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Courtesy and professionalism matter, especially when someone comes in person to hand over a CV and motivation letter. It takes time, effort and courage to walk into an office and approach the counter. For many job seekers, that document carries hope, preparation and vulnerability, sometimes out of necessity. How they’re treated in that moment leaves a lasting impression of the company and its values. Too often, applicants are brushed off, barely heard, and told with a rehearsed “just email it” or “send it online.” Then those emails may never be opened, acknowledged or answered. No confirmation, no rejection, no closure. Silence is all they get. If a company only accepts digital applications, it should say so clearly and respectfully, on signs and on its website, without making the person at the counter feel like a nuisance. And if applicants are asked to email a CV, acknowledging it is the minimum standard. Even an automatic reply shows some respect. No response says that the person and their effort don’t matter. People at the front desk or counter are often the first contact with an organisation, and their manner reflects on the whole company, whatever its size or reputation. A greeting, eye contact, a calm explanation or simply a “thank you for coming in” can change the experience completely. Respect costs nothing, courtesy takes seconds, and professionalism still matters in a brief interaction, even when the answer may be no. If organisations expect motivation, effort, punctuality and respect from applicants, they should show those same values in return. Treating people who are looking for work with dignity is basic human decency.