Recruitment & Selection

Managing Unsuccessful Applicants

It is best practice to provide feedback for those interviewed who were unsuccessful or when requested. A Selection Panel member should be delegated to provide feedback. Feedback should be encouraging and further develop applicants by providing an opportunity to discuss how the applicant was assessed against the selection criteria and:

• the written application and curriculum vitae;
• the interview (preparation, presentation, ability to articulate);
• career plans (the types of positions for which the person should be applying);
• personal development needs.

Internal applicants (current staff) who applied for a position and are unsuccessful must be counselled. The selection panel must establish clear reasons why the person is not suitable for the position. Feedback provides a unique career development opportunity as it identifies those skills or experiences the candidate needs to acquire to increase their chances of success in the future.