I AGREE with the sentiments expressed in the commentary, "Treat job candidates like customers" (my paper, June 5).

The piece was especially timely, coming at a point when supply is greater than demand in the job market.

It is now an employers' market and human-resource (HR) managers have to cope with unusually large numbers of job seekers.

There are HR staff who show a lack of empathy during recruitment exercises.

I know of a few friends who were asked irrelevant questions during their interviews.

Instead of finding out more about their employment background, the interviewers were more interested in knowing about their personal lives.

Some HR professionals make unnecessary remarks to interviewees, which make them feel dejected.

Such behaviour reflects poorly not only on these HR staff, but also on the companies they work for.

A company that treats job candidates shabbily is one which is unlikely to provide good service to customers.

It is sad that some employers are taking advantage of the economic downturn to belittle those looking for employment.

People do not attend interviews for fun. They want to be employed and to contribute to the company which hires them.

Hence, whether they are suitable for certain posts or not, the hiring party would do well to explain things discreetly to those being interviewed.

If HR managers have any interest and pride in their profession, then they should be fair, humble and be able to empathise with job seekers.

If they find it difficult to acquire these attributes, then they have no business being in their position.

Mr Jeffrey Law Lee Beng

For more my paper stories click here.