Why Companies Don't Respond to Job Seekers

Wait a second here...

Lest we forget about all the crazy people who apply to jobs they're completely unqualified for. If you don't meet the qualifications, that I've spent the time to outline and paid money to post, I refuse to further waste my time to tell an applicant that they didn't read the job post, or that the job does not allow for telecommuting, or that their request for a six figure salary as an admin is insane. If I have personal contact with a candidate (phone screen, interview, etc) I'll always follow up. Why? Well, those are generally the candidates who met the minimum requirements.

But on the occasional instances that I have contacted applicants to tell them that they are not a match for our current needs, they tend to write back asking for specifics (How can I not be!!). Do you really want to hear that you mispelled my company's name in your cover letter, or perhaps, forgot to follow the application instructions? I simply don't have time for that kind of ignorance. Perhaps that makes me a "meanie," but if you weren't contacted at all, it's generally because you didn't meet the minimums. Perhaps you forgot a cover letter, maybe it's because you made no mention of the position you were applying for...who knows, the list is endless. But to expect a company to respond to thousands of applicants (90% of whom are not qualified) is ridiculous.

Frustrated recruiter. of NY @ Nov 11, 2008 16:35:41 PM

If the applicant follows up on his or her resume submission ...

... with an e-mail or phone call, for instance, that may be the trigger that would obligate me - as a matter of courtesy - to follow up if I were to decide to not consider the person for the job. But if I see a potential fit for another position, it would be my responsibility to keep the applicant in mind.

On the other hand, simply sending a resume and not following up is like saying you're not *that* interested in the job. Having said that, I've sent resumes to a few organizations, never followed up, and received kind rejection letters in return months later - and it left me wondering what job I applied for because I lost interest. Yet I appreciated the professionalism in sending a letter.

Rick of MA @ Nov 11, 2008 12:51:27 PM

I would love to say that any company who can't even be bothered to send a form rejection is a company you don't want to work for...

... but of all the companies I've applied to in my entire life, only ONE even does that.

Even worse, however, is getting a rejection letter months after you applied for the job, which has happened to me on a few occasions.

Rebecca of PA @ Nov 11, 2008 11:40:00 AM

All interactions help or hurt a company's brand

Companies need to remember that ALL interactions either help or hurt their brand and reputation. Every time a company ignores an applicant, that's a negative brand impression. And it may be actually 20 negative brand impressions, or more, when that applicant tells all their friends or blog readers about their shoddy treatment.

If companies treat applicants professionally and provide a positive brand interaction EVERY TIME, then it's a win-win: professional, decent treatment for the applicant and positive stealth marketing for the company.

MFK (Placeholder Career Blog http://mfkblog.wordpress.com) of MN @ Nov 11, 2008 11:02:44 AM

It never fails to amaze me...

...when I take the time to prepare for an interview, attend the interview, and take the appropriate post-interview actions (thank you note, etc), and I hear nothing. Zero. Zip. Nada.I still think it's incredibly rude, but I've become desensitized to it as of late. It's happened so often that I hardly take it personally, but shrug it off.

As a (currently unemployed) HR professional, I understand that every contact you have with a potential employee reflects on how that person views your organization. It's not that hard to make a good impression. Be polite. Follow through. Be honest.

If I'm not gonna make the final cut, it's OK. I'm a big girl and I can take it. I just want a little closure so I can mark the job off my Job Search spreadsheet, OK?

Lisa of MI @ Nov 11, 2008 09:06:43 AM

Employers shouldn't burn bridges, either

Employees are told over and over "NEVER BURN BRIDGES" -- even if you never want to see a certain company, or employer, again. It only makes sense that this works in reverse as well. The world is all about relationships, and the world is smaller than you think.

My favorite part of this post, though: "If you're committed to being rude, at least state [that]clearly on your website" !!

of @ Nov 11, 2008 08:39:05 AM