How Companies Can Better Serve Job Candidates: A Call for Change in Recruitment Practices

In today's competitive job market, the way companies treat candidates during the hiring process speaks volumes about their organizational culture and values. While businesses expect professionalism from job seekers, many fail to reciprocate this courtesy, creating a disconnect that affects both their reputation and candidate experience.

The Current State of Recruitment

Organizations often invest significant resources in attracting talent but fall short in maintaining communication throughout the hiring process. This phenomenon, known as "ghosting," has become increasingly common, leaving candidates frustrated and discouraged. What companies fail to realize is that every candidate interaction is an opportunity to build or damage their employer brand.

The Impact of Poor Communication

When companies ghost candidates, they create more than just individual disappointment. This practice:

• Damages the company's reputation in the job market

• Discourages qualified candidates from applying to future positions

• Creates negative word-of-mouth that can affect customer relationships

• Demonstrates a lack of respect for candidates' time and effort

Best Practices for Candidate Communication

Companies can significantly improve their recruitment process by implementing these simple yet effective practices:

1. Establish Clear Timelines

Set realistic expectations about the hiring process timeline during the initial interview and stick to them. If delays occur, communicate them promptly.

2. Provide Regular Updates

Even if there's no significant progress, regular status updates show respect for candidates' time and maintain engagement. A brief email every week or two can make a significant difference.

3. Offer Constructive Feedback

When rejecting candidates, provide brief, constructive feedback about their application or interview. This helps candidates improve and maintains a positive relationship with your organization.

4. Implement an Automated Response System

While personal communication is preferred, an automated system ensuring basic updates is better than silence. This can be especially useful for handling large volumes of applications.

The Business Case for Better Communication

Improving candidate communication isn't just about being nice—it's good business practice. Companies that maintain professional communication throughout their hiring process benefit from:

• Stronger employer branding

• Higher quality candidate pools for future positions

• Increased likelihood of candidates returning for future opportunities

• Better overall company reputation in the marketplace

Moving Forward

The solution to candidate ghosting isn't complex or expensive—it simply requires commitment to treating candidates with respect and dignity. By implementing clear communication protocols and maintaining professional courtesy throughout the hiring process, companies can significantly improve their recruitment outcomes while building a stronger, more positive presence in the job market.

Remember, every candidate interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate your company's values and build lasting professional relationships. In an era where talent is increasingly scarce and valuable, can any organization afford to squander these opportunities?

Employment Listings

Firearms

Sr. FP&A Analyst – The Kinetic Group – Anoka, MN – Full Time

Searching for a Senior FP&A Analyst to support The Kinetic Group’s ammunition business by providing reporting and analysis to help drive informed decision-making. This role involves working across four sites to understand the operations, providing cost analysis, planning and forecast support, and will be an essential contributor to understanding and communicating the company’s financial performance.

Channel Marketing Specialist – Leupold & Stevens – Beaverton, OR – Full Time

Shooting to drive brand awareness, market share, and consumer engagement within the recreational, personal defense, and competitive shooting community. This role will develop and execute strategic marketing initiatives, manage partnerships, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen Leupold’s position as the go-to optics brand for shooters.

A deep understanding of shooting, firearms, and optics applications is essential for this role. The ideal candidate is not only passionate about the shooting industry but is also a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, self-managed role. This person must be able to identify key goals, develop actionable plans, and drive execution with minimal oversight while maintaining alignment with business objectives.

Product Engineer – Traditions Performance Firearms – Old Saybrook, CT – Full Time

Develop and create design concepts, drawings in Solidworks. Design, create, implement, and maintain manufacturing processes. Generate and build line layouts within planned timeframes for New Product Introductions. Identify gaps and/or unnecessary redundancies. Make improvements of existing products. Investigate and solve problems in cooperation with Quality and Operations departments.

Manage and maintain Technical Product Roadmap and scheduling. Define, develop, and maintain product testing protocols for each product and lead testing exercises to validate new product designs and product improvements. Maintain standards for technical drawings, internal specifications, and engineering documentation.

