You Get Empathy, You Get Empathy, Everybody Gets Empathy!

A few years ago, I highlighted the significance of empathy as the greatest superpower a Product Manager can possess, however, I want to change "Product Manager" to "human." 

Empathy, as defined by Oxford, is "the ability to understand and share the feelings of another."

In various situations, such as the hiring process, it is essential for all parties involved to exhibit empathy, whether you are the candidate, recruiter, or hiring manager.

Recently, I faced multiple instances where recruiters failed to show up for initial interviews despite my strong qualifications for the position. Taking into account empathy, I considered potential conflicts or emergencies, however the lack of responses to my follow-ups left me with a negative perception of the organization.

Recruiters, it is crucial to acknowledge that candidates approach potential roles with a mixture of nervousness and excitement, hoping for a breakthrough opportunity. This opportunity could be pivotal in covering essential expenses like mortgages, bills, groceries, and accessing health insurance for long-postponed medical check-ups.

In the current climate, we can all benefit from increased empathy, respect, and kindness towards one another. It is vital not to leave candidates in uncertainty, regardless of their stage in the interview process.