Ethical hiring begins with ethical companies and recruiters. Ethical behaviors are also important for the job seeker and for the resume writer than the job seeker hires.
Ethical Companies
A company that is ethical in its hiring practices is transparent about the salary range, the position they are offering, and the responsibilities involved; they do not bait and switch. An ethical company also refrains from asking a potential hire to take on a sample project simply so that the company can steal ideas and work. Ethical companies are fair, inclusive, and regulatory compliant in their practices.
You should ask for a written offer. Even if you believe the company is ethical, a written offer reveals and prevents any misunderstandings.
Ethical Recruiters
Ethical recruiters do not post jobs unless they exist, do not alter job descriptions to make them more attractive, and do not alter resumes to make candidates more attractive. They do not pressure candidates to make a decision that is not in the candidate’s best interest.
Ethical recruiters honestly describe the position, its salary range, and its responsibilities, just as ethical companies do. They give the job seeker accurate information about real prospects, not imaginary ones, that the recruiter hopes will emerge. If the job seeker declines the recruiter’s services, the recruiter does not frighten the job seeker by claiming that their current company is failing.
Ethical Job Seekers
Job seekers also have ethical responsibilities: showing up on time, being honest about their job history and achievements, having a genuine interest in the job and company, thanking interviewers for their time, and negotiating in good faith. Ethical job seekers are presumed to be on their best behavior but not on false behavior—for example, claiming they are okay with an office that allows pets and then revealing, after they are hired, that they are allergic.
Ethical job seekers conduct their job search around, not during, business hours, if only because many businesses these days monitor the recipients and frequency of employee emails and track each employee’s calendar. Employers even monitor personal devices taken into the workplace.
If you receive a job offer, you should accept or decline it in writing. Again, this reveals and prevents any misunderstandings.
Ethical Resume Writers
Ethical resume writers understand the importance of honesty in presenting their credentials, working transparently with clients, and writing accurate and individualized resumes. They are upfront about their fees and timing to complete a resume.
Ethical resume writers do not claim relationships with companies and recruiters that they do not have. They explain that a well-written resume is not a guarantee of employment, but should increase the job seeker’s chances of getting to the interview stage.
If you are seeking an ethical resume writer for an ethical job search, reach out to Robin’s Resumes®.