E-Commerce Manager – Sentry Firearms – Jacksonville, FL – Full Time

Sentry Firearms is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to manage all aspects of our online presence and digital sales. This role is crucial for maintaining and expanding our e-commerce operations, ensuring seamless online customer interactions, and driving revenue through various online channels.

Social Media Specialist – SIG Sauer – Newington, NH – Full Time

As a Social Media Specialist at SIG Sauer, you will play a key role in shaping the online presence and digital voice of both the main brand and its sub-brands. Your mission will be to build and sustain a strong, engaging online community through innovative social media strategies and compelling content. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with various teams to ensure consistent brand messaging and to leverage social media for strategic engagement and growth.

Sr. Administrative Asst, – SIG Sauer – Newington, NH – Full Time

The Sr. Administrative Assistant will provide essential administrative and coordination support to senior management, ensuring efficient company operations. The ideal candidate excels in multitasking, handling confidential tasks professionally, and thriving in a fast-paced environment. Self-motivation, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are key. This role will be primarily assisting a specific Senior Executive or team and occasional support for other senior staff as assigned.

White Flyer Production – Winchester Ammunition – Knox, IN – Full Time

Production Operator Essential Functions includes Operation, troubleshooting, and machine adjustments. Loads cardboard boxes into production equipment. Transports palletized materials using a forklift. Performs quality checks. Adheres to all safety requirements, including lockout/tagout and wearing required PPE.

Plant Supervisor – Winchester Ammunition – San Bernardino, CA – Full Time

Supervise all aspects of manufacturing clay targets at the production facility and directly supervise 2nd and 3rd shift personnel. Serve as interim Plant Manager on the day shift when the Plant Manager is out of the office.

Ensure adequate supplies of raw materials are available to guarantee continuous production flow. Support ongoing compliance and continuous improvement to all safety performance standards, including compliance with all OSHA guarding, process safety management, and general Environmental, Health, and Safety requirements.

Ensure continuous improvement in all quality performance metrics while driving for continuous reduction in scrap rates. Support achieving monthly delivery order requirements while continuously improving manufacturing performance and equipment uptime metrics.

Sr. Supervisor – Tool Room – SIG Sauer – Jacksonville, AR – Full Time

The Sr. Supervisor, Tool Room position is responsible for managing the tools, equipment, and employees that staff the tool room. They will ensure that tools and equipment are properly maintained and available for use as needed and coordinate, delegate, and quote work as required. They will be the champion and communications leader for the tool room employees. This leadership position is intended for an individual that possesses 15+ years of toolmaking and leadership experience, and will have knowledge of all machine shop machines and procedures. The Sr. Supervisor, Tool Room will work independently, in a team environment, and will collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, R&D, Production, and management.

General Machinist – Winchester Ammunition – Oxford, MS – Full Time

Operates industrial machining equipment to machine parts as needed. Troubleshoot and repair industrial machinery as needed. Performs machine tear down and repair as needed. Utilizes various hand tools to perform tasks. Uses gauges and measuring instruments as necessary. Perform all mechanical, machinist, and other maintenance tasks as assigned.

Position may include climbing ladders and entering confined spaces. May include exposure to wet, humid, and extreme temperatures. Installs and fits machined components. Bore, ream, polish, and size large and small inside diameter holes to very close tolerances.

Senior Manager, Product Finance – Revelyst – Bozeman, MT/Hyde Park, UT – Full Time

Seeking an experienced Sr Manager, Product Finance to join the Outdoor Performance platform team which consists of Bushnell, Blackhawk, Camp Chef, Primos, Simms Fishing, Stone Glacier, and other outdoor accessory brands. The Outdoor Performance strategic priorities are to be consumer-first focused, lead with power brands, and invest inwards. We will build the Outdoor Performance business by creating focus and power with the consumer. The Finance team will work cross-functionally to provide accurate financial forecasts, understand risks, and facilitate improvements to profitability.

