It’s time for a job applicants’ Bill of Rights

I’m a professional. I have a name. But like new college graduates and those long in the job market, I have found that employers show little respect for the qualifications of “applicants” and the effort demanded of them.

What happened to simple business etiquette? Am I wrong to assume that potential employees should be treated with dignity and respect?

No. Communicating with applicants by name and informing them of their status in the process should be the minimum standard. How hard can it be to input an applicant’s data and respond with a “Dear Mr. Libman”?

With today’s technology, no one can argue that attaching a name to an address is too hard. At the same time, potential damage to the organization’s reputation justifies effort. How a company handles the job application process speaks loudly about what it would be like to work there. Why employers do not understand that crucial leadership point confounds me.

My experience is common. As our economic downturn enters its fourth year, employers should consider the huge toll it takes each day on those applying for jobs. Some employers do respect applicants. Unfortunately, they are the exceptions.