- July 27, 2009
- 41 Comments
Job Seekers Want to Know: “Why Don’t You Call Us Back?”
Care to help us out here?
Last week, my colleague Anthony Balderrama, a writer for our job seeker-focused blog, The Work Buzz, told me:
“We often hear from job seekers who wonder why, when they apply – or even interview – for a position, they never hear back from the employer at all.”
So why is this, exactly? Anyone can understand – especially if you’re getting up to 75 resumes for a single position – that you can’t always get back to every single applicant…but to never so much as e-mail or call someone back after an interview? Now, that just seems cold (not to mention that it’s also potentially damaging to your employment brand).
But like the understanding best friend in a classic romantic comedy, we know there are two sides to every story. That said…would you mind, dear readers, indulging us? What would make you–or what has ever made you–not call a candidate back?
Is it simply that you don’t have the time? Or perhaps it’s the candidate’s responsibility to follow up with you? (Or are there are some things so awkward that even mustering a generic “Thanks, but no thanks” e-mail is impossible?)
Please share your ideas in the comments section below!
- Have a response? Join the discussion.
- Categories: Branding, Employee Attraction, Interviewing
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It is downright unprofessional and rude. families are struggling and it would be nice to know that you didn’t get the job so you can move on to the next. My husband has been out of work for 7 months and has sent out over a hundred resumes. He has not received a “thanks but no thanks letter!
From my experience certain industries/professions use the candidate call back as an actual part of the recruiting process. For example in many sales positions the recruiter will purposely not call the candidate to see what their follow up skills are like. In sales this is useful because believe it or not every prospect does not call you back.
I guess there is your answer thus far. One comment from the whining unemployed. The American Dream is a possibility, not a right folks. Find something positive out of your job search and positive will come back to you. Personally I am liking the time to fix all the things I have been meaning to get to and meet up with new and old friends. Networking I find is the most valuable tool in the job search.
Well Job Seekers- remember- you are doing everything right- you are applying like crazy, submitting cover letters and doing your due diligence. This being an employer’s market- don’t take their lack of response as rude or inconsiderate. For every position they post- they are not getting hundreds of responses, but up to thousands of responses- so their time is stretched very thin. As for following up- there is mixed reviews on that- alot of companies don’t like phone calls- but I take that as no INITIAL phone calls. Use your best judgment on follow up calls… they can either hurt or help- you don’t want to ruin any future chances, but if you aren’t hearing from them- then what could it hurt? If and when doing them- be clear with who you are, what position you applied for, date and time you applied, date and time of your follow up call and mention something positive about the company you heard or read and ensure your true interest in the company and position. It shows you have done your homework and that you took the time to actually read about their company! The message shouldn’t take more then 20 seconds- after that time frame- they will delete your message. Good luck!
We are a small company and I received 500 resumes for one opening. There is no way I can respond to all of theses candidates yet I am sensitive to all of the applicants since my husband is also out of work. It hink more importantly HR professionals should send a letter out quickly once the candidate is interviewed and will not be hired. I think it is appalling that HR interviews an applicants, tells them they will be back to them in two weeks and then never contacts them again. They haven’t sat on the other side of the desk for a long time to realize how that feels! At times I am embarrassed to be an HR professional when I hear about this!
As an employer, I would like to know why Job Seekers do not show up for their appointments and do not call to cancel them.
Most that do this write in their resumes about how professional they are and dependable.
I have to agree with pz Says, we are a small company and can easily get over 500 resumes for an entry level position. Those individuals we bring in for interviews do get a letter, and we always make sure to let everyone know we will contact them if we decide to continue with the interview process. Hope this helps.
For those who were not called back, we are interviewing for sales persons for new technology. Contact us.
For those who were not called back and are still looking, we are interviewing around the country for a sales force for new technology. Contact us.
I hate to break it to everyone, there isn’t enough time. Although I have a job right now, you never know I may be in the applicant shoes tomorrow. Keep in mind that recruiters like me are currently reviwing hundreds of applicant for one position. I will give you an example, I have a custodian job opening right now and I just opened it on monday. I currently have 680 applicants. Some with applicants with degrees. Can you imagine sending 679 emails, letters, or phone calls. The good thing is that our system will let them review how there application status, however I do find that individuals are to lazy to even log on to our site and relog in. Keep in mind with applications, review, phone calls on applicants, interviews etc., it is hard to keep everyone informed.