Purchasing Agent – GForce Arms – Addison, TX – Full Time

Seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Buyer to join the procurement team. The Buyer will play a critical role in ensuring the timely acquisition of high-quality materials and components essential to the production of firearms. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong negotiation skills, deep understanding of firearms, understanding of supply chain dynamics, and a commitment to compliance with all applicable regulations. The ideal candidate will contribute to cost optimization, supplier reliability, and operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. For the right candidate a relocation package will be offered.

Hunting

Director of Government Affairs – Pheasants Forever – Remote – Full Time

The Director of Government Affairs helps lead PF & QF’s legislative, regulatory, and political activities to advance mission-oriented state-level conservation policies that benefit upland wildlife, their habitats, and the people who enjoy them. Under general direction from the Vice President of Government Affairs, the Director will be responsible for developing and executing state affairs and grassroots activities, including direct lobbying, coalition building, advocacy communications, and supporting our Legislative Action Fund fundraising efforts, as well as building a new team of regional advocacy leads. The Director works closely with the Conservation Operations, Chapter & Volunteer Services, Development, and Marketing & Communications teams.

Director, Social Media – Brunt – North Reading, MA – Full Time

As the Director of social media at Brunt, you’ll lead the strategy and programming across our owned social media channels, with the goal of creating compelling stories to efficiently drive brand awareness and build a healthy funnel of follower acquisition.

Reporting to the Chief Brand Officer, you’ll play a crucial role in growing BRUNT Workwear brand affinity and ensuring the company’s brand identity remains consistent through all social media endeavors.

In addition, this role will also lead special projects for our CEO, Eric Girouard, where his personal social media channels are involved.

Visitor Center Coordinator – RMEF – Missoula, MT– Full Time

The Visitor Center Coordinator supports the daily operations of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Elk Country Visitor Center (VC) by providing exceptional customer service, engaging visitors in RMEF’s mission, and assisting with retail operations. This role focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere, promoting RMEF’s conservation efforts, and ensuring an attractive and organized retail environment. Weekend work is required.

Administrative Specialist – Delta Waterfowl – Bismark, ND – Full Time

This position serves as the office’s primary receptionist for all general calls, emails and in-person visitors, as well as performs a variety of general office support responsibilities. Responsible for the timely coordination, processing, and completion of assigned mailings and other communication projects.

Customer Success Workforce Management Assistant – PRADCO – Remote – Full Time

The Customer Success Workforce Management Assistant will provide valuable support to the Workforce Management Specialist (WMS) in a variety of day-to-day operational tasks. This role is intended to assist the WMS with workforce management responsibilities, allowing the WMS to focus on high-level strategy, performance optimization, and tactical workforce decisions. The Assistant will primarily support scheduling coordination, performance tracking, reporting, and administrative tasks without taking on the core responsibilities of scheduling, forecasting, or performance optimization, which remain under the WMS’s control.

Sporting Goods Sales Representative – SLA Outdoors – Kansas City, MO – Full Time

SLA Outdoors is seeking a result driven representative to manage current portfolio of customers and prospect new customers in Kansas, Missouri and Southern IL.

Systems Analyst – Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – Missoula, MT – Full Time

The Systems Analyst is responsible for analyzing, designing, documenting, and supporting new and existing software solutions and systems. This role focuses on troubleshooting, training, and evaluating RMEF systems while providing clear documentation and recommending process improvements. Additional responsibilities include application and database administration, workflow optimization, and providing customer service and technical support.

Key Account Sales Manager – PRADCO – Birmingham, AL – Full Time

Seeking a Key Account Sales Manager for Moultrie who will focus on the Mid-West and Western Territory and the Independent and Strategic Accounts included within. The Key Account Sales Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and executing effective strategic plans to meet customer and company objectives. This role’s primary purpose will be responsible for setting and achieving sales targets, establishing professional relationships with key customer accounts, and identifying new potential customers and market opportunities. The Key Account Sales Manager will establish the vision, set the course of action, and execute the business plan for each of their accounts. This position reports to the Director of Key Accounts.

