Overview
As of May 2023, Google Calendar updated its policies to help combat spam. This policy impacts all scheduling services, including Dover. As a result of this change, calendar invitations sent by "unknown users" will not be automatically added to invitees calendars.
Previously, when a candidate booked a time using a Dover scheduling link, a Google Calendar invitation was sent to the candidate, and the event was automatically added to the candidate's calendar. With this change in Google's policy, when Dover sends a candidate's first interview invitation, the event will not be added to their calendar automatically. Instead, the candidate will receive an email with a confirmation link, and they must click to add the event. This is for all Google calendar users, unless they have explicitly changed their default Google settings.
What is Dover doing to address this?
If you’re using a Dover scheduling link, candidates will receive interview reminders sent from [email protected] prior to their scheduled interviews. If a candidate did not accept the initial calendar invite, they will be reminded of the date and time of their interview. If they are unavailable, candidates can reschedule directly from a link in that email.
What can I do to address this?
Ask candidates to expect and accept a Google calendar invite
When communicating with candidates, please tell them to accept the Google invitation for an interview even though it’s coming from an unknown sender.
Show candidates how to update their Google settings
You can share the following step-by-step instructions with candidates on how to update their settings.
Update your Settings for Gmail calendar invitations.
On your computer, open Google Calendar.
At the top right, click Settings.
On the left, under “General,” click Event settings > Add invitations to my calendar
Select From everyone so all invitations are automatically added to your calendar.
Add Email sender as a contact
On your computer, go to Google Contacts.
At the top left, click Create contact.
Click Create contact or Create multiple contacts.
Enter the contact's information.
Click Save.
For Google’s comprehensive instructions, visit this article in their help center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren't my candidates receiving calendar invitations automatically?
Google Calendar changed its policies in May 2023 to combat spam, requiring users to explicitly accept invitations from unknown senders.
How will candidates know about their interviews if they don't accept the calendar invite?
Dover sends reminder emails from [email protected] before scheduled interviews, which include the interview details and rescheduling options.
What's the best way to ensure candidates add interviews to their calendars?
Advise candidates to either accept the calendar invitation despite it coming from an unknown sender or update their Google Calendar settings to automatically accept all invitations.