Communicate decisions promptly, provide clear timeline updates, and maintain professional contact whilst respecting candidate time investment. Follow up systematically with transparent communication and respectful feedback delivery.
Common misunderstanding: Follow-up can wait until convenient.
Many hiring managers delay communication thinking candidates will understand, but prompt follow-up demonstrates professionalism and respect for candidates' time investment.
Let's say you are a duty manager who just completed interviews for a new shift supervisor. Waiting two weeks to contact candidates shows poor leadership communication skills, whilst prompt updates demonstrate the professional standards you expect from your team.
Offer constructive feedback about leadership performance, operational competency areas, and development opportunities whilst maintaining encouragement and professionalism. Provide specific feedback supporting candidate improvement and future management opportunities.
Common misunderstanding: Vague feedback protects the business.
General feedback like "not the right fit" avoids potential disputes but wastes valuable development opportunities and damages your venue's reputation within the hospitality community.
Let's say you are a duty manager providing feedback to an unsuccessful candidate. Specific comments about leadership style or operational knowledge help them improve, whilst vague responses suggest poor management communication skills to industry professionals.
Keep contact information for future management opportunities, provide industry connections, and maintain positive communication whilst building hospitality leadership talent network. Maintain relationships supporting mutual benefit and professional growth.
Common misunderstanding: Rejected candidates have no future value.
Treating unsuccessful candidates poorly ignores their potential for future roles, referrals, or industry connections that could benefit your venue long-term.
Let's say you are a duty manager who rejected a candidate for lacking experience. Maintaining professional contact means they might refer experienced colleagues, accept future opportunities when qualified, or speak positively about your venue in industry circles.