Staff Accountant – National Deer Association – Athens, GA – Full Time

The Staff Accountant is responsible for preparing and reviewing financial documents, reports, and statements, including general maintenance, managing accounts payable and receivable, and ensuring compliance with account standards.

Marketing Leader – Sitka Gear – Bozeman, MT – Full Time

Looking for a Marketing Leader to join the Sitka Gear team. In this role, you will build the multi-year marketing campaign strategy in alignment to the marketing roadmap. This person will support the optimization of acquisition and retention efforts for new and existing media types. This position will be located at its facility in Bozeman Montana, with the possibility of a hybrid remote work arrangement, depending upon the responsibilities of the role and business needs. Relocation assistance may be offered for this role.

Independent Sales Representative – Alaska Gear Company – Aurora, CO – Full Time

This position is geared towards the growth of its Bunny Boot line and requires a sales representative who is knowledgeable on the product and the company. As an Independent Sales Rep, you will be responsible for driving sales growth by prospecting, cultivating leads, and closing deals within your territory. This position offers the flexibility to be completely remote and manage your own schedule and is a 100% commissioned role.

Graphic Designer – PRADCO Outdoor Brands – Remote – Full Time

Moultrie’s Graphic Designer is an entry to mid-level position that supports the senior design team by assisting with various creative tasks and projects. The Graphic Designer has a background in both print and digital design, with an eye for detail and a passion for creating visually compelling and cohesive designs. They will collaborate on executing creative output across multiple mediums and channels, including print, digital, packaging, OOH, and sales enablement materials. The Graphic Designer will work closely with senior designers to bring the brand's vision to life and will have the opportunity to contribute to various creative projects, develop design skills, and grow within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Regional Director — Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) – Southern CA – Full Time

Field Operations is the primary fundraising structure of the RMEF. Regional directors oversee local volunteer chapters in organizing fundraising events, primarily banquets and other event activities, to support the continued operation of RMEF and finance elk and wildlife conservation projects.

Field Producer – Mossy Oak – West Point, MS – Full Time

The Mossy Oak Field Producer & Content Creator role is an opportunity for you to express your creativity not only through the lens, but with project management and fresh ideas. You’ll see your work at a national level across multiple media channels in Socials, websites, traditional print, TV and more

Your core responsibility will be completion of various video and photo content production and editing projects that will take place both in the field and in our studio facilities.

Editing skills are preferred but not required – we offer training on editing alongside the latest tools and technology to help not only fulfill your responsibilities but grow your personal and professional skill sets.

Staff Accountant – Mossy Oak – West Point, MS – Full Time

The Staff Accountant will work diligently to ensure the continued financial and operational integrity of our company. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a variety of sectors and fields, such as retail, supply chain, and audit.

This career requires significant organizational skills, the ability to communicate clearly, the ability to balance multiple projects at once, and deliver on timelines.

Archery

HR Generalist – Hoyt USA – Salt Lake City, UT – Full Time

Looking for a dynamic and driven experienced Human Resources Generalist to join the team at Hoyt. This pivotal role will have a hands-on impact on recruiting, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance. As an HR Generalist, you’ll work closely with the HR team and other departments to help ensure a positive work environment and maintain high operational efficiency.

Maintenance Technician – Easton – Monticello, IN – Full Time

Provide maintenance support in our arrow fletching department including setting up and troubleshooting fletching machines as well as preventive maintenance and machine repair. Work as a team player to help us find better and more efficient ways to produce archery products.

Customer Service Representative – Hoyt USA – Salt Lake City, UT – Full Time

The Customer Relations Representative will manage all aspects of customer account management, including receiving and processing customer orders, addressing inquiries and complaints, and offering technical advice on our products and services. This role is essential in building and maintaining positive customer relationships while supporting various internal departments.

