The Wall Street Journal’s career columnist admonishes readers – many of whom are hiring managers – to remember that applicants believe a rude selection process mirrors working conditions. Employers should treat job prospects as customers and invited guests.

According to the Computerworld article, Google Catches Flak for Its Hiring Procedures: Lengthy process turns off some IT pros, developers, it seems Google is learning this lesson. Hiring is hot at Google…but top talent is pushing back and Google is having to streamline the hiring process to meet demands for talent.

An efficient hiring process with automated workflow goes a long way towards capturing the enthusiasm of applicants and hiring the top candidates you want. If your process is any combination of slow, cumbersome, or disrespectful, top talent will take their skills elsewhere - even if you have the market cap and brand perception of Google.

Employer of choice initiatives succeed when your hiring process experience reflects the same high performance culture you work so hard to establish.