Nobody in a livable world should be forced to put up with such rudeness.(ie: employers couldn’t care less about prospective employees in general…) The message is loud and clear. You have to prove you need us more than we have to show we need you.
The rudeness demonstrates nothing but this. There’s always enough time for decent manners. There’s never enough time for double standards, and snide unproductive meta messages about who some people think everyone else is!
In the past 3 months, I have had 2nd interviews with two different nonprofit organizations for fairly high-level positions. I spent more than 5 hours interviewing with each organization (1st and 2nd interviews).
I sent everyone “thank you” emails after the 2nd interviews.
I never heard back from one. Now, 2 months later, they just re=posted the job.
For another, the hiring person had an underling email me back saying they were “checking their budget”. Now – 6 weeks later, a friend (who works elsewhere) who initially recommended me for the position called me to say he’d spoken with the hiring person and they’d decided to hire someone else. No word from the organization at all.
I have a pretty thick skin and am trying not to take any of this personally, but it does seem like incredibly bad etiquette on their part. I’ve always followed through with interviewees when I’ve been hiring in the past. It seems like just decent respect for people.
Although I have landed my dream job, there are company’s that did not respond that I will never do business with them whatsoever. In fact I share that information with all network groups I am involved in along the way.
I think all of us who are seeking a job understand that we can’t get replies on resumes sent in for positions. Just as several others have stated, it is when you interview (either via phone or in person) and never get any response, even after follow up, that leaves us scratching our heads. A brief email takes 30 seconds to let the candidate know the status and feel like a human being.
Because recruiters have 50=-100 candidates a day they are trying to reach. If a hiring Manager doesn’t show interest the recruiter moves all. If they called very candidate back that called them they would be fielding candidate call backs all day.
If their inerested, if the job is a real job and there is an urgent need to have it filled AND if your skillsets are a good fit then believe e you will get a call back.
That’s answer 1
Answer two goes like this
Recruiters are lazy
I understand not calling back every resume but it is extremely rude not to at least respond to the the interviewees.
The job seeker does all he can to be professional and polite throughout the entire process.
If the interviewer says they will call back they should…
I have done thank yous and follow-ups through email..I am polite and professional…how long does it take to hit reply and simply send note back on the status of the job?
This is only some foresight to the creation of a perfect world. It can be if we all work together, toward one common goal Life!
I CAN UNDERSTAND NOT GETTING BACK WITH EVERY PERSON WHO APPLYS FOR A JOB,I MEAN IT WOULD BE A FULL TIME POSITION TO RESPOND TO EACH AND EVERY PERSON WHO APPLYS TO A JOB.HOWEVER WHEN YOU HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH A PLACE AND THEY SAY THAT THEY WILL GET BACK TO YOU,I TAKE THAT AS A PROMISE THAT SOMEONE IN THE ORGAINIZATION WILL GET BACK TO YOU ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.SO I THINK IT’S VERY UNPROFESSIONAL WHEN THEY DON’T,I MEAN IF YOU’RE NOT GOING TO FOLLOW UP WITH SOMEONE AFTER AN INTERVIEW THAT’S FINE,BUT DON’T TELL SOMEONE THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BECAUSE HOW DOES THAT MAKE THE COMPANY LOOK WHEN YOU ARE MAKING PROMISES ON THEIR BEHALF?
what i would like to know-is…why don’t “they”,when “they” know, “they” don’t want to hire u,that “they” jus don’t say so right then and there,instead of saying don’t call us we’ll call u…although, i do get called back,but get this,not for the job,usually. sad huh? which sucks. but for them to tell me “I’m sorry” to inform u….well u know the rest. this is my sagga and it continues…
Some of these replies truly show how behind the times some HR professionals and recruiters really are. It’s a very simple process.
1) Post the jobs and have the applicants apply via email (ANYONE can get a free email account and send via coffee shop…no excuses)
2) Recruiter adds all emails to an auto responder service like Aweber.com or Getresponse.com
3) Resumes get reviewed and short listed.
4) People to be interviewed get called in for interview.
5) People that did NOT get selected to interview receive a nice email from the autoresponder saying “thank you for applying etc.”
The HR pro writes ONE email to the unlucky, pushes send and has just provided closure to hundreds of people.
Comments like “my husband is out of work and I’m fielding 500 resumes per job offer….and I just don’t have time” are ridiculous.
You simply haven’t thought outside the box and truly have NOT put yourself in these peoples shoes.