Production Painter – Hoyt USA – Salt Lake City, UT – Full Time

This role is responsible for the operation of equipment and processes related to the painting of limbs, handles, and any accessory decorating. This includes HVLP guns, Plural Component Mixing Systems, airbrush and hand tools. All qualified, responsible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Fishing

Manager, Site Merchandising – Pure Fishing – Charleston, SC – Full Time

Are you passionate about e-commerce, digital merchandising, and creating seamless shopping experiences? As an E-commerce Site Merchandising Manager at Pure Fishing, you’ll play a key role in optimizing our direct-to-consumer (DTC) websites for multiple iconic brands. You’ll be responsible for curating product assortments, enhancing site navigation, and driving online sales, all while ensuring that our digital storefronts deliver an exceptional customer experience. If you’re equal parts creative visionary and data-driven strategist, this is the role for you!

National Sales Manager – Sims Fishing USA – Bozeman, MT – Full Time

Seeking an experienced National Sales Manager to join the Outdoor Performance Global Commercial team and lead the Simms Fishing USA wholesale business. The Outdoor Performance strategic priorities are to be consumer-first focused, lead with power brands, and invest inwards. We will build the Outdoor Performance business by creating focus and power with the consumer. The Global Commercial team will drive growth by winning customers and channels while finding efficiency in a consolidated commercial management structure.

Warehouse Associate – North Point Brands – Erie, CO – Full Time

Seeking a full time WA who will assume a crucial role in the company’s shipping, receiving, warranty, and quality control operations. This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial work environment who understand the important role warehouse operations play within the setting of a fast growing business.

An ideal candidate will have experience in a warehouse or in a retail/consumer products setting, ideally having some experience shipping packages. All candidates should be detail oriented, highly dependable, dedicated to their work and have uncompromising ethics.

Digital Marketing Manager – Shimano – Charleston, SC – Full Time

The Digital Marketing Manager is responsible for representing all Shimano brands' digital platforms and strategies. Implement, oversee and manage digital marketing strategies that advance Shimano fishing division revenue by creating and measuring demand of dealers and consumers. Success in this position is to drive demand by working with the sales, supply chain, product, and eBusiness teams. This position will be required to regularly provide reports and presentations on KPIs and ROIs with plans for constantly updating strategy.

Miscellaneous

Brand Partnerships Director – Fiska Media – Remote – Full Time

Looking for an experienced digital seller to join the sales team and represent the Flylords, Split Reed, and Fiska Media brands. The ideal candidate must have strong client relationships across the Fishing and Hunting sector. Expertise in strategic and creative sides of selling is required. We also look for a track record of closing new business and renewing high value accounts.

Key Accounts Manager – TWN Industries – Miami, FL – Full Time

Seeking a Key Account Sales Manager to drive sales of our Water Transfer Printing process, consumable materials, and equipment. This role will focus on expanding markets, managing key house accounts, and engaging with manufacturers across various industries. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in sales and leadership, with the ability to manage key relationships and develop new business opportunities. This is an executive role with a base pay package and a very lucrative commission program.

Email Marketing Associate – Brunt – North Reading, MA – Full Time

Looking for a hands-on Email Marketing Specialist to own the execution of BRUNT Workwear’s email and SMS campaigns. In this role, you’ll manage campaigns end-to-end while working closely with leadership to drive customer engagement. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are passionate about building strong customer relationships, we’d love to hear from you.

Director, Brand Partnerships – Brunt – North Reading, MA (Hybrid) – Full Time

As the Director of Brand Partnerships, you’ll lead the charge in managing strategic partnerships, sourcing new opportunities within Brunt’s established verticals and new categories, and negotiating deals that drive growth and elevate Brunt’s market presence. You’ll own the full lifecycle of new strategic partnerships, and play an active role in leading or supporting existing partnerships that span the worlds of motor sport, bull riding, combat sports and others. Working closely with the Chief Brand Officer, you’ll develop and execute a multi-year partner strategy, and leverage creative business thinking to secure impactful, high-visibility partnerships that drive awareness and demand for our target audience.

