Employers who leave rejected job candidates with a bad taste in their mouths may see the bottom line suffer for it, new research shows.

A study by online job site CareerBuilder found that candidates who had a bad experience when applying for a position are less likely to seek employment at that company again. They are also more likely to discourage friends and family from applying or even purchasing products from that company. Overall, more than one in four workers have had a bad experience when applying for a job.

The vast majority of job candidates expect to hear responses from a company after an application, whether or not the employer is interested. But 75% of applicants said they never heard back from a business they applied to in the last year.

The research shows that by simply not responding, employers run the risk of losing out not only on a future employee, but a customer as well. Nearly one-third of those surveyed would be less inclined to purchase products or services from a company that didn't respond to their application.

Several other actions also led to bad experiences for applicants, including: employers who didn't let candidates know the company's decision following an interview, job requirements that didn't match what was in the job posting or company representatives who didn't present a positive work experience or seem knowledgeable.

The study found that the effects of a job candidate's negative experience can lead to a broader impact on the employer's ability to recruit and sell products. Specifically, more than 20% of job candidates who have had bad experiences would tell others not to work at that company, while 9% would discourage family and friends from patronizing the business.

Sanja Licina, senior director of talent intelligence at CareerBuilder, said that from the second job seekers view a job ad and apply, they are forming an opinion of who the company is as an employer and as a business.

"One bad applicant experience can have a ripple effect, with candidates not only vocalizing their dissatisfaction with how they were treated, but encouraging others not to apply or even buy products from that company," Licina said. "It's so critical that your employment brand effectively carries through at every touch point with candidates."

Just as bad experiences can carry long-term effects, so too can good applicant experiences, even if the candidate wasn't actually hired. Nearly 40 percent of candidates who were happy with the way an employer treated them after an application would recommend others to work at that bussiness, while 23 percent would be more likely to purchase products or services from that company.

The study was based on surveys of more than 3,900 U.S. workers.

































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Chelsea P. Gladden is the Director of Marketing & PR for FlexJobs, an award-winning service that helps job-seekers find professional opportunities that also offer work flexibility, such as telecommuting, freelance, part-time or alternative schedules. To learn more about Chelsea, visit FlexJobs.com or tweet her @FlexJobsChelsea.

If you’re like millions of Americans looking for a job right now, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate your job-search tactics. There are some common mistakes that can make you your own worst enemy when trying to get your foot in the door of a new employer. To give your employment search some performance enhancement, make sure to follow these tips.

1. Early Bird Gets the Worm

The sooner you get your job application in, the better luck you will have at getting your resume seen. If you are slow to reply to a job listing, you likely will lose your shot at be considered, so make sure to stay up-to-date on new listings as they arise.

2. Get a Jump-Start

Even better than being one of the first to apply for an open position is seeking one out before it is posted. Research the companies you are interested in working for and reach out to see if any openings are on the horizon. Interact with the company on LinkedIn, join the same local trade organizations the company attends and find out where their staff members might be speaking publicly. Consider volunteering at events the company may be involved with to start to get to know the staff and familiarize yourself with the company culture.

3. Tailor Your Information

Applying for jobs can often be a numbers game, so once you have narrowed down the best fits for you, make sure you customize your resume and cover letter for each position you apply for. Though you will want to be one of the first to apply, don’t be in such a rush that you automatically eliminate yourself by not indicating how your skills are a match for a specific position and how you meet that particular’s company's requirements. Not showing you are a fit for that specific job will surely end your chances of being considered.

4. Follow Up

Though it may feel like you are sending your information into a large black abyss at times, there are people on the other end. It’s perfectly acceptable — even preferred — to send a follow-up email if you don't get a response within a couple of days. This is when you confirm that the interviewer received your information, giving you a chance to reiterate your interest in the job. But, if a listing specifically states "no phone calls or emails," abide by that request or you may end your chances. Once you have landed the interview, absolutely follow up with your interviewers through a thank-you note, again expressing your interest in the company and the job.

If you feel like your job search is at a standstill, be sure to reevaluate how you are going about it. After all, we all could use a little performance enhancement from time to time.
























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