Don’t believe me that this will work? Contact me via email and I will do it for you!
foolsfortune2 @ hotmail .com
Recently I applied for a professional position and met with the company not once, not twice, but THREE times (plus two phone interviews). I spent a collective four hours in interviews and was told from the first interview that (after sorting through hundreds of resumes) there was only one other candidate in the running. I was also told I would hear (”either way”) by a certain date. My follow up call went unanswered and they did not get back to me at all.
I think this kind of response is childish and immature. The time I spent interviewing (when I could have been looking for another job)is at least worth a “no thank you”.
I agree with previous posters. I can understand not getting back to EVERY applicant. However, I have had interviews with business owners in which they specifically said that I was one of three left to interview, was very qualified for the position and was to be scheduled for another interview. Needless to say, several weeks, messages, emails later – no response. How hard is it to have a blanket rejection response that lets you off the hook. How rude and unprofessional?
I was actually told that I was one of 3 people for 3 positions and that I would be called no later than a Tuesday. Well, Tuesday came and went and I had to call several times before HR told me I did not get the job! I can understand if an employer does not specifically tell you that they will call you, but they were very specific and I had gone through 2 interviews and had to give a presentation. At that point, they are obligated to do what they say.
Job searchers, please understand that hiring managers and HR professionals are receiving ten times the amount of resumes than they would have a year or two ago. Their time is spread thin and it is difficult to respond to each resume or application. Don’t expect to hear from every company that you’ve applied. The position may have filled and the manager has moved on. If you interview for a job, though, a good hiring manager will always follow up. Additionally, be mindful of several things. First, don’t apply for a job for which you clearly are not qualified. Second, prepare for your interview. If you know nothing about the company you are interviewing with, it’s an immediate red flag to the hiring manager. Finally, if a hiring manager indicates that she will contact you in two weeks and you have not heard from her, you should follow up with her. It may be that the process is taking longer than she expected. Remember, two years ago, job seekers were particular about the jobs they would accept. Today, managers are trying to find the “perfect” candidate rather than settling on a candidate.
Managers and HR “professionals”. Your candidate pools are much larger and it takes more time to sort through the applications and resumes. Take this as a blessing that you are more likely to find a great candidate rather than one who simply “fits the bill”. You shouldn’t respond to each resume or application that you get, but you should ALWAYS inform candidates whom you’ve interviewed once the position has been filled. It does not take much time to punch out an e-mail to send to the candidate who wasn’t hired. If you’ve interviewed many candidates, you can at least send a generic e-mail thanking the candidates and informing them that you’ve found a candidate that best fits your position. Remember, you may be on the other side of the desk one day.
It is hard when you feel you had what you feel was a good interview. I myself have been on many interviews where the interviewer states “We should know in a couple of weeks”.
We are then taught to send a thank you letter to follow up with the employer.
I understand a business/hr manager cannot reply to all applicants, but if they have interviewed with someone it is more personal.
Especially if the person applying for the job follows up.
I interviewed twice at a company that found my resume on Career Builder. I followed up a week after the second interview and left a message for the accounting manager, no response. Two days later I called her assistant, she said that she would get back to me with the status of the job I interviewed for, no response. Then a few days after that I finally called and asked for the HR Department to see if the job was filled or not, they would not let me even talk to them, the receiptionist put me on hold and checked with HR and came back to tell me the job was filled. Talk about unprofessional!!!!!!!!!! That place was patetic hiding behind the receiptionist like that, I am glad I didn’t get hired to work for such a joke of a company.
[...] The Hiring Site, decided to help us out with this question by asking their audience of employers to give us the low-down on why this might happen. Last week, we got an answer that was worthy of telling you, as it was [...]
[...] The Hiring Site, decided to help us out with this question by asking their audience of employers to give us the low-down on why this might happen. Last week, we got an answer that was worthy of telling you, as it was [...]
[...] The Hiring Site, decided to help us out with this question by asking their audience of employers to give us the low-down on why this might happen. Last week, we got an answer that was worthy of telling you, as it was [...]
It’s a relief to know that others have gone through the unresponsive interviewer. Twice I’ve been interviewed and told that I would be brought in for a second interview, and after months and repeated attempts to contact them I still never heard back.
It seems like most people on this thread can agree, the preliminary resumes can be ignored understandably. But to interview a person or tell them to their face that they will be contacted and not follow through is pretty bad hiring etiquette, especially in times like these.
