If a candidate's consent form is not signed, what should you do while reviewing their job application?

The correct course of action in this scenario is to contact the candidate for clarification regarding the unsigned consent form. This is important because any actions taken without the candidate's explicit permissions, particularly related to checking references or background information, may violate privacy regulations and company policies.

The candidate deserves an opportunity to explain why the form was not signed, and it provides a chance for open communication. They may have simply forgotten to sign it or may have questions about what consenting to release means.

Taking this proactive step not only adheres to ethical practices but also ensures that the hiring process respects the candidate’s rights and maintains integrity in the evaluation of applications. Recognizing and addressing potential discrepancies helps to foster a fair hiring environment.