Why Do Prospective Employers Never Reply

[winkyridg]

Hi ive been unemployed now for some time after losing my job in the reccession , i would like to know , if there are any employers out there ,why its far too difficult to even contact an applicant just to say thanks but no thanks , ive applied for so many jobs and not even had a reply from most , not even a quick call, its like i never applied for the position in the first place , i find this very frustrating and at times it makes me feel quite worthless .

[boxtops]

In days gone by they used to, but the general principle now seems to be that they don't acknowledge applications unless they want to take it further with you. My own employer says on its forms that if you haven't heard anything in three weeks, we won't be contacting you. Partly this is due these days to the sheer volume of applications each job seems to attract - a local supermarket here had 3000 applications for jobs recently, makes it a logistical nightmare to acknowledge each one. What DOES bug me though is if you actually get to interview stage and they don't contact you afterwards to tell you how you did - I think that is really inconsiderate as you might want to ask for interview feedback if you didn't get the job.

[winkyridg]

Thanks Boxtops , yeah i understand now about the sheer volume of applicants , and totally agree with the Interview feedback or lack of it should i say , many thanks for your input , appreciated.

[ganesh]

I agree,it wouldn't hurt to write a refusal,as they always did in the old days.They could suggest a stamped addressed envelope upon application.It just sums up the world today I'm afraid.Sorry to sound like a 'grumpy old woman' but no-one cares anymore.

[Pinkypie]

My husband had an interview and got through to second stage interview. He was 1 of 2 people going for the job. Needless to say weeks have passed and no word from the company.... he's accepted that he has not been successful, but even when there are only 2 people involved in the application, the company couldn't be bothered to let him know!

He even phoned for feedback, but was told the HR manager was busy! Rude and very disheartening!

My full sympathy to you!

[winkyridg]

Ganesh , your right no one does care anymore , it starts at the top with The Government , but i'm afraid thats another Question for another day !lol

[bednobs]

hi, we recently advertised a basic job at my place of work (about 15 grand a year and got 137 applicants. We could not possibly call/write to everone who wasn't considered for an interview -it would be far too labour intensive

[buildersmate]

Quite so bednobs. Having the applicant enclose a SAE doesn't help - it isn't the cost of the postage that is the issue- it's the labour of creating the 'no thanks' letter to go inside it.

[concord]

Been there, got teeshirts by the load. I was in the same position 4 years ago having applied for over 40 jobs. Recieved acknowledgments from about 2, "will keep your application on file"........dont believe it, still waiting. Now unenployed again and having the same responce

[saxy_jag]

When this has happened to me in the past, especially if I've had an interview, I write them a very polite letter saying thanks for interviewing me, but that they wouldn't be a suitable company to work for at this time and that I wished them every success in their search for someone to fill the vacancy.

One company did actually write back to say they hadn't filled their vacancy yet and would I like to attend another interview. I told them where to put it (politely, of course). ;-)

[ganesh]

Don't agree,bedknobs and builders mate,you could have a standard 'no thanks' letter which could be printed off,even for 137 applicants,and could easily and quickly be posted in a stamped addressed envelope or even a phone call or e-mail. It would take a fraction of the time that it takes to read the application.
In the vast majority of cases they just can't be bothered,let's face it. This never used to be a problem when I was younger.I know from experience with my daughter that it is horrible not knowing whether or not you've got the job,whether or not to go for another.
It is totally demoralising and unnecessary!

[sara3]

I agree. it would take no time to knock out a bunch of "no thanks" letters to unsuccessful applicants. some of their forms take forever to complete.

just tell yourself that you wouldn't want to work for a company that doesn't believe in basic courtesy, and good luck with your job search.

[joko]

137 x 30odd pence..= about £45
plus price of envelopes and papers and time
so perhaps about £60 just to say no...
depends on the size of the company as to the effect of this

its also awaste of paper an envelopes

that said, yes it is rude and if its email theres no excuse

[DC_FC]

Dont get me started on this, ive been to a fair amount of interviews at palces like colleges, schools, council departments and i never heard anything from them regarding my interview, some places have got back to me with a reply, it is annoying when no one gets back to you. I just accept it these days

[milliezoe]

I spoke to hr the other day re a position advertised one position 300 applicants I asked how they shortlist one reply was if it has a second class stamp its shredded without even being opened In other words some do not even know you have applied