I don’t think that it is reasonable to send a note to every applicant. But, I do think it is the decent thing to do to send a note if the person does *not* make the cut. This has nothing to do with business practices but is merely a common courtesy.
Here is MY gripe and it is WELL FOUNDED.
After an interview (where only 3 candidates remain) I am told “We will let you know on Monday of next week either way”. AND THEY DON’T.
That tells me that the company either a) doesn’t care or know how to end an interview b)doesn’t know time management techniques c) is simply poorly organized.
It is poor form and simply RUDE. NO excuse.
I understand that not all companies have the time to respond to every applicant, in a perfect world they would, but sometimes there really isn’t the time or people. But if one has an interview (phone or in person) and is told “We’ll call you [eventually or specified time…” they should at the very least contact the person to let them know what’s up. The time spent on the applicant’s (and employer’s) behalf for submitting/reviewing the resumes and interviewing ends up a total waste when the applicant hears nothing in two weeks time. That’s quite a long while to wait! Employers may not understand because they obviously have jobs… But when someone follows up with a call or email and no response is heard, not only is that frustrating the unemployed who needs the position but it reflects badly upon the company (and 99% of the time that news travels fast). I actually just got home from an interview, all seemed to go well and I was told I’ll hear something earliest Friday lastest Wednesday. If I hear nothing, you better believe Thursday morning they’ll be hearing from me! Soo in short, like most posters have stated, it’s rude and highly unprofessional to not respond to people who have had interviews. I’m outraged with you guys. We do our followups and go out of the way and they hide behind receptionists. Wonderful.
I’ve decided to take some action. I keep a file of names of hiring managers and there company and contact information.
There will come a day in my career when our paths will cross again. It might be as vendor/supplier – it might be salesperson from that company trying to land my account. Or it might be the actual hiring manager I interviewed with.
Some of them will be back in some way, especially if you are interviewing in the field you have contacts and networks with….it will happen….I always remember the people that are good and act professionally….and I never forget the sloppy ones that call themselves professional…
…and in this economy they may very well find themselves on the other side of MY desk.
I actually agree with Job Seeker. In fact I think we should name names and hold some of these people accountable.
I recently interviewed with Oce Business Services. I will say it was a horrible unprofessional experience. What the interviewer doesn’t know is that I have contacts with clients that he works with and I certainly wouldn’t hesitate letting them know about my experience when I am able.
Networks and contacts can sometimes reach far and wide.
my problem is that i personalize this. i may have a great resume etc, but then so do others.
Great opinions from this page. Thanks. This gave me things to think about since i have issues too.
I am looking for an accounting job and i got an email the other day from a local accounting firm KRMT, that they will be ranking us and give us a call back when they know who they want to give offers to. i found out from my friend that they had already made a decision because she got an offer, and when i tried to contact them to ask if and when they would contact those who dont get offers, NO RESPONSE. How rude are these people,and how hard is it to send a mass “no thanks” email, so we can move on and forget you!
Job and interview rejection letters and calls can be puzzling. Sometimes the recruiter doesn’t know the real reason why the hiring manager chose a different candidate. Other times, they know the reason, but fearing legal liability, they cannot say it. And probably the most important reason of all, recruiters hate delivering bad news, worried that candidates will get upset, angry — or ask more questions on why they didn’t get the job.
Talk to us. We’ve developed an “Interview Rejection Report.” The report will tell you your interview shortcomings are and provide specific suggestions for improvement.
To learn more: http://blog.seattleinterviewcoach.com/2009/09/find-out-why-employers-dont-call-you.html
What I have found is after you have dedicated time and effort to write your resume, get a good cover letter, show up for your interview and have the said interviewers walk you through their company, giving great feed back about your behalf —
— telling you later that they either decided their budget couldn’t afford to hire me OR they outright tell you after providing security checks on their own budget that someone they thought walked off — came back and so you don’t have the position.
This has happened to me three times in the Memphis area — and I’m about praying for work at the moment.
TIPS FOR RECRUITERS!
1) Set an auto reply saying that due to the high volume you will only contact serious prospects, this way you manage expectations and avoid frustration
2) Be clear and strict in your ads what you look for, i.e. something like:
“Please do you apply if:
- you are not fluent in French
- have not managed budgets in excess of £1M
- etc.”
This would limit the number of applicants, and allows you to be more personal with the genuine applicants.
That should have said “do not apply” :-)