Senior Products Manager, Bags – Yeti – Denver, CO – Full Time

The Sr. Product Manager is a core member of the Innovation Team acting as the bridge from product idea to go-to-market initiatives and beyond. This person will be constantly reviewing the product line, its details and its strategy while working with nearly every department in the organization, domestically and internationally, as well as external partners. This person will be managing the product line with the consumer always in focus while pushing the envelope of what is possible for the best product performance and user experience.

Engineering Program Manger II, Bags – Yeti – Denver, CO – Full Time

As an Engineering Program Manager – YETI Bags you will have one of the most critical roles at the company. You will be a member of the Soft Goods team that produces the best-in-class, tough-as-nails bags and luggage products that YETI is known for. This role manages the Product Development Lifecycle through the following stages: Initial Charter, Design, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Product Launch. You will contribute to guiding Yeti’s internal teams and manufacturing partners ensuring the successful development and launch of new Bags and Luggage products on time, on quality and on budget. You will also drive strategic initiatives to support the supply chain of Yeti’s existing project portfolio.

This role will interface with workstream and business owners within Sourcing, Design, Quality, Engineering, IT, Product, Finance, Legal, Marketing and beyond. It takes strong leadership skills, creativity to solve problems and sharp business acumen competences to bring the team together and continue to deliver exceptional products to Yeti’s customers.

Digital Marketing Specialist – Wolverine – Rockford, MI – Full Time

The Digital Marketing Specialist supports the development and execution of digital marketing efforts for the brand including social media channels, programs, and messages; support and enhance consumer events through digital means; and develop and maintain effective digital brand communication tools.

E-Commerce Developer – Davidson’s – Greensboro, NC – Full Time

This is a great opportunity for a driven ecommerce developer to help shape the future of Davidson’s digital experiences.

As an Ecommerce Developer, the successful candidate will be responsible for creating and troubleshooting open-source ecommerce applications. An Ecommerce Developer at Davidson’s should be innovative, demonstrate a passion for technology, and be a deadline-driven self-starter that possess excellent communication and team mentoring skills.

The Ecommerce Developer responsibilities include working closely with Davidson’s Marketing, Purchasing and IT departments to ensure Davidson’s presents the best experience possible for its users (including user feedback, surveys, and testing), owning the user experience of features from conception to delivery and beyond, developing well-structured code in an agile environment, and helping to troubleshooting LA/EMP stack components — when issues arise

Art Director – Work Group – Wolverine – Rockford, MI – Full Time

The Art Director creates and ideates artistic direction of our brand storytelling, ensuring the seamless execution of high-quality visual concepts by Conceptualizing and developing visually engaging ideas, and translating across various media (TV, Digital, Print, Branded Content, Social) ensuring that all deliverables meet the highest standards of quality, creativity, and brand consistency, cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with creative team and cross-functional partners, collaborating effectively to execute integrated marketing campaigns, staying up-to-date of industry trends, emerging technologies, and design best practices, integrating new techniques and approaches into our creative processes to maintain a competitive edge in the advertising landscape.

Videographer/Content Producer – Alaska Gear Company – Palmer, AK – Full Time

Looking for a self-motivated videographer and content producer who is a hands-on marketing professional with an equal passion for brand building and the outdoors. You will be the point person for capturing, editing, and producing video/photo content. You will also be responsible for conceiving, managing, and creating product photography, lifestyle photography, and a variety of in-the-field photo shoots. The content that will be produced will increase brand awareness and drive visual communication to our current and prospective customers. This position will report directly to the Marketing Director.

What did the tree say to Spring?

What a Re-leaf!

Why don’t trees like going to parties?

They’re afraid of being a sap!

What do you call a flower that runs on electricity?

A power plant!