?"ah, you are part of that mean category as well", or "do you actually listen to people when they talk to you?" or "I had an interview months ago and haven′t heard anything ever since". Between you and me, I feel sorry when I hear?these?stories.

People look for a job?for?many different reasons.?Some don't feel valued enough in their current role, others are happy with their job but feel ready for a new challenge. Others, sadly, are unemployed and need to find something to make a living. We could keep on adding others scenarios, but the bottom line is: no matter why people do apply for a job, we simply can't ignore, overlook or belittle the multitude of emotions behind that application, that cover letter full of hopes and that list of work experiences in their CV.?I want you to know that, whoever I am interacting with, I keep that in mind every day,?while trying, here and there, to go the extra mile and give you as?much support as I can.

?As?a?Talent Acquisition Partner, I present offers on a weekly basis and, needless to say, this is what makes my job absolutely marvelous. After I hang up that call, I like to imagine that father/mother going home full of joy, with something positive to finally share with his/her family. Or maybe a happy student who can't wait to make his/her parents proud and pay all their sacrifices and hard work back.?What an amazing feeling and great honor to play a little part in all of this!?On the other hand, as you can imagine, for each offer presented?there are hundreds of rejections that need to be handled. Especially in these challenging times, the spike in the number of applications makes the job market even more competitive and the chances to get a "no" are definitely higher.?It′s not an easy task, and I don't enjoy having to do that,?but this is not about me, is it? It′s about you and how you might feel.

I think you already know, but let me take this opportunity to remind you that:?

• If you didn't get offered a job this time, that doesn't make you any less special. Perhaps it just wasn't meant for you.
• If you have ever questioned your worth following a "rejection", stop wondering, I have the answer for you: "No, there is nothing wrong with you. No interview, assessment or business case, however long or thoroughly organized, can actually do justice to your worth and potential."
• If you haven't received a feedback, ask for it. It's your right and our responsibility to provide one.?

Among all the different roles that we are required to play in our life, being a candidate is one of the most difficult ones, and as per all the situations we need to face at some point, here as well we should apply the same law: Live and Learn.

The web is full of tips and tricks on the matter, but here are some suggestions for you to keep in mind when preparing for a recruiting process.?

• The first, the simplest -?be yourself. There is no better copy out there.
• Take some time to list the great things?you?are and have done so far as well as your areas of development -?make sure you know yourself inside and out.
• Invest in your CV and cover letter -?they are your business card.
• Don't be mad at yourself or dwell too much on what you could have said or added in an interview. Unfortunately, we don't have the superpower of going back in time, however -?we can learn from the past!
• Research about the company you're applying for, think about relevant, tangible past experiences and your contribution that could be relevant for that specific position. Be ready to share them when the time comes -?be prepared.?
• Why not recording yourself when preparing an interview? -?discover how you come across!
• Lastly, the most important?- never give up.

Last but not least, I apologize if sometimes I haven't been as empathetic, as professional, as quick, and responsive as you deserved. I try my best, every day.

I hope some of the above can be of help one day. Wishing you all the very best.?

Yours sincerely,?Sara