Comment on William Dindy's post:
Your reflection captures something the module emphasized strongly — that recruitment is fundamentally relational, not transactional. Every applicant interaction shapes institutional reputation in ways that extend far beyond the immediate hiring decision.
Your point about word-of-mouth power resonated deeply. Applicants who experience respect during the process tell their networks, while those who feel dismissed or disrespected do the same. In a world where candidate reviews appear on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, institutional treatment of applicants becomes part of the public record.
The prospective student referral insight you raised is particularly thoughtful. An applicant who didn't get hired but had a positive experience may still recommend the institution to family members, colleagues, or community members considering enrollment. This connection between recruitment experience and student recruitment is often overlooked.
Your point about calling candidates back is also strategically important. Hiring rarely goes perfectly on the first round. Strong runner-up candidates who were treated well during initial searches often respond positively when contacted later for the same or different positions. Burning that bridge through poor treatment closes a door that didn't have to close.
In my context as College Director at Central Virginia Community College's Amherst Early College Center, your framing reminds me that every interaction reflects the institution. Treating people well during the recruitment process is both ethically right and strategically wise.
Thank you for highlighting these connections.
With Benevolence, Shannon
