Category:

Recruiters taking on freelance contractors have been reminded that interviewees could also be customers and so must be treated well to avoid any damage to the brand.

There is no excuse to not communicate properly with job candidates, said Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society.

"Your candidates of today may be your customers of tomorrow or your clients of tomorrow," he commented.

The most basic of tasks will make a difference and ensure the company does not fall out of favour with the applicant, whether they are successful or not, Mr Huxham explained.

He suggested employers take time to acknowledge job applications, let people know the outcome and give feedback.

"You're dealing with people who are going to be telling other customers, too," the recruitment expert added.

Almost half of job applicants have been left with a negative view of a firm following an unsuccessful job application, according to figures from SHL.

As a result, nearly a fifth said they took their custom elsewhere.