This month I'm directing this message to screeners and hiring managers at employers, on behalf of the job searching public!  After all, the best job searchers are being tenacious and creative in their quest for the right position!  You're being approached from all sides, but you can help a lot of people to make their way through a difficult time, even if you're not in the circumstances to hire them right now!

How?  If you've interviewed a hopeful candidate, be respectful.  Respond to them, even if simply with a brief, "We've gone in a direction that doesn't include you at this time.  Thank you for your interest."  There.  Quick.  Courteous.  Respectful.  Frank.  It's understandable that you can't invest an extravagant amount of time.  You aren't obligated to explain your decision.  But good manners are a smart move for your business.

Why bother?  Even if you're not hiring right now, you're building your company's reputation (or damaging it.)  Even if you're not hiring right now, you're developing a network of talent.  That may prove very important to you in the future (or you may be leading them to believe you're not a good company for whom to work)!  Make sure your phone personnel and screeners are ready to put your company in a professional light.

Make sure that your company is viewed as a top notch organization with respect for its people and the community.  Then when you ARE ready to expand, you'll attract top talent who will stay with you for the long haul.  You'll build a brand name that is recognized for good ethics.  You'll do a good job providing good jobs.

It doesn't have to take a big effort, just a little bit of courtesy and manners.  The people approaching you are looking for the right career answer.  You'll reap the rewards of courtesy!