Rude awakening: treating job applicants courteously will have to become standard operating procedure for employers as the labor market tightens

HR Magazine, Sept, 2004 by Gene J. Koprowski

* Keep your promises. If you say you will get back to the candidate for any reason, say exactly when you will make the call--and do it. If you have to postpone, let the candidate know and reschedule the call.

By Howard Adamsky

HOWARD ADAMSKY, A SPECIALIST IN RECRUITING AND RETENTION ISSUES, IS FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF HR INNOVATORS IN STOW, MASS., AND IS THE AUTHOR OF HIRING AND RETAINING TOP IT PROFESSIONALS (OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILL, 2001).

GENE J. KOPROWSKI IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN CHICAGO. HE HAS COVERED BUSINESS ISSUES FOR 20 YEARS FOR FORBES, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE WASHINGTON POST, ENTREPRENEUR AND UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL.