Communicating with unsuccessful applicants

In respect of all application processes, applicants must be kept up to date in a prompt and appropriate way as to the progress of their application.

What is required by way of communication to unsuccessful applicants will depend on the stage of the process: the further into the process, the more information is likely to be required.[1]

Any feedback given should be personal to the applicant in question (rather than general). This requires good record keeping (see below). Feedback should enable the applicant to understand both what they did well in the process and how to improve in future applications.[2]

At the final stage, it will likely be appropriate to inform any second choice or reserve candidates of their status, explaining the next steps and keeping them up to date as to developments.[3]