When you’re looking at a stack of resumes, it’s easy to forget that there are people attached to each of those pieces of paper, people who expect a level of professional courtesy that many companies are failing to provide. That may not seem like an issue, but you want to leave candidates – even the ones you never interview – with a positive impression of your company.

We’ve all been there, buddy.

The person you snub today may be the perfect candidate tomorrow and you’d be surprised how easy it is to turn off those A-players you’re looking for. Here are three easy ways to improve candidate relations.

Keep Postings Up To Date

This is the easiest step you can take to save candidates time and aggravation. Don’t leave expired postings on your website and take your LinkedIn or Indeed postings down if you fill the role before your 30 days expire. Submitting an application takes time so don’t waste it for your candidates.

Also, candidates take close dates and start dates seriously. They’ll appreciate it if you set realistic timelines and expectations.

Send Confirmation Emails

The are a lot of reasons candidates get passed over for jobs. Software errors or mistyped email addresses shouldn’t be one of them. Sending a confirmation email to each candidate who applies makes the whole process seem less like a black box and ensures candidates know that you received their application.

This can be difficult if you’ve got a lot of applications and don’t use HR software to manage them, but it’s worth making the effort. Inject some personality into your confirmation and build some goodwill.

Notify All Candidates You Interview

An interview takes at least a half hour. A phone call to tell someone you’ve gone in another direction should take two minutes. You’ve asked the candidate to give you the former. Isn’t it fair that you give them the latter? Calling candidates to let them know you’ve gone in another direction is something many companies are already doing. If you’re not, you’re potentially creating bitterness with candidates you considered hiring.

You may think HR is going to do this job and they may think you’re going to do it. Clarify the process and make sure the calls are getting made.

Are you doing everything listed above? Do you need some help with your hiring process? Share your comments below!